Avocado and citrus exporters smiling

Expect larger volumes of SA citrus shipped overseas this year, and it will be a better year for the country’s avocado exports. 2010 numbers will be up by 10% over last year, the Avocado Growers’ Association told FTW. “It will be a good year. We will ship between 10.5 and 11 million cartons (4kg), which is between 42 000 and 44 000 tonnes. This is up from last year’s final total of 9.7 million cartons,” said Subtropical Growers’ Association CEO Derek Donkin. 2009 was an “off year” in an industry that is cyclical and whose annual output depends on the trees’ varying ability to produce product, Donkin said. Exports have already begun, with the first cargo of SA avocados having arrived in Europe two weeks ago. Exports are expected to be consistent throughout the shipping season, which concludes in October. “South Africa has a good crop and should be able to supply its customers according to demand. In the latter part of the South African season when South African volumes decline, Chile is expected to come onto the market to maintain a good overall supply to Europe,” said Donkin, who reported that this year’s export varieties would be divided down the middle, with a 50/50 ratio for green avocados and the hass (dark-skinned) variety. SA citrus exports will also be up over last year, now that the Citrus Exporters’ Forum (CEF) has adopted official industry estimates for 2010. 91.9 million 15 kg cartons are expected to be packed and shipped, up from 87.6 million in ’09. Of these, Valencia oranges will lead with 41.3 million cartons, compared to 38.5 million last year. Only grapefruit exports are expected to see a drop, going from 14.2 million cartons last year to 12.6 million in 2010.