The South African cherry industry is actively preparing for market access, with hopes of making its first shipment to China next winter.

The Western Cape province is the most significant production area, accounting for 61% of South Africa's cherry planting area. There are approximately 79 varieties of cherries planted in South Africa, with the planting areas of Royal Hazel, Royal Tioga, and Lapins accounting for about 34% of the total area. Among all the fruit trees, 41% have not yet entered the fruit-bearing period, and it is expected that the yield will increase significantly in the coming years. A survey covering 99% of the planting area across the country in 2025 shows that 58% of South African cherries are used for export, 28% are sold in the local market, the processing rate is less than 1%, and the rest is discarded. In the 2024/25 production season, 60% of South African cherry exports go to the United Kingdom, 18% to the European Union, and 12% to the Middle East. South African cherry exports start from the 41st week, about 2 weeks earlier than Chile, with the peak export period concentrated between the ...