The South African website reported late last month that South Africa’s 2024 citrus season was off to a strong start, in particular the exporting of naartjies and oranges to the United States.
The article quickly went viral, reaching all corners of the globe, including catching the eye of Dom Pitot, a South African expat now residing in Texas.
‘Cute’ story
Pitot, in a LinkedIn post, picked up on the article and turned it into a teaching moment, while also posing some thought-provoking questions.
Did you know that no one in America can pronounce ‘naartjies’, so they call them ‘cuties’ (pronounced Q-deeees)?
Pitot continued by confirming that South Africa began exporting citrus fruit to the North American market 20 years ago and has built a solid position due to its seasonal advantages and excellent production growth.
“South Africa makes amazing products and the US is a massive market. It’s not simple to enter, but it’s simple to do the math,” Pitot continued.
He ended with an intriguing thought.
“Here’s a question for you: Think back 20 years, would you have picked naartjies as a winning export? What export business could you be building today?”
Exports shipped shortly
Meanwhile, chairman of the South African Summer Citrus Association, Boet Mouton, said total exports will amount to between 100 000 and 110 000 pallets, which will be shipped between now and the end of October.
South African citrus exports traditionally begin with clementines and Navel oranges, followed by naartjies in mid-season, and conclude with Valencia oranges in October.
South Africa’s blueberries in high demand
In other local fruit news, South Africa’s blueberry industry anticipates a 10% growth in international exports as it gears up for the 2024 season, as reported by The South African website.
The blueberry season in South Africa has kicked off in the northern regions, with initial export shipments expected to commence in June.
The bulk of exports will start when harvesting in the Western Cape picks up in the latter half of the year.
In 2023, South Africa exported just over 22 000 tonnes of blueberries, with all indications suggesting the country will export 25 000 tonnes in 2024.
Berries ZA, the blueberry industry’s grower body, is making strides in expanding its presence in Eastern markets, with the avocado industry also looking to capitalise on new markets in China and India this year.