South African citrus growers project fluctuations in export figures for 2025

THE Citrus Growers of Southern Africa (CGA) have released a mixed outlook for citrus exports in 2025, highlighting expected increases in orange and grapefruit exports, while lemon exports are predicted to take a downturn.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

This nuanced forecast reflects a careful analysis of current agricultural conditions and market demands, as revealed by CGA chairman, Gerrit van der Merwe, during a recent industry briefing.

Van der Merwe on Tuesday said that all available data projected exports that were in line with the five-year average, which means there will be sufficient fruit for global markets.

"The outlook suggests no oversupply or undersupply. Overall, the quality of the fruit for 2025 looks to be excellent. The breakdown of various variety estimates indicates a balanced season ahead," he said.

"The current prediction is that 32.9 million 15kg cartons of lemons will be exported to key markets, which represents a 5% decrease from last year. Estimates for citrus-producing regions, the Sundays River Valley, Senwes (Marble Hall and Groblersdal), Boland, and Patensie are all down, but Hoedspruit is estimated to increase its lemon production."

Van der Merwe added that early lemons have already started to be sent to overseas markets, especially to the Middle East, Russia, and Canada.

He said that figures for Navel and Valencia oranges are expected to be up this year.