Far East citrus exports double

Eastern markets have collectively almost doubled their citrus import volume from South Africa after local producers were forced to seek alternate markets due to citrus black spot (CBS). “The CBS issue with the European Union (EU) hit South African citrus producers hard but fortunately the Far East markets have responded well," said Justin Chadwick, CEO of the South African Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA). “This includes China, which has strict requirements, but where we are shipping a lot of oranges and other citrus fruits.” He said that there seemed to be a shortage in the supply of lemons all around the world. “In China they are in high demand, so we’ve had an amazing year overall.” Chadwick added that unfortunately some soft citrus and lemons were sensitive to cold treatments, which limited what could be sent. “Otherwise, I’m sure we could have sold our lemon crop twice,” he said. According to Chadwick markets of interest for local citrus producers include Vietnam, Hong Kong, China, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Philippines and India. “Japan is a very important market for grapefruit, importing almost a quarter of South Africa’s total volumes and 60% of Asian demand,” he said. Chadwick admitted that Japan’s phyto-sanitary conditions were stringent but added that South African grapefruit growers had been exporting to the Far East country for many years and could manage the restrictions. “What is impacting on grapefruit exports is a decline in consumer preference for the fruit with consumption around the world dropping,” he said. INSERT & CAPTION Japan is a very important market for grapefruit. – Justin Chadwick CAPTION Japan imports 23% of SA’s total grapefruit volumes. benefiting operations such as this Limpopo-based farm.