Starting in January and continuing through March, South Africa stands as the sole global supplier of apricots in certain markets. This unique position is fuelling interest among farmers, particularly with a growing demand for full red apricots.
Rising Demand for Red Apricots
Michael Oosthuizen, a representative of International Plant Selection (IPS) in South Africa, highlights a significant global shortage of apricots post-Christmas. This shortage, combined with exceptional demand worldwide, makes cultivating apricots a lucrative opportunity for farmers. “Demand from all over the world has been phenomenal,” Oosthuizen explains, emphasizing how the market’s openness presents an exceptional opportunity for South African farmers to establish a stronghold in the industry.
Consumer preferences are shifting toward full red apricots, driving the popularity of the Rubyngo and Carmingo cultivars. “Consumers tend to buy with their eyes,” says Oosthuizen. “The visual appeal of red apricots, combined with their flavor and quality, is what sets them apart in the market.”
Introducing the Rubikoo Variety
Despite fewer winter chilling hours in the Western Cape, the low chill Rubikoo apricot (Rubyngo variety M20.390) has shown excellent results. At a recent field day in Northern Paarl, a low chill area with only 320 Richardson chilling hours this past winter, the Rubikoo variety impressed visitors with its performance.
“Rubikoo is opening opportunities for all South African apricot-growing regions,” says Oosthuizen. He points out that the adaptability of the Rubikoo variety, even in low chill conditions, offers South African farmers a chance to grow a highly marketable crop where traditional apricots might not thrive. This breakthrough could revolutionize apricot farming in the country.
A Rubikoo tree, planted in 2021 in Paarl, is already producing over 15 tonnes per hectare in its fourth year, bearing a minimum of 350 fruits per tree. This yield represents not only a reliable return on investment, but also a consistent supply chain for international markets, something that buyers are increasingly seeking.
Market Potential and Appeal
The appeal of red apricots lies in their striking appearance. European markets, in particular, are familiar with red-blushed fruits, which often sell faster than their yellow counterparts. At the recent Rubikoo field day, Woolworths buyers observed the impressive market response to red apricots during a recent test. “In stores, red apricots outperformed traditional varieties significantly, showing their immense consumer appeal,” one buyer noted.
Experts predict that red apricots could capture up to 70% of the apricot market in the future. With harvesting windows spanning seven to eight weeks, and individual cultivars offering a three to four-week picking period, IPS cultivars promise consistent supply and profitability. Additionally, the longer harvest window means that farmers can better plan labor and logistics, reducing pressure during peak harvest times and ensuring fruit quality is maintained.
A Bright Future for South African Apricots
With strong global demand, ease of cultivation, and high market appeal, the Rubikoo variety presents a transformative opportunity for South African farmers. “This is not just a shift in apricot farming—it’s a new era,” Oosthuizen concludes, highlighting how full red apricots are reshaping both local agriculture and international trade. As consumer preferences continue to evolve, the full red apricot is poised to dominate the apricot market, setting a new standard for stonefruit cultivation. Farmers who embrace this change stand to benefit from the rising tide of red apricot popularity, securing their place in a competitive global market.