Southern African citrus exports are forecast to be in line with volumes shipped in 2008.

Justin Chadwick of the Citrus Growers’ Association, which represents producers in South Africa, reports excellent growing conditions.

According to Chadwick, grapefruit sendings are tipped to show a recovery on last season, with pink and red fruit likely to experience a packout for export about 21 per cent up on last year at 11.3 million cartons. Valencia and Navel volumes are expected to reach about 65m 15kg carton equivalents. Lemon volumes are forecast to fall slightly on last season by two per cent.

Good news for satsuma-favouring UK consumers is that exports of the variety are likely to be up 12 per cent on last season, while clementine volumes are forecast to decline by eight per cent.

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