America’s Sierra Produce, which sources product domestically and abroad, is looking at programmes for fruit imports from South Africa, says development and procurement officer Miles Fraser-Jones.
The sourcing he will discuss when he attends the international fruit and vegetable trade fair ‘Fruit Attraction’ in Madrid, Spain, from October 3-5.
Imports Sierra is interested in include grapes, blueberries and stone fruit from South Africa.
Peru is also on their radar for grapes and blueberries.
Referring to the current citrus import season, Fraser-Jones said he had seen significant improvement in the second half compared to the first half as they reached the end of the summer citrus import season.
Citrus imports by Sierra were from South Africa, Peru, and Chile.
The remaining arrivals will be late-season mandarins and Midknight oranges from South Africa, expected to arrive until the end of October.
Chile’s season is estimated to end in about four weeks.
“Peru has been experiencing rain, which will likely push the season for mandarins and oranges/Midknights a bit longer,” Fraser-Jones commented.
