European organic importer OTC-Holland has had a relatively lucky run with its South African citrus suppliers this year as the majority passed Citrus Black Spot (CBS) import inspections, but there may be some issues relating to frost effects in the Eastern Cape crop.

The company announced it has started the season with Star Ruby grapefruit from the Orange River area, with a weekly supply of organic South African citrus set to arrive at the warehouses of OTC partner Van den Bos Freshpartners in Poeldijk.

The release said CBS inspections for EU-bound export meant a "turbulent season preparation", with increased controls from last season as a major influence in how South African authorities carry out their inspections.

"Our growers in the Eastern Cape needed to make a major effort to get the farms approved for export to Europe," said OTC buyer Edward Out.

"Fortunately, almost all registered EU farms passed the first round of inspections. We expect the first organic lemons from the Sundays River region to arrive around the beginning of June."

However, the company said a significant portion of organic production was still not allowed for export to the EU.

In addition to the CBS issues, frost damage from the fruiting end of 2013 has also led to a limited supply, which will likely push up prices.

"However we have good hope that we can offer a continuous supply of organic grapefruits, lemons and oranges because of the various growing regions," Out said.

"The limited supply will inevitably lead to an increased price. Therefore we can assist our suppliers in mitigating the loss of income caused by CBS and frost."

The buyer added that requests have been strong for organic summer citrus from South Africa.

"Because of expanding acreage of our suppliers the coming years we expect to be able to meet the needs of the market better. But first we need to get through the upcoming season.

"There is still a risk that the EU restricts the import of South African citrus from areas where CBS occurs. For that reason we follow the developments in Brussels closely, like many fellow importers."

Photo: OTC-Holland

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