South African grapefruit exporters matched their projected volume for the 2025 citrus season, with shipments reaching 15.3 million cartons. Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA) CEO Boitshoko Ntshabele confirmed that this figure was identical to the crop estimate made in April 2025 by the association's Grapefruit Variety Focus Group.
"This was about a million cartons above last year's packed figures but in line with the three-year average. As it turns out, this original estimate was bang on as the industry has finished on 15.3 million cartons of grapefruit," Ntshabele said.
He noted that the arrival of South African fruit coincided with the end of the Northern Hemisphere supply. Europe received slightly more class one and two fruit in 2025, accounting for 47% (approximately 95,700 tons) compared to 43% in 2024. Exports to China declined from 10% to 6% of total volume (around 12,750 tons).
"The only other notable change was for the Russian market, receiving 14% in 2025 compared to 11% in 2024. All other markets received roughly similar percentages to last year. Export volumes to the U.S. were up from 10,200 tons in 2024 to 13,600 tons (or 7% of the total)," Ntshabele said.
He added that China received 82% of the total fruit for processing. "Grapefruit was packed in steady numbers from April through to mid-July, peaking in week 19. Markets seemed to have responded well to predictable supply, and prices remained stable throughout the season," he said.
Source: Freight News
