“As we enter the month of September, just after the long weekend, almost 60% of citrus from South Africa has arrived in the US,” says Suhanra Conradie with Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA). The organization prides itself on weekly arrivals of fresh, sweet, and delicious citrus into the US. “The seasonal container service into Philadelphia has been such an appreciated addition to our dedicated conventional vessels into the US.” At this time, the last shipments of Navel oranges are on their way to the US and after these have arrived, mandarins and Midknight oranges will continue to be shipped until the season ends in October.
“Within the group, all service providers throughout the supply chain are focused on growing, shipping, and selling the world’s finest summer citrus.” Three US importers share their experience importing fruit from the other side of the globe during the domestic off-season.
“For 25 years, the Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) program has been complementing domestic production, playing a vital role in retailers meeting the goal of offering citrus fruit 365 days/year,” says Peter Anderson with importer Seald Sweet International. “Every year, we are impressed how South African growers manage to get fruit from South Africa all the way to the United States in an excellent condition and with high quality. Our customers rave about the fruit and ask for it every year,” he commented.
Erin Meder with Capespan North America adds that South African growers and exporters very well understand the premium spec that the US market requires when it comes to citrus. “We receive high-quality product, not only cosmetically, but also with an excellent flavor profile,” she shared. To continue meeting the expectations, SCSA executes a business model of matching supply with the demand of the market. “The level of communication with SCSA is always high and we work closely together. In addition to receiving high-quality fruit, the arrival location is an added benefit for Capespan. “Fruit from South Africa provides us with a higher efficiency as the containers come into Philadelphia. This helps us get the product to the consumer quicker,” Meder added.
Lewis Garas with William H. Kopke is also proud to be associated with SCSA. “Because of the appearance and flavor, our customers are looking forward to receiving South African fruit every season,” he said. “It is our job to make sure that all fruit that arrives in the US is meeting all the standards to provide the best quality and best experience to every chain store in the USA,” he added.
For more information:
Suhanra Conradie
Summer Citrus from South Africa
suhanra@summercitrus.com
www.summercitrus.com