EPISODE · Mar 16, 2026 · 53 MIN
The Global Apple Trade Explained | Ep. 126
from Lucentlands Podcast | Harvesting Agriculture Knowledge · host Lucentlands
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromoVisit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Calla du Toit, a senior executive at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing and chairman of Hortgro Pome.With more than 25 years of experience in the South African fruit export industry, Calla shares deep insights into how the apple and pear sector has evolved since deregulation, the realities of global fruit marketing, and the opportunities that still lie ahead for South African agriculture.From varietal development and global market expansion to the logistical challenges facing exporters today, this conversation explores what it really takes to move fresh fruit from South African orchards to more than 100 markets around the world.Calla also reflects on the future of the industry, the role of technology and young growers, and why agriculture remains one of the most exciting careers for the next generation.The discussion touches on critical topics including the Cape Town port crisis, Africa as a growing market for fruit exports, and the need for a more agile export inspection system to support trade.This episode offers a rare insider perspective on how South Africa’s fruit industry operates—and why the best may still be ahead for the country’s growers and exporters.Key Takeaways•Why the apple and pear industry has become one of South Africa’s most disciplined export sectors•How new varieties and orchard systems are reshaping production•The growing importance of Africa, India, Vietnam and Asian markets•Why logistics and port performance are now the biggest bottlenecks•How technology and global travel are influencing the next generation of growers•Why Calla believes South Africa remains a “shining star” in the Southern Hemisphere fruit industry•His candid view on PPECB inspections and the future of export regulation•Calla also shares his personal journey—from growing up on a farm in Ceres to traveling the world marketing South African fruit.If you want to understand the real forces shaping the global fresh produce trade, this episode is essential listening.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
What this episode covers
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromoVisit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode of the Lucentlands Podcast, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Calla du Toit, a senior executive at Tru-Cape Fruit Marketing and chairman of Hortgro Pome.With more than 25 years of experience in the South African fruit export industry, Calla shares deep insights into how the apple and pear sector has evolved since deregulation, the realities of global fruit marketing, and the opportunities that still lie ahead for South African agriculture.From varietal development and global market expansion to the logistical challenges facing exporters today, this conversation explores what it really takes to move fresh fruit from South African orchards to more than 100 markets around the world.Calla also reflects on the future of the industry, the role of technology and young growers, and why agriculture remains one of the most exciting careers for the next generation.The discussion touches on critical topics including the Cape Town port crisis, Africa as a growing market for fruit exports, and the need for a more agile export inspection system to support trade.This episode offers a rare insider perspective on how South Africa’s fruit industry operates—and why the best may still be ahead for the country’s growers and exporters.Key Takeaways•Why the apple and pear industry has become one of South Africa’s most disciplined export sectors•How new varieties and orchard systems are reshaping production•The growing importance of Africa, India, Vietnam and Asian markets•Why logistics and port performance are now the biggest bottlenecks•How technology and global travel are influencing the next generation of growers•Why Calla believes South Africa remains a “shining star” in the Southern Hemisphere fruit industry•His candid view on PPECB inspections and the future of export regulation•Calla also shares his personal journey—from growing up on a farm in Ceres to traveling the world marketing South African fruit.If you want to understand the real forces shaping the global fresh produce trade, this episode is essential listening.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1
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The Global Apple Trade Explained | Ep. 126
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