The South African Avocado Growers’ Association (SAAGA) is made up of a number of individuals who are experts on the avocado industry.
Members of the research carry out and coordinate research concerning the production and marketing of avocados, which is later collected and distributed. The organisation is able to make recommendations and for necessary quality requirements to the relevant state authorities and ensure their implementation thereafter. The organisation serves to act as the official spokesperson for the avocado growing industry.
SAAGA, in partnership with the “Avocado Nurserymen’s Association”, serves to improve the quality of nursery trees through regular nursery audits.
The association also serves to provide technical information for avocado growers about avocado products, production, aching and post-harvest handling. It also funds research on fruit flies and phytosanitary pests, which will enable South African avocados to access international markets in the USA and Japan.
Through market research the organisation aims to increase the demand for avocados locally and internationally, and coordinate with the export and distribution of marketing information to role-players in the avocado industry. Since the 1990s, SAAGA has funded campaigns to increase the awareness about the health benefits and culinary versatility of avocados. It ensures an increase in market value because the public knows about them and they are continually reminded. In fact, avocados are very frequently featured in the media because of SAAGA’s consistent campaigns.
South Africa supplies avocados from the southern hemisphere when production in the northern hemisphere is limited as well as to a growing l...