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The most significant increase of new avocado production is now being recorded near George, in addition to the Helderberg Basin and Riebeeck Kasteel.
This is according to several speakers who recently attended the South African Avocado Growers Association (Saaga), the Southern Cape Study Group in George.
Doctor Anelle Blanckenberg, the lead researcher on subtropical fruits from Stellenbosch University, says the trend is shifting while the production of avocados was previously concentrated in the subtropical northern regions.
Blanckenberg says the Western Cape climate provides an attractive opportunity to extend the export season to Europe, which has a strong demand for avocados as a superfood.
According to Dr Guy Witney of Great Brak Avos, the Western Cape is a rapidly growing avocado production area—from about 135ha in 2017 to just over 1,250 ha currently.
He says 3,000 tonnes of fruit were harvested from September until January.
Witney says that although at least 80% of this fruit will be exported, local markets will have a very good supply this Christmas season.
