SOUTH AFRICA - The import/export business brings its own adventures and challenges to ensuring year-round access to fresh produce. Overcoming these challenges is Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA), which recently reported that, by the end of week 32, it is through nearly 70 percent of planned shipments for the season.

“We have had our challenges on the supply chain side with unforeseen delays with some vessels, but overall, we have been able to stick to our original shipping plan,” Suhanra Conradie, Chief Executive Officer for Summer Citrus from South Africa, shared in an update. “We have gained excellent momentum with our collaborative approach and intend to keep it going.”

The organization’s supply has accounted for 10 conventional vessels and containers on deck in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and about 17,000 pallets shipped in containers to New York, New York, and Savannah, Georgia.

Attributing its success to planning, real-time communication to the trade, and continued commitment to “Selling the world’s finest Summer Citrus” have maintained the organization’s position in the citrus market despite obstacles throughout the season.

“We would have not been able to successfully execute this season without the support of our loyal service providers across the globe, with a focus on the Summer Citrus program in the United States. Thank you for your support!” Conradie noted.

Summer Citrus from South Africa is now moving into the later Mandarin varieties and is eager to share excitement from the Easy Peeler marketplace. To hear directly from the team on managing the supply chain, enjoy the brief video above.

Easy Peelers, according to the organization, now represent almost 50 percent of its fruit, with Navels making up 44 percent, and Star Ruby and Cara Cara collectively accounting for 6 percent.

South African summer citrus will continue with weekly conventional arrivals till the second or third week of October, with supplemental containers in between.

Summer Citrus from South Africa