South Africa's citrus industry is rebounding after a difficult 2022 crop season. Despite heavy rainfall in the Western Cape, the country is experiencing a strong orange harvest and robust demand from EU and UK markets. South African oranges are now playing a crucial role in filling a supply gap in Europe during a period when the Spanish citrus harvest has ended, and there is limited other supply available. Exports of Navel oranges from South Africa, a popular seedless variety, to the EU have doubled year to date.
Market sources report a 15% decline in the Spanish orange crop this year which has recently been harvested, resulting in high prices for Spanish oranges. The Mintec price for Spanish oranges [Mintec Code: 7A36] currently stands at €1.20/kg, a 60% year-on-year increase. These elevated prices benefit South African growers as they help offset their high production costs. The price of South African oranges [Mintec Code:6R27] is currently at €0.18/kg, making the European price attractive for South African producers.