Though rain across parts of the Eastern Cape’s citrus production area has caused slight delays in picking and shipping, early market indicators show positive trends for citrus exports to international trade destinations.
Good rains swept down on Nelson Mandela Bay and nearby Gamtoos River farmland, and, though the Langkloof catchment did not fare as well, more rain is expected in the week.
Exploring new markets and expanding existing partnerships will be among the key factors in the SA citrus industry achieving its goal of exporting 260-million cartons of citrus annually by 2033.
More than 1,300 shipping containers filled with export quality South African oranges will be affected by the European Union’s new cold storage regulations, and the local industry has already suffered an estimated R200m loss due to delays in delivery to their foreign clients.