The Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa’s (CGA) Grapefruit Variety Focus Group announced a further downward revision to its export estimates for the 2024 season. Feedback from the regional grower representatives has corroborated the season’s trends seen in the packing and shipping data, necessitating a further adjustment to the predicted export figures.
Red Grapefruit: Total exports projected at 11 430 600 17kg cartons. This is a 15% reduction from the initial estimate at the start of the season (13 475 600) and a 9% reduction from the revised total projected in May (12 572 030).
White Grapefruit: Total exports projected at 512 810 17kg cartons. This is a slight 0.4% increase from the May projection, but still represents an 8% reduction from the initial estimate at the start of the season (557 460).
PP Fruit (process class fruit that is exported for processing): Total exports projected at 1 191 900 17kg cartons. A 12% increase from the May projection, and a 55% increase from the start of the season (767 080).
The 2024 season has proven to be unique in many respects. The most significant factors causing the revisions are smaller fruit sizes as a result of drier and warmer weather, and good local processing prices.
Barry Landman, Chairman of the Grapefruit Variety Focus Group said: “The Grapefruit season is heading towards an early end. Volumes are tapering off fast. The majority of all Grapefruit exports have been packed as of this week.”
For more information:
Justin Chadwick
Citrus Growers Association
justchad@cga.co.za