SA citrus industry on top of its game

In a somewhat bleak economic environment, the local citrus industry has provided some positive news. According to the Citrus Growers’ Association, South Africa remains the leading southern hemisphere citrus exporter with a 1%

increase to 1.94 million tons. Chile (increase 7% to  352 000 tons), and Argentina (decrease 9% to 334 000 tons) vie for second spot while Australia is predicting exports of 259 000 tons, 2% less than 2018. Peru  is expecting an 11%

increase to 199 000 tons, and Uruguay 2% up to  100 000 tons. While South Africa recorded a small decrease in oranges (-1%) and a  big decrease in grapefruit (-8%), soft citrus (+13%) and lemons (+10%)  were the stars of the  show.