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Southern African citrus growers produced marginally less in the 2024 export season, compared to the previous season.
The Citrus Grower's Association says 164.5 million cartons, weighing 15 kilograms each, were packed for delivery to global markets.
It says while this is 600,000 cartons less than last year, the slight decline was still a strong performance for the sector, given the truly uniquely demanding circumstances growers faced.
The CGA says one of the most prominent factors affecting export volumes was the high price offered for oranges destined for local processing.
It says another factor was the abnormally hot and dry conditions during the mid to late summer period, which led to smaller fruit sizes.
This meant that approximately 4% more fruit were required to fill the same carton than in the previous year.
The Association says no less than three severe weather events also had an impact on exports.
Freezing temperatures in Limpopo, floods in the Western Cape, and strong winds that caused fruit to drop in the Eastern Cape have resulted in a reduction of fruit packed for global markets.
CGA CEO, Justin Chadwick says port efficiency remained a serious concern for the citrus industry during the past season.
He says the lower-than-expected export volumes reduced peak volumes at ports dramatically, which eased pressure on the container terminals.
"However, all indications are that this is just a temporary reprieve in pressure on our underperforming ports and will not last. Volumes will increase over the next few seasons and if ports are not improved and capable of handling it, citrus exports and the wider economy will suffer greatly", Chadwick said.
