South African citrus exporter Lona has concluded an agreement with Amanzi Citrus in the Sundays River Valley in the Eastern Cape which will bring Lona's total citrus export volumes to just under 4 million cartons.

"This is strategically very important as it is the largest Navel and lemon growing area," said Lona's Derek Sutton. "We are looking to pack some 750,000 cartons from this packhouse which will be managed by the Patensie Citrus Company and re-named Inqweba."

Although big in Navel, the packhouse will also boost Lona's volumes of lemons, clementines and Valencia Late.

Northern citrus producing areas in South Africa have been hit by drought this season causing crop losses of 40-50 per cent in early Navel production, reported Sutton. Growing conditions in the Eastern Cape have been much more favourable, however, and fruit quality is reportedly excellent. "The UK is a very strong market for Navel and soft citrus," said Sutton. "And this deal with Amanzi is strategically important as it gives us a lot more control when packing for our UK and other supermarket programmes."

Topics