The 5th Citrus Summit concluded in Gqeberha, South Africa. The event brought together industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders to collaborate on strategies for sustainable growth.

Government and industry leaders emphasised the need for infrastructure investment and improved cold chain management to facilitate smooth exports.

South African Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen stressed the importance of expanding into new regions, particularly in Asia, the Middle East, and India, where demand for South African citrus continues to grow.

The Russian market was also highlighted as a significant export destination. Speaking at the summit, Mikhail Fateev, Head of the Food and Agriculture Section of the Russia-South Africa Business Council, emphasised the strong trade relationship between the two nations. 

“Actually, one third of all citrus consumed in Russia is sourced in South Africa. […] Fruits you produce, and deliver have become a firm bridge uniting nations all over the world,” Fateev stated. He noted that citrus trade between the two countries continues to grow steadily, with logistics and payment mechanisms operating efficiently.

The summit concluded with a unified call for action to ensure sustainable growth, protect jobs, and enhance South Africa’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality citrus.

Citrus is South Africa’s largest agricultural export sector, supporting 140,000 livelihoods at the farm level. In 2023, the industry packed 164.5 million 15kg cartons for global markets, and projections indicate potential growth to 260 million cartons by 2032, creating up to 100,000 additional jobs. Ensuring efficient logistics is crucial for achieving these goals.

African Times published this article in partnership with International Media Network TV BRICS