# Thailand Reopens Market for South African Apples

- Link: https://www.thailand-business-news.com/markets/commodities/183782-thailand-reopens-market-for-south-african-apples
- Published: 2024-12-28T08:50:00+07:00
- Author: Arun Upadhyaya

**Thailand has lifted its 2008 ban on South African apples, offering exporters a
chance to revive a $20 million trade and reconnect with Thai markets, boosting growth
opportunities in Asia.**

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## Key Points

 * Thailand has lifted a ban on South African apples imposed in 2008, providing 
   new opportunities for exporters. The ban was due to phytosanitary documentation
   issues, affecting various South African deciduous fruits.
 * South African exporters are eager to renew relationships with Thai importers 
   and have plans for a market development campaign to highlight the unique characteristics
   of South African apples.
 * Apple exports from South Africa have grown significantly, with a 40% increase
   over the past decade. Exporters are confident that their products will meet the
   preferences of Thai consumers.

Thailand has officially lifted a trade ban on South African deciduous fruits, including
apples, which had been in place since 2008 due to issues surrounding phytosanitary
documentation. This development is met with enthusiasm by South African growers 
and exporters, who are excited about the renewed access to a market estimated to
be worth over US$20 million annually. The ban’s removal is a significant win for
South African apple businesses, which have invested considerable effort in negotiations
and improvements over the past fifteen years.

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The reopening of the Thai market comes after a series of inspections in March, where
Thai officials evaluated South Africa’s apple production capabilities by visiting
packhouses, cold storage facilities, and orchards in key production regions. This
comprehensive evaluation was crucial for reinstating the trade, and industry association
Hortgro has played a pivotal role in facilitating negotiations. Hortgro is now eager
to revive the strong relationships previously established with Thai importers prior
to the ban and is poised to launch a marketing campaign to reintroduce South African
apple varieties to Thai consumers.

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In recent years, South African apple exports have grown significantly, increasing
by approximately 40% over the last decade, with a substantial portion of this growth
occurring in Asian markets. This shift from traditional European markets reflects
a broader trend toward increasing export volumes to regions like the Far East and
Southeast Asia, with one-third of all South African apple exports now directed to
these areas. The industry’s robust investment in advanced production technologies
and cultivars has positioned South African apples to meet the tastes and preferences
of Thai consumers effectively. The initiative has garnered support from various 
stakeholders, including the Department of Agriculture and diplomatic staff, underscoring
the collaborative effort required to achieve this milestone.

**Source** : [Thailand restores market access for South African apples | News](https://www.fruitnet.com/asiafruit/thailand-restores-market-access-for-south-african-apples/264328.article?rand=157097)