The first volumes of Outspan satsumas from north-eastern South Africa have been loaded at the port of Durban and are due to arrive in the UK on March 27.
“Due to the temperature regime, the fruit has excellent colour. The quality and taste is excellent, with the added bonus of good shelf life," said Rozanne Davis, citrus procurement manager with Capespan. “The next region to start picking will be the Eastern Cape with arrivals anticipated early April.”
Overall growing conditions have been mixed. “The south of the country experienced no abnormal weather patters, while the north experienced drought conditions from October to December,” said Justin Chadwick, ceo of the country’s Citrus Growers Association. “This resulted in dam levels dropping to extremely low levels and water restrictions being imposed. Then late summer rains in January, February and March have been particularly widespread and plentiful, filling dams and getting rivers into flood.
The outcome is forecast increases for both lemons and easy-peelers. “Since most lemons and soft citrus are grown in the south, initial projections are that lemon exports will increase by nine per cent and soft citrus by six per cent,” said Chadwick. “Navels are spread across the country, and are forecasted to increase by six per cent.”
The picture is slightly different for grapefruit and Valencia oranges which are grown in the north. While drought decreases in the Valencia crop are offset by new production maturing, grapefruit forecasts are for a crop six per cent down on last season.
“The big question is what will actually be exported,” said Chadwick. “2005 was a disastrous year in terms of grower returns. Growers will be a lot more focused in their export program this year.”
