The South African citrus industry has been given a boost with the development of a multi-million rand terminal for specialized citrus fruit.
The South African Ports Operations (Sapo) and the Oceana Group both invested up to R61 million in the Maydon Wharf Fruit Terminal.
Both groups said the terminal will allow South Africa to compete more effectively with other exporters, as it satisfies the stricter contamination protocols of importing countries.
Tau Morwe, chief executive of Sapo, said the new steri-fruit facility will also put South Africa on par with countries like the US.
The facility is also well-placed, as most of the export citrus crop from the eastern and northern parts of the country is processed in Durban.
The terminal, which will begin operating at the end of next month, is expected to pay a key part in boosting the export market to Japan.
