Onion producers in the Koue Bokkeveld region of the Western Cape are in a favourable position to respond to the shortage of onions in Europe, after adequate rain this past season.

While the new harvest has been completed in China, the last volumes of the previous campaign are still being marketed in the US. Traders are seeing a decline in terms of quality, which is also reflected in the prices.

The recent heat wave in the Western Cape that started around 22 October has given way to more temperate temperatures. The full effect of the high temperatures – some areas edging past 40°C – on fruit crops will become clear over the next few weeks, but overall the prospect for the season looks far more favourable than last year.

The South African cherry export season has got off to a positive start, following some reports of various weather-related challenges around the country.

In the US, the kaki season is almost complete, while in China and Europe the harvest is currently in full swing. Due to severe weather conditions, Spain has 40% less production than normal, although this has not lead to the expected price increases.

I am sure many will agree that this has been an eventful year for the South African sugar industry, particularly from a trade perspective. A few months ago, hardly a week would go by without seeing stories of sugar imports threatening the local industry.