Final outlook: South Africa’s citrus export volume to rise by 3.6% in 2025

SOUTH AFRICA – South Africa’s citrus industry is expecting a solid 2025 season, with projected exports reaching 171.1 million cartons of 15kg fruit.

This marks a 3.6% increase from last year, driven largely by strong volumes of late mandarin varieties and steady growth in oranges and grapefruit.

The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) confirmed the figures after finalizing estimates for late mandarins, one of the season’s key performers. “We are cautiously optimistic about the season,” said CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele.

“The solid growth trajectory the industry has been on, has held, so far. But serious threats remain. A significant one for this season is the tariff turmoil that could disrupt the US market for a portion of our growers.”

Late mandarins continue to show promise, with the Nadorcott/Tango variety seeing an increase from 23.3 million cartons in 2024 to 25.7 million this year. This rise is largely due to new trees reaching production stage.

While Leanri and Orri outputs have remained mostly steady at 2.1 million cartons each, other late mandarin varieties rose to 3.2 million cartons from last year’s 2.7 million.

Earlier projections for lemons, oranges, grapefruit, and early mandarins released in March reflected a mixed outlook.

Lemon volumes are expected to drop by 5%, while Navel and Valencia oranges, along with grapefruit, are set for moderate growth. Clementines are leading among the early mandarin types, showing a notable 10% increase.

Joburg hosts major global fresh produce conference

As the citrus season gears up, Johannesburg is preparing to host the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM) Conference from May 14–16 at the Sandton Convention Centre.

The conference will spotlight Africa’s role in the global fresh produce economy, focusing on food security, climate change, and market efficiency.

The event is being organized by Joburg Market, the largest fresh produce market on the continent. “As South Africa’s economic hub and home to Joburg Market, we are uniquely positioned to facilitate meaningful discussions on food security, sustainability, and the modernisation of wholesale markets,” said CEO Sello Makhubela.

Joburg Market has a significant footprint, handling over 1.4 million tons of produce annually and processing around 600,000 transactions each month.

It sources from more than 8,000 producers and serves an estimated 14,000 buyers daily. With annual sales reaching US$590 million, the market plays a critical role in national food distribution.

Despite these numbers, Makhubela noted that private markets and large retailers are becoming tough competitors. To remain relevant, Joburg Market is seeking $170 million in investment to expand trading space, improve cold storage, and broaden its services.

As both citrus growers and market leaders push through challenges, there is quiet hope that 2025 will bring more stable ground and greater access for South African produce.

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