Terry Hutson STAFF AND clients took time out last Friday to celebrate the most successful citrus season ever at the Durban Fresh Produce Terminal (FPT). “Not only did we achieve the highest weekly throughput of 30 445 pallets for week 29, but also the highest volume for any one month,” said marketing manager Neville de Klerk. “Now, with the final shipment loaded today, we’ve topped the record set in 1999 by exporting a total of 438 875 pallets in a single season,” he said. “Going for bigger volumes doesn’t mean we have to sacrifice quality,” stressed de Klerk. He said a balance between quality and quantity was necessary if the FPT was to maintain its world-class status, which includes ISO accreditation. Citrus was exported to regular markets in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean and Middle East, but a growth in markets to Japan and in particular Russia had assisted in achieving the high throughput. South Africa’s exports to Russia have in fact increased from 30 000 tonnes to more than 110 000t since 1998, with a 20% increase for this year alone. With a reduction in harbour fees and import duties by the Russian authorities, exports to that country are expected to continue rising.
