BabyPlum variety aims to extend cherry plum harvest season

The BabyPlum variety is being introduced to extend the commercial season for cherry plums. Currently, the Pixies brand is harvested in South Africa only during late December and January, leaving a significant market gap. The BabyPlum allows growers to extend shipments into February to meet high consumer demand.

Hortifrut Genetics in Chile holds global ownership of the breeding program varieties, though South Africa has already established plantations. Varieties have undergone testing against strict cold treatment protocols required for export to China and the United States with encouraging results.

To remain competitive with Chilean exporters who guarantee specific sugar levels (brix) to Chinese buyers, South African producers must ensure their fruit meets or exceeds these standards. In South Africa, successful cultivation is concentrated in the arid Klein Karoo and Groot Karoo regions, where summer heat helps achieve the necessary high sugar content.