The prospects of South African citrus in the Asian market this season cannot avoid the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic. However, due to the optimistic production forecast for this season, the South African citrus industry is still actively developing export plans. As the new export season arrives, the industry looks forward to continuing the success of last year's combined transportation to Japan and China.
It is predicted that in 2020, South Africa's citrus packaging volume will reach a record 143 million cases, an increase of 13% over last year. The Chinese and Japanese markets will be the key to the success of sales. Japan is an important market for South African grapefruit, while China is an emerging consumer market for a number of South African citrus varieties, which has achieved amazing growth in the past few years.
Last year, the industry changed its logistics operations to ensure the best supply for both markets from the beginning of the quarter, which proved to be very successful. "We are confident that this year we will further expand the refrigerated ship project to increase intermodal transport to seven ships," said Mitchel Brooke, logistics development manager, South Africa Citrus Growers Association (CGA)
The impact of the COVID-19 on the export season and the long-term development of the citrus industry in South Africa has not been determined. As a result, it is difficult for the industry to comment on the changes in the coming fruit seasons. "Our harvest is very good. Growers from all over the country report that this season's fruits are beautiful in appearance, large in size and good in quality. Now it depends on the logistics chain and market situation after leaving the farm, "said John Edmonds of CGA.
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