South Africa's estimates for easy peelers packed for export have exceeded 2015 levels by more than 10% at 11.2 million cartons, according to the Citrus Growers Association of Southern Africa (CGA). 

In a weekly newsletter, the group said the original estimate showed a static trend for both satsumas (11.8 million cartons) and clementines (2.7 million cartons), while mandarins were initially projected to rise from the 5.8 million cartons shipped in 2015 to 6.7 million this year.

"Excellent market conditions and good quality saw all three categories surpass estimates and 2015 levels," CGA CEO Justin Chadwick said in the newsletter.

"Final 2016 packed for export for Satsuma was 1.9 m, clementines 3.1m and mandarins 7.2 m – resulting in a record 12.2 million carton soft citrus crop [183 000 tons]."

The U.K. and Europe received proportionally more than last year, at 65% compared to 63%, increasing from 5.9 million to 7.3 million cartons.

"South East Asia also experienced increasing volume from 0.6 m (2015) to 1.1 million cartons. North America also showed an increase (0.8 m 2015 to 1.1 m 2016)," Chadwick said.

"These increases were at the expense of Russia which dropped from 0.9 m to 0.7 million cartons. Africa (0.3 m) and Middle East (0.7 m) remained static.

"The season was characterised by good demand and excellent quality – leading to strong markets and good returns."

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