All these factors affected sales. Despite this, Culdevco’s licensed deciduous fruit cultivars continued to gain ground for producers in both the local and export markets.
Culdevco is a cultivar-development marketing and commercialising company that manages more than 162 profitable Agricultural Research Council (ARC)-bred cultivars, including apples, pears, plums, peaches, apricots, table grapes and raisins.
The ARC is the owner of all the deciduous fruit cultivars marketed by Culdevco over the past 16 years. These unique and robust cultivars have made a significant impact on the local deciduous fruit industry.
Exporting these cultivars earns significant foreign exchange; Culdevco-licensed cultivars represent no less than 44% of South Africa’s foreign exchange earnings from stone fruit.
Consumers demand delicious, quality fruit with a substantial shelf life, and both local and export markets are highly specific in their choices of cultivar. In high demand are Culdevco’s Cheeky and Rozy-Lwazi blush pears, Nectargold nectarines, and Ruby Sun, Ruby Star, and African Delight plums.
IDEAL FOR LOCAL CONDITIONS
Culdevco-licensed cultivars are proudly developed in South Africa and are well adapted to local climatic conditions. They produce high yields and are relatively tolerant of bacterial and fungal diseases, comparing admirably with varieties from around the world. Plants from Culdevco-licensed cultivars are guaranteed to be quality plant material that is virus-free and true to type.
These varieties also have lower winter chilling conditions than most deciduous fruit produced globally and are suited to conditions unique to South Africa’s export industry. Fruit quality is assessed after cold storage to ensure that standards are maintained.
Culdevco uses experienced independent evaluators, technical advisers, producers, and exporters/marketers to further assist in identifying new cultivars that can keep its clients ahead of their competitors.
New varieties are evaluated for their adaptability, yield, precociousness, fruit quality, and acceptability to both local and export deciduous fruit markets. This rigorous process can take more than 15 years, with costs running into millions of rands a year. Culdevco is currently working on the evaluation of several unique deciduous fruit varieties that will be brought to market within the next three to five years.
Over the past decade, Culdevco has established itself as a major player with a dominant presence in South Africa’s highly competitive fruit export market. It offers a cost-effective choice, thanks to its competitive royalty system for producers.
Whether you are a producer or a technical adviser, you are cordially invited to speak to a Culdevco expert about specific cultivars and how you can utilise these to your advantage.
For more information, visit culdevco.co.za, phone 021 888 8467, or email [email protected].
