The estimated volume of lemons, 11.1m cartons, has been reduced by 1m since the first estimates in March, according to John Edmonds from the Citrus Growers Association, this is due to high flower drop which has affected prospects for the 2nd and 3rd pickings. The export of lemons to the European market have remained the same as last year at 12% of total exports, despite fears of CBS. Remarkable has been the increase to the Russian market which has received 24% in comparison to last year's 16%, this due partly to big demand and no requirement for controls on CBS.
The grapefruit crop this year is estimated at 13.4m actual cartons (15.2m 15kg equivalent), up slightly (1.5%) from initial estimates. Edmonds said that the packouts have been very good.
For Navels and Valencias it is still early in the season, but the Navels did see a bit hail damage in the Western Cape area.
There are still delays at the port of Durban despite it being early in the season Edmonds explains this due to a few factors, firstly a surge in early production combined by extra controls for CBS, which sometimes need to be done twice if the fruit stays in the port for too long. Fewer shippers are using Maputo port due to a number of issues.
The CGA report that 75% of cold stores at Durban are full, with larger stores between 90 and 100% full. A further swing to containers means that container load outs are high; this is putting Durban under huge pressure resulting in delays. Things could get worse as the high volume oranges come on stream. The CGA are advising growers to make sure storage and shipping is arranged before arriving at the port.