The Navel harvest will finally start for grower/exporter Sai World this weekend after they delayed the first picking to allow for better colour and brix levels.
“The fruit quality and taste is very good, but as predicted sizes will be smaller. We will peak at 88’s for the early Navels and Washington Navels, with a brix of 13+ which may increase as we get through the season,” said Sam Vasala from Sai World.
The Late Lanes still have time to size up and Sam expects to peak at 72’s.
“The markets are looking good with strong demand as the US Navels are just finishing this week. We may struggle in markets like Vietnam due to sizing, but I think when buyers realise that the taste and quality are good they will place orders. Our long-term partners which we have been talking to understand the situation and have already placed orders, everyone will have small sizes this year.”
Sai World exports to Japan, Korea, US, Canada, Taiwan, India, Vietnam and Thailand.
According to Sam there is not much competition for Australian citrus, “Early South African oranges don’t have the same brix levels and most South American fruit goes into the US. It is hard to beat the quality and taste of Australian oranges.”
For more information:
Sam Vasala
Sai World Pty Ltd
Tel: +61 (07) 5641 2217
Mob: +61470406579
Email: sam@saiworld.com.au
www.saiworld.com.au