Report identifies problem areas holding back SA's booming citrus industry

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According to the State of Logistics Report by Mitchell Brooke, logistics development manager at the Citrus Growers’ Association, South Africa’s citrus sector is up against it.

Recent data indicates that the industry needs to adopt more collaborative and innovative transportation and distribution strategies to meet growing demand.

The report highlights several challenges in the system’s supply chain that are threatening the industry’s ability to scale up.

These include:

Underperforming rail infrastructure
Deteriorating road quality
Inefficiencies at ports
Weather disruptions
Geopolitical tensions

The good news for citrus

Despite these hurdles, Brooke is optimistic about the potential for improvement. He has cited investments in cold storage facilities and rail infrastructure as promising developments.

This evolution is crucial, says Brooke, considering South Africa’s predicted increase in citrus production volume over the next 10 years.

“Going forward, focus must be placed on the fact that a significant number of citrus orchards have been planted across Southern Africa in recent years,” Brooke told Fruitnet.

“This will at some point transfer to a significant increase in production and exports once the cycle meets more favourable conditions on all fronts.”

“Importantly, the corridors’ supply chains must be ready for this eventuality.”

How small-scale farmers can provide fresh produce to Joburg Market

In related news, the Joburg Market is calling on farmers to take advantage of its robust supply chain network by partnering with licensed market agents.

The Joburg Market is South Africa’s major centre for the marketing of fresh produce, including citrus. It is also the largest fresh produce market in Africa. Read more more that story here.