SA looks to other European markets for citrus exports

The decision by the South African citrus sector to stop exporting to Spain remains unchanged. Deon Joubert, the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA)  Special Envoy to the EU market, said, noting  that it was a move intended to prevent the threat of exports being suspended,. The industry is looking at exports to other parts of Europe.

With around 3.4% of South African citrus shipments, Spain accounted for 36% of citrus black spot (CBS) interception strikes last season.

Joubert was quoted by FreshPlaza.com as saying the  sector has held several meetings, looking into increasing its exports to other European destinations, such as  Italy, France or Portugal, stressing that “we only ask the authorities of importing countries to be aware that if inspections don’t find a viable culture, the fruit doesn’t pose a threat.”

“Southern European countries, in any case, are not traditional consumers of South African citrus fruit, since imports to southern Europe are more geared towards packing programmes out of their own seasons.”