The 2024 citrus export season in Southern Africa saw a slight decline, with growers packing 164.5 million 15kg cartons, which is about 600 000 cartons fewer than the previous year.
This drop, though small, reflects the resilience of the sector amid various challenges. Initial forecasts projected 181.7 million cartons for export, but unforeseen circumstances led to a final count that was 9% lower than anticipated.
Several unforeseen factors forced the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) to adjust its export estimates regularly during the year.
A tough season for citrus
Business intelligence and data manager at the CGA, Precious Kunota, said one of the most prominent factors affecting export volumes was the high price offered for oranges destined for local processing.
“Sources in the juice industry reported a significant increase of between 60% to 80% in volumes of oranges processed at their facilities, compared to the 2023 season. It’s estimated that about 6 million 15kg cartons of oranges that are 7% destined for exports were diverted to juice plants.
“Another factor was the abnormally hot and dry conditions during the mid to late summer period, which led to smaller fruit sizes. This meant that approximately 4% more fruit were required to fill the same carton than in the previous year,” she said.
According to the CGA, port efficiency remained a serious concern for the citrus industry during the past season with lower-than-expected citrus export volumes reducing peak volumes at ports dramatically, which eased pressure on the container terminals.
Logistics development manager Mitchell Brooke said volumes will increase over the next few seasons and if ports are not improved and capable of handling it, citrus exports and the wider economy will suffer greatly.
“The CGA is of the strong opinion that more public-private partnerships are needed urgently. Although the partnership between Transnet and International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) on Durban Pier 2 has been delayed because of legal matters, there must be a renewed urgency to improve container terminals and unlock the economic potential of our ports,” she said.
Related stories
- Citrus industry confirms no new greening disease threat in SA
- Citrus farmers profit from juice market amid export challenges
- BASF unveils Revycare: New solution for citrus black spot
Hopeful for the year ahead
Meanwhile, the CGA stated that 14.3 million cartons (15kg equivalent) of grapefruit were packed for export in 2024. This is 300 000 less than in the 2023 season and is a 14% shortfall from the initial estimates made in April 2024.
A total of 41.6 million cartons of mandarins were packed, representing a notable 3.6 million increase since the previous season. It is, however, 3% less than the initial estimate.
“Lemons showed a decrease compared to both the previous season and the estimate: 34.7 million cartons of lemons were packed in 2024, being 9% down from the estimate and 1.1 million cartons down from 2023.
“Navel oranges packed for export have shown an increase of 400 000 cartons compared to 2023. This year 25.1 million cartons of navels were packed, a 2% decrease from the original estimate,” the statement said.
READ NEXT: OBP’s new CEO targets vaccine supply challenges
Sign up for Mzansi Today: Your daily take on the news and happenings from the agriculture value chain
