South Africa’s Citrus Industry Poised for Growth: Insights from the 2025 Citrus Summit

South Africa’s citrus industry is on the brink of transformative growth, despite facing significant challenges. This was the central message at the 5th Citrus Summit, hosted by the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) in Gqeberha from 11 to 13 March 2025. Industry leaders gathered to address pressing issues and explore opportunities that could reshape the agricultural landscape.

A Beacon of Success

The summit kicked off with an inspiring keynote address from Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, who hailed the citrus sector as a cornerstone of South Africa’s agricultural success. “South Africa’s citrus industry is one of the success stories of our country,” Steenhuisen said, emphasizing its critical role in creating jobs in rural areas where employment is most needed.

However, Steenhuisen also warned of the potential loss of the American Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which facilitates South African citrus exports to the United States. “The termination of AGOA would risk thousands of jobs and disrupt the citrus supply chain,” he cautioned. He urged stakeholders to prioritize the renewal of AGOA or secure alternative trade agreements to maintain access to key markets. Steenhuisen also encouraged the exploration of new markets in Asia, the Middle East, and India as pathways to sustainable growth.

Untapped Potential

Dr. Boitshoko Ntshabele, the incoming CEO of CGA, echoed Steenhuisen’s sentiments, highlighting the industry’s untapped potential. “Increased market access is crucial. Projections show the industry can create 100,000 jobs by 2032 by ramping up exports from roughly 95 million 15kg cartons to 260 million cartons,” he said. This ambitious vision underscores the sector’s capacity to drive economic growth and rural development.

Logistics and Infrastructure

Michelle Phillips, Group CEO of Transnet, addressed critical advancements in logistics, particularly in the rail and port systems. “The rail network is now open for private train operators,” she announced, signaling a shift toward a more competitive logistical landscape. Phillips emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration to ensure the upcoming season surpasses the success of the previous one.

However, logistics expert Thomas Eskesen raised concerns about inefficiencies in the port system, which a recent Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP) study estimated costs the industry R5.27 billion annually. Eskesen believes this figure is likely conservative, highlighting the need for further improvements.

Global Market Adaptability

Eric Imbert from the French agricultural research centre CIRAD praised South Africa’s ability to adapt to challenging trade conditions. “South Africa has a relatively diversified market, innovative research capability, a large and fast-evolving variety range, and a strong industry organization with significant capacity,” he noted. This adaptability positions the country as a resilient player in the global citrus market.

Technological Innovations

Technological advancements were another key theme at the summit. Anya Jaworski, Business Intelligence Manager at SAFRESCO, showcased innovative applications of artificial intelligence in tracking citrus supply to Europe. Her predictive model helps maintain a balance between supply and demand, ensuring market stability. “When times are in flux, a comprehensive summit that brings together all stakeholders is not just beneficial, it’s essential. We navigate the hurdles together,” said Justin Chadwick, the outgoing CEO of CGA, who has led the organization for 25 years.

A Unified Vision for Growth

Dr. Ntshabele reiterated the importance of collaboration across the supply chain. “Citrus can be a driver of massive economic growth and rural development. But for this to happen, everybody—whether in the orchard, at the port, or in the boardroom—must be aligned,” he said. With this unified vision, the industry looks forward to the 2025 season with optimism.

South Africa’s citrus industry stands at a pivotal moment, poised for growth despite logistical, trade, and market challenges. Insights from the 2025 Citrus Summit highlight the sector’s potential to create jobs, boost exports, and drive rural development. By leveraging technological innovations, improving logistics, and exploring new markets, the industry is well-positioned to thrive in the coming years. As stakeholders work together to overcome obstacles, the future of South Africa’s citrus industry looks brighter than ever.

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