Citrus exports to China increasing

Statistics from the Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) show that SA citrus is becoming more popular in China.

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 Justin Chadwick, CEO of CGA, commended the department of agriculture as well as the local citrus industry for securing the Chinese market.

“The growth we are experiencing is the result of a lot of work done by government and industry to get access and also improve the original export protocol of 2004,” he said.

Grapefruit exports to China have increased from 654 000 cartons in 2013, to 1 342 000 cartons in 2015. Valencia oranges followed the same trend, with exports increasing from 1 120 000 cartons to 1 829 000 cartons so far this year.

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“The increasing demand for southern hemisphere citrus is also the result of Chinese consumers having more disposable income to spend on imported fruit,” said Chadwick. “Consumers in that market also believe that, in terms of food safety, imported fruit is safer to eat and offers good value for money.”