Record SA citrus exports in 2023 - despite 'black spot', port woes

In 2023, Southern African citrus growers packed 165.1 million 15kg cartons for exports – a new record, and 800 000 more than in the previous year.

Following an extremely challenging two years, where only one in five growers made a profit, this year’s better market prices and reduced shipping costs offered a measure of relief to many growers, said Justin Chadwick, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA). Exports were still far below potential due to load shedding, rising input costs and flooding in the Citrusdal valley, which caused R500 million in damage to citrus farms.