Early citrus production areas in South Africa have been affected by drought conditions and high temperatures in the growing season which are affecting fruit volumes.

"Easy peelers started packing this week and should be in the UK by the end of March," Martin Dunnett, procurement director of Capespan, the largest handler of South African citrus in the UK, told the Journal. "But drought in northern production areas such as Gauteng and the biennial bearing effect are taking their toll." After a good volume, good quality crop last year, trees are recovering this season and production is therefore likely to be lighter, forecast Dunnett.

Thames Fruit also reports its suppliers have just begun packing South African citrus from the western Cape. "We have fruit departing this week, recent rain has been disturbing things a little, but we are starting the season more or less in line with a normal year," said the company’s Sergio Oroval. "We are starting with Okitsu, then moving into Miowasi and Owari in four to five weeks time. Early clementines should begin picking in about two to three weeks starting with Marisol."

Oroval reports that the market in the UK and Europe generally is very strong. "That situation will persist for the next two to three weeks especially as Uruguay and Argentina are running late," he said. "Cold weather during the bloom period and then a warm, dry autumn are delaying maturity and colouring so picking is beginning slowly."

Oroval forecasts export volumes from South Africa more or less in line with last season, although quantities from Uruguay and Argentina are likely to be up on the 2003 campaign.

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