South African citrus expected to maintain No. 2 position in world export ranking
South African citrus expected to maintain No. 2 position in world export ranking
Exports of South African citrus are projected to total 89.6 million cartons, or 1.35 million tons, for the 2008 season, marginally down from the 90.9 million cartons, or 1.36 million tons, achieved in the 2007 season. According to an April 3 press release by the Citrus Growers Association of South Africa, at 2008 levels, South Africa is expected to retain its No. 2 ranking in world citrus exports.
Navels are grown predominantly in the southern portion of the country and are expected to show a 5 percent increase this year compared to 2007. Valencia-type fruit that is grown in the northern part of the country is expected to show a 5 percent decrease from the record 2007 export volume. Soft citrus -- clementines, Satsumas and Mandarins -- are estimated to increase by 9 percent.
Exports of South African summer citrus to the United States are expected to reach 45,000 tons, or 3 percent of the country's export volume in 2008. This represents a 13 percent increase over the 34,000 tons shipped in 2007.
The first shipments of clementines and Navels are expected to arrive in the United States at the end of May, and the last shipments of Valencias will arrive in November. South African citrus is exported to Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Russia, in addition to the United States.
"The United States is an important and growing market for South African citrus," said Piet Smit, managing director of the Citrus Producers Forum, which represents the almost 300 growers exporting to the United States. "We only export the best-quality citrus to the United States, and we are very proud of our fruit, which exceeds both [Food & Drug Administration] and [U.S. Department of Agriculture] requirements."
Mr. Smit added that summer citrus is a growing category in the United States and that South African growers are focused on building their share of the category in a controlled manner to ensure that quality, safety, freshness and taste are maintained.
Navels are grown predominantly in the southern portion of the country and are expected to show a 5 percent increase this year compared to 2007. Valencia-type fruit that is grown in the northern part of the country is expected to show a 5 percent decrease from the record 2007 export volume. Soft citrus -- clementines, Satsumas and Mandarins -- are estimated to increase by 9 percent.
Exports of South African summer citrus to the United States are expected to reach 45,000 tons, or 3 percent of the country's export volume in 2008. This represents a 13 percent increase over the 34,000 tons shipped in 2007.
The first shipments of clementines and Navels are expected to arrive in the United States at the end of May, and the last shipments of Valencias will arrive in November. South African citrus is exported to Europe, the Middle East, the Far East and Russia, in addition to the United States.
"The United States is an important and growing market for South African citrus," said Piet Smit, managing director of the Citrus Producers Forum, which represents the almost 300 growers exporting to the United States. "We only export the best-quality citrus to the United States, and we are very proud of our fruit, which exceeds both [Food & Drug Administration] and [U.S. Department of Agriculture] requirements."
Mr. Smit added that summer citrus is a growing category in the United States and that South African growers are focused on building their share of the category in a controlled manner to ensure that quality, safety, freshness and taste are maintained.
