Excellent weather conditions in South Africa have contributed to an earlier citrus harvest in the western and northern Cape regions of South Africa, resulting in earlier arrival of citrus to the United States.

Containers carrying easy peelers and Navel oranges were scheduled to arrive at the port of Newark in New Jersey over the next two to three weeks, according to a May 27 press release issued by the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, based in Citrusdal, South Africa.South African easy peelers for the U.S. market.

“Favorable weather conditions and optimum fruit ripeness determined the onset of the harvesting period,” Suhanra Conradie, chief executive officer of the forum, said in the press release. “Our growers believe that in terms of fruit color and eating quality, it is perhaps the best fruit in years to start the season. The high eating quality is preferred by the U.S. consumers.

“What has made the program so successful is the commitment to providing the best of South Africa’s citrus to the U.S. market and doing so in a very disciplined manner,” Conradie added in the press release. “This makes for a successful and sustainable business through consistent quality and reliable supply.”

The first conventional vessel should arrive at the port of Philadelphia at Gloucester City, NJ, by June 15 bringing approximately 3,800 pallets of easy peelers and Navel oranges. Two other conventional vessels are scheduled to arrive by June 25 and July 6.

“The detailed shipping plan has conventional vessels arriving through October usually every 10-12 days, based on market demand,” Conradie said. “Container vessels with smaller volumes will arrive between to assure a steady supply of our citrus.”

The port of Houston’s pilot project to receive shipments will continue and provides key access to expanded Midwest and West regions of the United States.

“While we have seen 12 percent growth with volumes last year at [about] 45,000 tons, it is possible that we will ship more during the 2015 season,” said Conradie.

The forum is watching closely the ongoing discussions under way in Congress as debate on the renewal of the African Growth & Opportunity Act continues.

“South Africa, including the citrus program, has benefitted from AGOA,” said Conradie. “We are hopeful it will be renewed, as it forms an imperative part of the success of this program, which creates additional jobs both in South Africa and the U.S. Our successful Harvest of Hope projects are a direct result and reflect our successful efforts towards economic empowerment.”

A first for WCCPF in 2015 is a presence at the United Fresh show in Chicago in early June.

“This is an exciting opportunity for retailers and our valued importer partners, to meet our growers and have a taste of our early season fruit,” Conradie said. WCCPF will exhibit from booth No. 1935.