Be honest, when was the last time you bought a guava?
If you’re struggling to remember, you’re not alone, and it’s a problem hitting South Africa’s guava growers hard.
The country’s guava industry is in decline, with output having declined in recent years, agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo told CapeTalk’s John Maytham.
“They are managing to harvest less than 30,000 tons of quavas that some of the provinces, like the Western Cape, used to be key on. “
Sihlobo said farmers say consumers are simply buying fewer guavas, despite them being nutritious and locally grown.
“South Africans are just not buying the guavas. I think we all know that we like guavas, but I don’t think the promotion and buying of them is happening at a pace that can sustain the industry for long.”
Sihlobo said current guava production is between30,000 and 40,000 tonnes.
“You take that, you compare with folks like Thailand who produce and export over2 million tonnes, Peru over300,00 tons of quavas.”
Sihlobo said part of the challenge was that guavas have a short shelf life, so retailers are reluctant to buy large quantities.
“They do have that difficulty in terms of the cold chain. But… Peru exporting 300,000 tonnes to various places across the world tells you that they can be handled.”
There is also the perception from some consumers that guavas are more expensive than other fruits, said Sihlobo, but added that greater demand could make the fruit more affordable.
He believes South Africans need to have conversations about locally grown seasonal produce.
“We need a more comprehensive conversation about the food crops we produce, what seasons they’re available in, and the recipes people can try. It’s only when demand grows that production can expand.”
Never miss a major story. Get breaking news and the latest developments from South Africa and beyond as they happen.
Get the whole picture 💡
Take a look at the topic timeline for all related articles.
Trending News
- 19 minutes ago
- 24 minutes ago
- 44 minutes ago
- 3 hours ago
- 3 hours ago
- 4 hours ago
- 5 hours ago
- 5 hours ago
- 5 hours ago
- 6 hours ago
- 6 hours ago
- 6 hours ago
More in Business
SA’s new vehicle market posts strongest June performance in 19 years
- cars
- Naamsa
Treasury should freeze funds for other govt spheres: COGTA Minister
- Velenkosini Hlabisa
- National Treasury
Amazon Leo to launch satellite network in SA
