South African lemon exports continue to fall

A new forecast sees volumes falling well below last year's figures and initial predictions for 2024. The South African lemon export season is coming to an end, a campaign in which volume estimates have regularly fallen to the point that they are now well below the original forecast and final 2023 export figure. Citrus Growers Association chief executive Justin Chadwick said the organisation's lemon focus group had met and decided to make a further adjustment to the export forecast. “Although the lemon season is coming to an end and some areas have finished packing, feedback from the remaining harvest areas has made it necessary to further adjust downwards to the overall export estimate,” he explained. A total export of 37.9 million 15kg boxes was projected at the start of the season, he continued, and this amount had been reduced during meetings held throughout the season. “This week's adjustment brings the total estimate for 2024 lemon exports to 33.9 million boxes. Last year, ...