Navel export volumes from South Africa are likely to be less then last year's total after the country's Citrus Growers Association (CGA) cut the crop forecast by 1.2m cartons, leaving it at an estimated 20.4m cartons compared with 2008's 21.2m cartons.
As a result, the country is now expected to send a total volume of 92.2m cartons for export, although final figures are likely to be less due to the historical discrepancy between volumes packed and volumes finally exported. Indeed, over the past few years around 5 per cent of packed fruit has not been shipped.
The South African Valencia season has also started with crop estimations of 42.1m cartons (up 1.5m on last year), with the CGA saying that it will monitor the flow of fruit through the ports once the season moves to its peak.
Meanwhile, unseasonal rain in northern production areas has affectedthe packing of some citrus volumes, although the CGA has said that thismay prove to be a good thing as it could clear space in Durban wherehigh grapefruit volumes had created capacity pressure.
In terms of export markets for the fruit, northern Europe continues to receive the bulk of citrus shipments, taking on 46 per cent of grapefruit, 26 per cent of Navels, 19 per cent of soft citrus and 9 per cent of lemons.
Japan remains an important grapefruit destination, importing 20 per cent of this season's volume, including 1.2m cartons that have already been shipped.
The Middle East has so far taken on the largest volumes of South African lemons (48 per cent) and Navels (32 per cent) this season, with Russia also emerging as an important market having taken on 11 per cent of lemons, 10 per cent of Navels and 9 per cent of soft citrus.
