New agreement opens doors to China’s citrus market quality not quantity is the focus

RAY SMUTS DOING BUSINESS with the Chinese is no walk in the orange grov. They are tough, as those who have had dealings can bear witness, yet there is no doubt the recent signing of an agreement allowing South African citrus directly into that populous land holds enormous benefits. Stuart Symington, CEO of the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum, says official access to Mainland China is exciting for both countries, particularly for commercial reasons. “We would hope to put some 50 000 tonnes of citrus into Mainland China in 2005 but we are not preoccupied with volumes but rather with quality. Some trial containers will go into China at the end of the 2004 season. “We have to prove ourselves now, and the whole industry is pulling together to ensure that only the best finds its way to China. “We appreciate the Chinese being fussy and particular about their requirements because then we know exactly what is expected of us and it forces an uncompromising standard from all role-players.”