“Shipments of clementines and navels from South Africa to the US market have been strong this summer due to high demand from retailers, wholesalers and terminal markets,” says Mark Hanks with DNE World Fruit. “An estimated 2.5 million cartons of navels and seedless midnight valencias as well as approximately three million boxes (5# box equivalents) of clementines and mandarins are coming into the US through October.” These numbers are a little higher than last year’s.
Consistent taste and grade
South Africa is one of the largest citrus growing areas in the world and the quality of their citrus is very good. “The country ships a uniform standard of taste and grade throughout the season,” said Hanks. “The growers and logistics providers do an excellent job of organizing the charter vessels and clearing the product before shipment.” This results in consistent shipments coming into the US. Hanks adds that the responsible steamship company, Seatrade, is an expert at placing all the cold treatment probes in the correct locations. “This is key to assuring an immediate release of product once it enters the US.”
Sourcing restricted to West Cape
“Although importing from South Africa has its challenges, many US retailers request South African citrus for its quality,” says Tom Cowan with DNE World. Currently, the ‘Western Cape’ area of the country is the only region that has been certified ‘free from pests’ and is allowed to ship to the US. “However, the South African Department of Agriculture is working with USDA officials to certify other areas in the Northern and East Cape to expand exports to the US.”
South Africa complements US season
“The quality of this year’s navels and clementines has been very good with high brix levels and larger sizes than last season,” mentioned Cowan. “Warm temperatures and good rainfall have made for an excellent growing season in the areas of Citrusdal, Paarl and Clanwilliam in the Western Cape.”
DNE has been importing South African citrus fruit since 2001. The country complements the US season well. As soon as Florida, Texas and California finish up their seasons in spring, imports from South Africa start and continue until the startup of the California navel and clementine season around October/November. “Clementines and Cara Caras are packed under our Ocean Spray label,” said Cowan. “The navels from South Africa are packed under a ‘Western Cape Citrus Producers’ logo brand as it allows for easier identification of the product.”
