Atchar and macadamia nuts are emerging as high-potential exports to China as Beijing doubles down on food security amid geopolitical uncertainty.
“There is quite a palette in terms of spicy food, and I think it’s something that we could probably do quite well in SA,” said Thembi Dlamini, head of Africa China banking at Standard Bank.
“Macadamia is a big, big one. In fact, we’ve executed a lot of those partnerships with big Chinese buyers of our macadamia products.”
Dlamini made the comments at the Standard Bank SME Summit, hosted by Business Day, against the backdrop of global tension. China has embarked on a broader effort to insulate its food supply from global shocks, creating fresh opportunities for small-scale farmers in search of new markets, after the US put up a 30% tariff wall on SA exports.
Once confined to local supermarket shelves, atchar’s spicy, tangy profile could now tap into China’s taste buds, where urban millennials and Gen Z crave the depth of fermentation.
Classed as a processed condiment, meaning it is subjected to lower import duties than fresh produce, exports must still wade through complex food-safety regulations, including China’s strict microbiological standards and labelling rules.
For Macadamia farmers, the snack occupies the upper end of China’s nut market. With tariff concessions granted under several bilateral free-trade agreements, SA growers could benefit from preferential rates. The nut commands premium prices during major gift-giving seasons, from Lunar New Year hampers to mid-autumn festival baskets.
“We often get asked a question. So, how much do they want? And I’m like, I don’t even want to answer the question, because you’re never going to have enough. And that is the reality of China. We’re not making it up,” said Dlamini.
With food security now a national strategy in Beijing, demand for reliable, high-quality imports will only grow. But success depends on exporters mastering China’s regulatory maze, Dlamini said, adding that other SA export potential to China included wine, which competes primarily with the Australian vintages, she said.
Her comments were echoed by agriculture minister John Steenhuisen, who is on a working visit to China along with a delegation of SA agribusiness leaders to deepen market access and forge new offtake agreements.
“The demand for agri goods has never been higher. SA agricultural products are associated with great quality at a great price,” said Steenhuisen in a text message to Business Day.
“It is important that as a government we are agile enough to recognise the opportunities and move as swiftly as possible to exploit them. China moves quickly, and they often express frustration at the length of time it takes to get things done with us. I believe that swift advantage will position us to not only expand on volumes we are currently exporting but also open up new lines and products to the market.”
With Hajra Omarjee
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