There has been a revolution in the Kenyan avocado export market, characterised by enormous growth over the past three years. After remaining a relatively small exporter of avocado for a prolonged period, Kenya has now overtaken South Africa to be the leading exporter of avocado in the continent and the seventh largest in the world. To be clear though, this is not because South Africa is faltering, but Kenya is finally doing what it should have been doing for a long period.  Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo provides more insight in the linked article.

Often said is the statement that the macroeconomic standing of the agricultural sector has diminished over time - and this argument is supported by the sector's declining share of GDP, which fell from 4.2% in the 1996 to 2.4% in 2018.  What is not captured in this narrative, however, is the fact that the value of the agricultural sector has grown by almost 46%, from R50.5 billion to R74.2 billion over the same period. This means that South Africa's primary agricultural sector is not becoming insignificant - it is only that other sectors, particularly the services sector, have grown at a faster pace. Wandile Sihlobo reflects on the agricultural economic performance in 2018 in the linked blogpost.

T he 18th South African Cheese Festival from 26 to 28 April 2019 was a huge success according to the organisers, exhibitors and visitors. Everyone agrees, this was the best festival ever. It is not every day that the Dairy Product of the Year and the Gin of the Year visit together at one festival.  According to Johan Ehlers, CEO of Agri-Expo, a highlight was the high standard of products - of which the SA Dairy Product of the Year and the Gin of the Year for 2019 testify. Belnori Boutique Cheesery's St Francis of Ashisi (a 50/50 goat's and cow's milk cheese) and Deep South Distillery's Cape Dry Gin could be tasted during two tasting room sessions. "This gin won a gold medal at the London Spirits Competition on Tuesday 30 April 2019, and was also awarded Gin of the Year 2019 out of more than 300 entries."   Press release