This is according to Alfons Visser of SA Pecan, which is hosting the third South African Pecan Nut Conference in Hartswater next week. Visser says at present, 90 to 95% of locally produced pecans are exported but that this only constitutes a small share of the global pecan market.

“We don’t have the exact numbers but it is about 5000 hectares per year being planted and those plantings are increasing with a further 20-30% per year.

He says pecan nuts are viewed as a long-term crop. “It is an investment that takes a long time to pay itself back. However, South Africa is only contributing about 0.3% to the global pecan nut basket so we are still only a small market.

He says speakers at this year’s conference on March 14 and 15 include overseas experts such as Dr Richard Heerema from New Mexico University, Dr Jim Walworth of the University of Arizona and Greg Mills, who will paint a picture of consumer trends in Asia, among others.

OFM News