EU Cold Treatment Protocol Result in Lower Orange Volumes From South Africa

According to an experienced Dutch citrus importer the impact of the new cold treatment protocol implemented by the EU in July 2022 can be felt in many aspects. Firstly, the total costs related to the import of oranges from South African has increased. Citrus needs to be cooled at the port if the length of cold treatment was not carried during the sea voyage leading to extra storage expenses. Furthermore, additional paperwork, more inspections and control from the Phytosanitary authority (KCB in The Netherlands), who is entitled to secure the fruit in cooling chambers for 16 days, result in longer lead time and shorter shelf life.

The new protocol impacts also impacts fruit quality, because the cold treatment expose the fruit to too low temperatures (-0.5 to +0.5) resulting in skin damage (pitting, especially Navel varieties) and softness (Valencia type oranges). Ultimately, the biggest impact will be the lack of availability of citrus from South Africa as many exporters are already deciding to go to markets with easier protocols than the European one such as the Middle East. This will result in higher orange prices on the shelves of European supermarkets.