The Citrus Growers' Association of South Africa has announced 61.2% of the season's estimated fruit exports were packed by week 29.

The latest forecast is that Southern Africa - which includes South Africa, Zimbabwe and Swaziland - will ship 93.9 million 15kg cartons of citrus this year, down from initial forecasts of 94.7 million cartons.

The countries have packed 15 million cartons of grapefruit so far out of an expected 15.3 million, while for soft citrus 5.9  million cartons have been packed out of an expected 7.3 million.

Lemon packing is getting closer to completion with 8.6 million cartons out of an expected 9.3 million, as well as Navel oranges with 17.9 million cartons out of an estimated 19.2 million.

Less than a quarter of the season's expected Valencia oranges were packed until week 29, with 43 million cartons expected  for export.

The Association's CEO Justin  Chadwick said the market situation was not 'lifting spirits' in the industry, with a large Northern  Hemisphere supply overhang meaning prices remained depressed for all fruit.

"There is a possibility that the lower Argentinean lemon exports will boost the price for lemons for those who still have the product available," he said.

www.freshfruitportal.com