South Africa's 2025 citrus export season has closed, according to the Russia South Africa Business Council, a partner of TV BRICS. South Africa remains one of Russia's leading suppliers of fresh fruit, alongside Egypt. Due to non-overlapping harvesting seasons and varied climatic zones in South Africa, imported fruit does not compete with Russian domestic production and allows retailers to maintain year-round availability.
Citrus, which is not produced in Russia, accounts for a large share of these volumes. South African oranges, grapefruits, lemons, and mandarins supply at least one third of Russia's total citrus demand. The 2025 season ended with shipments approaching 350,000 tons, which the Council reports as a 25 per cent increase compared with 2024. South African fruit supplied to Russia has also broadened to include apples, pears, peaches, apricots, nectarines, plums, grapes, blueberries, and avocados.
Despite long transit distances, South African products continue to appear in Russian retail channels. The Russia South Africa Business Council attributes this to an established supply chain linking the two countries by refrigerated vessels and container services. Fresh fruit trade accounts for nearly half of South Africa's total exports to Russia. More than 100 companies participate in this chain, including growers represented by the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa and exporting firms. Products are distributed nationwide through existing Russian partners.
Producers in South Africa plan to continue working with Russian importers and regulatory agencies for the 2026 season. Priorities include cold chain performance, technical exchanges, and diversification of citrus and subtropical lines for the Russian market. The Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa is preparing to increase its engagement with the Eurasian Economic Council. Discussions are expected to focus on certification procedures, alignment of technical standards, and improved transparency for both sides as planning for the next season progresses.
Source: TV BRICS
