Bolstered by strong rainfall in the area south of the Kruger National Park, the quality of South African litchis is driving an increase in demand overseas – particularly in the US and Middle East markets. A farmer from the Onderberg region, André Schoeman, told FTW that thanks to favourable weather conditions, this year’s harvest had ripened well. “Litchis are very temperamental. If it’s too hot and there is very little moisture, the fruit will dry out.” Schoeman, who has farmed for more than 30 years, said that harvesting on his Bekfontein farm in Malelane was under way and would continue until early to midDecember. He added that transportation of the litchis required a significant logistical effort from all concerned. “The biggest challenge is trying to keep the cold chain right through because there are no cooling facilities on aircraft. However, special attention is given to how the litchis are transported and they are constantly monitored.” Once the litchis arrive in Atlanta from OR Tambo International Airport, the fruit is irradiated and distributed across the United States. Improved rainfall and logistical efficiencies could see South African litchi exports to the US and the Middle East more than double this year.
