Tru-Cape growers have recorded their highest Pink Lady® packouts to date, following years of investment in orchard systems and collaborative practices.
At Ceres Fruit Growers, Pink Lady packouts reached nearly 75%, the highest on record for the business. Two-a-Day reported an 8 percentage point increase compared with last year. The gains reflect a coordinated approach to improve colour development, fruit quality, and yield consistency.
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Orchard practices and technology
Growers in different regions have used varied methods to enhance packouts. In warmer areas, producers such as Kootjie Viljoen of Oewerzicht farm near Greyton have adopted summer pruning, leaf removal, and reflective mulch to improve light penetration. Viljoen noted that these practices increased Pink Lady yields by around 20%.
In cooler regions such as the Witzenberg Valley, overhead irrigation is used to manipulate temperature differences between day and night, improving colour during ripening. Nets are also widely used to reduce sunburn and support more even colouring.
Producers like Rossouw Cillié at Laastedrif are also re-evaluating planting systems, trellises, and rootstocks to achieve better orchard ventilation and climate adaptation.
New generation of growers
A generational shift among growers has seen greater adoption of precision tools such as GPS-guided fertilizer spreaders, smart irrigation controls, and advanced weather forecasting. Knowledge-sharing among growers has also contributed to improvements across orchards.
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Market demand
Improved quality and consistency have supported growing demand in export markets. Tru-Cape reports a 30% year-on-year increase in demand from European retailers. Shipments have also grown in Russia, the Middle East, and India, with over 100,000 cartons exported to Russia this season, a record for the brand in that market.
Future direction
While demand is rising, growers emphasise maintaining quality standards. Although Pink Lady varieties are free cultivars in South Africa, Tru-Cape highlights that managing growth is necessary to safeguard value. Trials with new colour-enhanced strains and expanded use of precision tools are ongoing to sustain production improvements.
"Consumers know exactly what they're getting," said grower Rossouw Cillié, noting that consistency remains central to maintaining market confidence.
© True-CapeFor more information:
Lucille Botha
Tru-Cape
Tel: +27 (0) 84 855 3496
Email: [email protected]
www.tru-cape.com