More lemons less oranges from South Africa in 2015
In total the estimate is lower than the 2014 actual packed for export figure – at 113.1 million 15 Kg cartons (down 2.2% from 2014’s 115.7 million).
Soft citrus exports remain steady at 10 million cartons this is due to different factors according to Justin Chadwick, CEO of Citrus Grower's Association, "Firstly the volumes of Novas are down by 23% due to alternate bearing and soft clementines are down by 5%, but late mandarins will be up by 23% as growers have been increasing planted areas in recent years meaning the total volumes will be around the same as last year."
In the orange category both Valencia and Navel types reduced their volume estimate by 3.5%; Valencia decreasing from 50.9 to 49.1 million cartons; and Navels from 26 to 25.1 million cartons. The cause of this is hail damage in the Groblersdal area as well as in the Western Cape.
In last few years the market for South African lemons has been very good and this is reflected in the new areas planted in the last 5-6 years. As a result the estimated volume will see a small increase of 2.9% – up from 13.2 million cartons in 2014 to 13.6 million in 2015.
Grapefruit shows a decrease – down 2% from 15.6 in 2014 to 15.3 million cartons in 2015 (but still way off the 18.2 million grapefruit packed for export in 2013). Most grapefruit exporters expect that the grapefruit export volumes will decrease further as the season unfolds and quality specifications become clearer.
For more information:
Justin Chadwick
Citrus Exporter's Association
Phone: (+27) 31 765 2514
www.cga.co.za