Excellent quality for South African citrus season
“Favorable weather conditions and optimum fruit ripeness determined the onset of the harvesting period. 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 US consumers,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum.
“What has made the program so successful is the commitment to providing the best of South Africa’s citrus to the US market and doing so in a very disciplined manner. This makes for a successful and sustainable business through consistent quality and reliable supply,” she added.
The first conventional vessel will arrive at the Port of Philadelphia at Gloucester City by June 15th bringing +/- 3,800 pallets of Easy Peelers and Navel oranges. Two other conventional vessels are scheduled to arrive by June 25th and July 6th. “The detailed shipping plan has conventional vessels arriving through October usually every 10-12 days, based on market demand. Container vessels with smaller volumes will arrive between to assure a steady supply of our citrus,” said Conradie.
The Port of Houston’s pilot project to receive shipments will continue, and provide key access to expanded Midwest and Far West regions of the US. “While we have seen 12 percent growth with volumes last year at +/- 45,000 tons, it is possible that we will ship more during the 2015 season,” said Conradie.
WCCPF is watching closely the ongoing discussions underway in Congress as debate on the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) 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 US. 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,” said Conradie. WCCPF will exhibit from booth #1935.
Visit www.summercitrus.com to learn more.
For more information:
Lisa Packer
Star Group
Tel: +1 (610) 688-3164
Email: lpacker@stargroup1.com
stargroup1.com