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SOUTH AFRICAN
CITRUS:
Great Taste At
The Right Time
Celebrating 20 years this season, Summer Citrus from South Africa’s quality product during an opportune period promises continued benefits for retail.
BY JODEAN ROBBINS
Before South Africa entered the summer citrus market almost two decades ago, Brian Gibbons, produce director at five-store Highland Park Market in Farm-
ington, CT, said he worked little with citrus in the summer. “We had lemons, limes and some California Valencia oranges with seeds and no flavor,” he says. “We are fortunate today to be able to sell quality Navel oranges, grape- fruit, clementines, and Minneolas year-round because of sourcing them from places such as South Africa.”
South Africa has been consistent in its timing and internal product qualities for 20 years, according to Mayda Sotomayor, chief executive of Seald Sweet in Vero Beach, FL. “The exporters have a proven track record,” she says. “South Africa is producing several new varieties in mandarins and oranges that will be the future of the citrus category.”
South Africa’s advantage is its timing.
“Summer Citrus from South Africa is a perfect complEment because it arrives when U.S. domestic citrus is not available,” says Suhanra Conradie, chief executive of Summer Citrus from South Africa in Western Cape, South Africa. “Our eating quality is good, with sweet and delicious citrus.”
South Africa’s availability allows for a clean flow of citrus supply, points out Chris Cockle, senior director imports for Wonderful Citrus in Fort Pierce, FL. “This keeps consumers engaged in the category, with a consistent level of quality and vari- eties,” he says. “South Africa has robust agri- cultural practices with sophisticated growers to ensure food safety and traceability.”
Retailers report considerable opportunity inofferingsummercitrus.“Wehavecustomers shopping year-round for citrus so we must maintain availability,” says Mark Cotê, produce merchandiser for Redner’s Markets in Reading, PA, with 43 stores.
TOP PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUMMER CITRUS FROM SOUTH AFRICA
QUALITY SELLS
South African growers focus on harvesting the best flavor profile, and delivered product quality has resulted in a first-class reputation. “The growers recognize the U.S. market must have product meeting or exceeding the quality of domestic supplies to satisfy U.S. consumer demands,” says Erin Meder, U.S. general manager for Capespan North America in GloucesterCity,NJ.“Withthisinmind,they are very careful to achieve the proper internal quality to ensure quality product.”
South Africa always ships a pretty piece of fruit, says Cotê. “And they eat really well, too. The South Africans are on top of their game.”
Conradie explains they have worked hard to establish a unique South African brand identity forretailers.“Weserveourretailersjustasmuch as we do consumers because people actively seek citrus from South Africa once they’ve tried our fruit,” she says. “Without the distinct labeling and branding of our product, it’s a chal-
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