SOUTH AFRICA - A critical supplier to the United States market, Summer Citrus from South Africa helps ensure U.S. consumers have access to citrus year-round. In a recent newsletter, Chief Executive Officer Suhanra Conradie offered the industry a glimpse into current operations and vital information to help partners prepare.

“From our side, March and April are very important months, as we plan all aspects throughout the total supply chain, based on the demand for the U.S. market,” Suhanra noted. “From a production point of view, we expect a very normal crop, with sufficient supply of citrus to adhere to the demand of the market during the summer months in the U.S. Our mission is to complement local production when otherwise unavailable.”

Clementines are likely to arrive in the U.S. toward the end of May into early June. Navel varieties may begin to arrive in mid-June onward, and Star Ruby is expected to arrive from the end of June into early July. Mandarins are expected around July onward.

Suhanra made an additional note regarding tariffs and what customers need to know regarding the company’s positioning.

“A lot has been said regarding the tariffs, but it is normal that any tariff could have an impact on any kind of trade,” she wrote. “In terms of the Summer Citrus from South Africa program, we can state the following: We have sufficient supply to adhere to the retail demand for our product, and we are confident regarding:

1. The exceptional eating quality of our fruit
2. Our reliable and sophisticated supply chain
3. The support and collaboration from all our service providers

It is now for all the individual and relevant parties to make the economics work!”

AndNowUKnow will continue to keep you updated on all things fresh, so stay tuned.