The Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) is very pleased to welcome an additional direct shipping service from the ports of Ngqura and Port Elizabeth for the export of citrus. MSC has recently announced an additional service, running every Tuesday from the end of May to the beginning of September, during the height of the citrus season. MSC has provided the citrus industry with shipping services for many years and this expanded offering is a welcome development.
"This additional service is good news for Eastern Cape citrus growers. Our members in Patensie, the Sunday's River Valley and Kat River who export their high-quality citrus to Europe will be able to make use of this option, which helps to protect jobs and much needed foreign revenue for the country.
"The CGA looks forward to the year with cautious optimism. The fruit on the trees are looking very good and we expect an increased crop yield in the coming season. There is a potential for another record-setting number of cartons exported. It has been projected that South Africa can, with the committed support of all role-players, increase its citrus exports from last year's 165.1 million 15kg cartons to 260 million cartons by 2032. This will not only generate more revenue but create 100 000 more jobs on farm level alone. It is in this context that the CGA is thankful for increased capacity in the shipping market," said Justin Chadwick, CEO of the CGA.
For more information:
Justin Chadwick
Citrus Growers Association
Email: justchad@cga.co.za