Tiger Brands’ Langeberg and Ashton fruit canning factory is still for sale, which could threaten the country’s international canned fruit market share.
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About 160 producers have been in negotiations with the South African packaged goods company to procure the factory since about two years ago when it announced its closure. No deal ever closed, since R300 million was required within 60 days to ensure its acquisition, News24 reports.
Jacques Jordaan, CEO of the Canning Fruit Producers’ Association, says fruit farmers currently face many challenges that could affect the country’s supply of canned fruit. ‘The uncertainty at this stage, for sure, is that there are only two canning factories specific for canning their fruit, and if you take half of two, you’ve got one, and there’s total oversupply, then you have problems. You can’t just run away. If you planted the fruit, you would probably sit for 30 years with the orchards. You can’t just pull it out.’
He says hundreds of producers rely on the factory. ‘The canned fruit industry in South Africa has come a long way. It’s been around for about 70 years and we need to fight to keep it going. All parties should try and stand strong, get through this, get a responsible new owner and keep [the] market share internationally.’
Fruits typically canned in South Africa for both the local and international markets include peaches, pears, apricot, guavas and mixed fruit.
‘Internationally, South Africa is well known for its fruit. It’s quality and the colours, the flavours, and the texture,’ says Jordaan. ‘No other county can compete with us. We’re spoilt mainly by good quality fruit, including canned fruit, and I think once you lose your market share internationally then that would become a problem.’
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