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 TalaadThai, marks a significant step in Thailand’s 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 Capital’s facilities, including the production, chilled storage, and packing rooms, where he observed the company’s 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 TalaadThai 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 retailers who presented Joya, South African Apples to consumers at TalaadThai, 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 Namdhari’s brand. With state-of-the-art facilities, including a 500-metric-ton cold storage capacity, the company adheres to GMP, HACCP, and SMETA certifications to ensure premium quality and ethical sourcing.

This event also marked a significant milestone for Thailand’s fresh produce industry. Flora Capital, as the first 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 achievement is set to open the door for a broader range of South African apples—such as Gala, Beaut, and Granny Smith—along with other fresh produce to enter the market. At the same time, Flora Capital is preparing to export premium Thai produce, including tamarind, fresh coconut, and ginger, to South Africa in the near future. This strategic expansion will not only diversify Thailand’s fruit market but also reinforce agricultural trade ties between the two nations, fostering greater economic cooperation and mutual growth.

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