th African Sharon fruit started in week 13 this season, this is a week earlier than last year according to Eran Nadler from Mor International. The fruit is grown on 250 hectares in the Western Cape.Nadler expects to harvest 7500 tonnes this season, around the same as last year. "The fruit looks very good and the Brix level is 22°. The growing conditions have been good and orchards and fruit have had no adverse effects from the weather conditions."
"Our main market is Europe although we sell in the Far East, Middle East and North America as well. This year we will send fruit to the US for the first time," explains Nadler.
Mor International owns the international marketing rights for Sharon fruit. The South African season compliments the Northern Hemisphere production and allows international marketing to be extended, giving the company year-round availability. Growing Sharon fruit in Israel and South African helps Mor feed the growing consumption of Sharon fruit in Israel, Europe and the rest of the world.
Mor is now the largest grower, packer and exporter of Sharon fruit in Israel and South Africa. Nearly 35% of their Israeli production, which is around 13,000 tons per year, comes from their own orchards and the rest is secured from growers for whom they market fruit outside of the country.
