Flora Capital Welcome the First Batch of South African Apples to Thailand after 16 years

Flora Capital Welcomes the First Batch of South African Apples to Thailand After 16 Years

On March 27, 2025, Flora Capital Co., Ltd. celebrated the arrival of the first batch of fresh South African apples to Thailand in over 16 years. The milestone event, held at Flora Capital's headquarters and Talad Thai, marks a significant step in Thailands fruit import sector.

 

The ceremony was honored by the presence of His Excellency Mr. Darkey Ephraim Africa, South African Ambassador to Thailand, alongside representatives from the Thailand Agriculture Department, other industry stakeholders, business and trade partners. Ambassador Africa engaged in networking with invited guests before commencing the event with a tour of Flora Capitals facilities, including the production, chilled storage and packing rooms, where he observed the companys advanced handling and quality control processes and highlighted its commitment to delivering premium-quality fresh produce to the Thai market.

Following the tour, the ambassador proceeded to Talad Thai for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony, symbolizing the reopening of the Thai market to South African apples. In his speech, he highlighted the strong trade relations between the two nations and emphasized the potential for future collaborations. After the ceremony, he engaged with 12 retailers who present Joya, South African Apples to consumers at Talad Thai, further strengthening partnerships and promoting the availability of South African produce in Thailand.

Flora Capital Co., Ltd., established in 2010, is a leading Thai importer and exporter of fresh fruits and vegetables operating under the Namdharis brand. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a 500-metric-ton cold storage capacity, the company adheres to GMP, HACCP, and SMETA certifications while working closely with USD and Global GAP-certified farmers to ensure premium quality and ethical sourcing.

This event also marked a significant milestone for Thailands fresh produce industry, as South African apples made their long-awaited return to the market after a 16-year absence. Flora Capital, as the key importer, worked closely with South African authorities and trade partners to navigate regulatory processes and ensure a smooth reintroduction.

Before the event concluded, participants had the opportunity to sample Joya apples, experiencing their crisp texture and sweet flavor firsthand. The sampling added a delightful touch to the occasion, with attendees expressing enthusiasm and appreciation for the premium quality of South African apples. This engaging moment perfectly complemented the closing remarks, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present.

Looking ahead, this success is expected to pave the way for additional South African fresh produce, with discussions already underway to expand imports to include pears and citrus fruits, further diversifying Thailands fruit market and strengthening agricultural trade between the two nations.

For more information, please contact:
Flora Capital Co., Ltd. (Head Office)
Phone: 02-1028697
Email: gursev@namdharithaifresh.com
Website: https://www.namdharithaifresh.com/