The South African citrus season has started again. The significant losses of Navel, the Cold treatment measures against the false codling moth hanging over the market, and the decreasing interest of Europe for the South African growers, resulted in plenty of ingredients for a tense season. Eddy Kreukniet from Exsa Europe visited the production regions last week, and gives a preview of the season.
The Nova variety
The Navel oranges are struggling with extreme problems in a major part of the area. “Technical research is being carried out to determine the cause. Some theories mention the large differences between day and night temperatures, the quality of the water, and the drought in recent years, and possibly a combination of these factors,” Eddy says. “The Navels appear to be the source of concern, but Navel Late and Midnight oranges are also showing the first signs of damage. Only the Valencias appear to still be free of damage.”
“Of the three areas where Navels are grown, the north appears to have the same volume available as last year, but in recent years, many Navel growers switched to growing tangerines and lemons in that region. In Eastern Cape, the problems are the worst with a decrease in supply of 30 to 40 per cent. Availability from Western Cape also appears to be 20 to 30 per cent lower, although these problems will become clearer in the coming weeks. All in all, there are major problems, and it’s even weirder when you see it with your own eyes.”
Mor, left, and Valley Gold, right
Grapefruit, tangerines and lemons
“For graperfuit, yields vary significantly for each cultivation company. One farm might have about the same harvest as last year and another might have yields 20 per cent lower. The expectation is that volume will be slightly lower during the first half of the season, but it will be similar to last year during the second half,” Eddy continues. “There are also some problems in the tangerine production, but that loss is being compensated by the new trees coming into production. In the past year I saw many cases of damage, but also many trees that didn’t have tangerines yet last year. Lemons will also have many new plants in production. We see a bit more saturation on the lemon market, because China has slightly later fruit available, and Spain has a regular Verna lemon harvest this year.”
According to Eddy, South Africa proactively anticipated the European Parliament’s proclaimed measures against the false codling moth. “They ensure all citrus is transport at 2 degrees Celsius, so that when moths are found, they won’t be able to survive. But it’s an issue that keeps growers occupied. On the other hand, we in Europe have to realise - we used to be the most important market for South Africa, but by now, we’re only one of several important markets. Besides 35 per cent of citrus shipped to Europe, 65 per cent is sold on booming markets outside of Europe. I expect this trend to last, considering European requirements in the fields of documentation, MRL and Social Responsibility are very strict. People will try to sell as much as possible outside of Europe.”
For more information:
Eddy Kreukniet
Exsa Europe
Tel: +31 88 735 0003
Mob: +31 620 25 78 11
info@exsaeurope.com
www.exsaeurope.com