High rewards and risks in Eastern Cape citrus industry
On the back of the highest ever recorded exports of over 3 tons of citrus out of South Africa in 2025, key role players in the local citrus industry were cautiously optimistic about the 2026 season.
South Africa became the largest exporter of citrus in the world with 203.9-million 15 kg cartons of citrus exported in 2025, having been the largest exporter of citrus in the Southern hemisphere for some time.
The landmark season for the industry was celebrated during today’s [24 June] Citrus Panel discussion hosted by Exporters Eastern Cape in partnership with Standard Bank in Gqeberha.
Standard Bank Executive Head: Commercial Agri Business Bertie Hamman, a panelist at the event, said the citrus industry had a good run over the last 12 months.
“Our story is probably one of the best success stories in agriculture in South Arica. I am really proud to say we are the largest exporter of citrus in the world – it didn’t happen by chance. This was because of the concerted efforts by the industry and Citrus Growers Association (CGA) to be deliberate in developing and diversifying markets, making investments into orchards, packhouses and the logistics value chain and the diplomacy by industry leaders should also be commended,” said Hamman.
CGA CEO Dr Boitshoko Ntshabele said the industry remains committed to the long-term CGA Vision of exporting 260-million cartons by 2032.
While Ntshabele admitted that it was an interesting current season with the war and interest rate fluctuations, he believes quality will be a main differentiator the 2026 season.
“Climate change is another reality, and the question is what are we adding to the toolbox of growers to build their resilience and develop new instruments to help against floods and hail,” said Ntshabele.
Eastern Cape outlook
With the Eastern Cape being a key region for the industry, which across the country employs 140 000 people at farm level, Sundays River Citrus Company (SRCC) CEO Hannes de Waal said risks will always come with unpredicted times.
“Recent floods going over the 100-year mark is a new phenomenon beyond our expectations, even though we watch the weather like hawks. Storms are affecting the industry world-wide; we are in agriculture after all… but the droughts appear more intense. It is a tough challenge for industry, but SA is still very well positioned compared to other competitors. Our farmers are resilient – this season we compete against ourselves and profitability depends on how we optimize and collaborate,” said De Waal.
CGA Logistics Development Manager Mitchell Brooke said the citrus industry was “riding a wonderful wave at the moment” following the successful 2025 season but said that the last 10 years had not been without its challenges in the export context.
“The Eastern Cape is a fascinating citrus growers’ region: production is relatively close to the ports compared to other regions, the road networks are being rehabilitated, like at the Sundays River Valley, the region has a dual port system with capacity and availability and many cold storage areas,” said Brooke.
While there are some risks, he said the industry still has a lot of growth opportunities and investment solutions. One of these he recommended was sustainable energy alternatives since the citrus industry was a high energy-intensive sector.
Exporters Eastern Cape Chairman Quintin Levey thanked the panelists for their participation in the lively discussion. He said the citrus industry success in the region can be attributed to continued, strong collaboration.
“At Exporters EC we regularly participate in these collaborations, whether it be meetings with Transnet, our regular task-team meetings or showcasing the citrus exporters’ important work through our various platforms,” said Levey.
Caption for image: Pictured after the Citrus Panel Discussion were from left Kobie Venter (Standard Bank), Alan Barr (KPMG), Samantha Dunlop (Exporters EC), Bertie Hamman (Standard Bank) and Quintin Levey (Exporters EC).
