South Africa is positioning itself impressively in the global pecan market, now ranking as the third largest exporter, just behind the United States and Mexico. This country has managed to rapidly develop its pecan sector, attracting more and more farmers attracted by the promising yields of this niche crop.
South Africa’s advantageous climatic conditions, with its warm, sunny climate as well as well-drained soils, have boosted the growth of pecan trees in different parts of the country. However, the majority of plantations are located in the Northern Cape province, where conditions are ideal and there is an abundance of water. Although South African production still remains modest compared to other agricultural crops, such as the macadamia nut, the pecan has managed to find a place in the country’s exports.
One of the major strengths for South Africa is its reverse seasonal calendar compared to many other exporting countries. Thanks to this, the country can supply pecans at different times than the United States and Mexico, which has appealed to Chinese consumers. Indeed, China’s emerging middle class has become fond of the nutritional benefits of pecans, leading to growing demand. China now imports almost all of South Africa’s production, making it a crucial market for the country’s economy.
Pecan production in South Africa hit a record in 2022, surpassing 30,000 tonnes, while just a decade ago production reached just 5,000 tonnes. Growth prospects are promising, as the number of trees planted increased significantly in 2017, with almost 580,000 trees, reflecting growing interest among farmers to diversify their crops. However, it should be noted that pecan trees take several years to reach full maturity, generally between six to eight years.
According to Alfonso Visser, a pecan grower, it is unlikely that South Africa will be able to catch up with the United States and Mexico in terms of production, due to the lack of sufficient land and water resources. However, it is possible that the country could reach a production of 100,000 tonnes within 10 to 20 years. This will depend on market demand and South Africa’s ability to remain competitive and capture new markets.
The growth of South Africa’s pecan industry reflects a growing desire among farmers to diversify their crops and take advantage of economic opportunities offered by international markets. This encouraging achievement proves that South Africa can compete alongside world leaders in pecan exports, while adding a unique flavor to these little shelled wonders.