Japan's yen for citrus attracts SA fruit

P&O NEDLLOYD has delivered the first shipment of containerised steri citrus this season, says P&O Nedlloyd's reefer product manager, Tissa Fuchsloch. "We anticipate that this is the first of many, as exporters become aware that we offer containerised, in transit cold treatment, and as the South African citrus export market to Japan and Korea grows. While the Japanese programme will move mainly in conventional vessels, indications are that the Korean fruit will move mainly in containers this year," says Fuchsloch. "We hope, however, that we will see more Japan-destined shipments before the end of the season. The citrus season runs officially from March through to November, and different cultivars are available at different times. The cold treatment programmes however only run while the Japanese and Korean officials are based in SA. The Japanese official has been here since early May, and the Korean official arrived last week. "Exports of citrus to Japan during 2000 were around 3,3 m cartons. In 2001 the volume is expected to be around 4 m cartons, mainly on conventional vessels. The Korean market is growing too, with the expectation that the fruit approved for export from SA in 2001 will be at least double that of last year's 173 000 cartons. "P&O Nedlloyd is involved in the execution of effective monitoring and control during all phases of the cold-treatment process, from allocation and preparation of containers, through packing, en-route monitoring until arrival at port of discharge. We have dedicated team members who are available 24 hours a day with specific focus on these shipments, when they move," said Fuchsloch.