• Home
  • About us
  • Software Solutions
    • PALFARM
    • PALPACK
    • PALSTORE
    • PALPORT
    • PALBROKER
    • PALINFO
  • Services
  • News
  • Contact
  • Login
    • Helpdesk
    • Downloads
Facebook Instagram Linkedin
  • Home
  • About us
  • Software Solutions
    • PALFARM
    • PALPACK
    • PALSTORE
    • PALPORT
    • PALBROKER
    • PALINFO
  • Services
  • News
  • Contact
  • Login
    • Helpdesk
    • Downloads
Facebook Instagram Linkedin

First lemons of the South African season arrive in India

28 March 2025 /Posted byherodigital / 0

The first South African lemon shipment of the 2025 season has arrived in India.

It comes a week before a representative of the South African Citrus Growers’ Association (CGA) travels to India for meetings with the Indian government, the South African High Commission, and participation in Fresh Produce India in Mumbai.

The CGA, in a joint statement with South African exporter FruitOne, said Indian consumers could look forward to a “flavourful” citrus season this year.

The arrival of the lemons is the first shipment of the fruit exported to India by FruitOne.

“We are delighted to announce the arrival of the first shipment of South African lemons in India for the season,” said Boitshoko Ntshabele, chief executive of the CGA.

“This shipment signifies the strong trade relationship between South Africa and India.

”It starts the season, and hopefully also starts an era of increased exports and opportunities for our two countries,” he noted,

Leardt van der Burgh, head of the commercial section at FruitOne, said India – because of its sheer population size and growing middle-class – was important to South African fruit’s future.

”The FruitOne brand is known in India, and it is important for us to supply the whole citrus basket to this market,” he explained. “Adding Lemons to this basket in 2025 is a big step forward in this regard.”

The shipment of 1,600 cartons arrived in Jawaharlal Nehru Port on the vessel Navios Verde and was welcomed by importer IG International.

Sachin Khurana, the CGA’s trade representative in India, said there was a ”noticeable appreciation” of South African citrus and its ”juiciness, vibrant colour, and fresh flavour” in India.

“For five months of the year, when the produce of India’s own citrus growers is out of season, South Africa sustains Indian consumers,” he said.

According to the statement, South Africa also exports oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit to India.

Ntshabele pointed out that citrus exports to India have increased significantly in recent years. Since 2020, citrus exports have almost tripled to 30,000 tonnes.

There is, however, an obstacle to further growth.

“A steep citrus import tariff of 30 per cent keeps South African growers and the citrus-loving Indian consumer from benefiting even more,” Ntshabele said.

It is hoped that the progress already made in trade relations between SA and India will continue.

The CGA said expanded market access for South African citrus was the cornerstone of its goal to export 260mn 15kg cartons of citrus by 2032, which will create an estimated 100,000 more jobs and ”contribute significantly” to export-led growth in the economy.

South Africa expects a good lemon export season overall in 2025, with better sizing compared to 2024.

“The South African volume for 2025 seems to match the global demand well – with 32.9mn cartons expected to be exported in total – and a stable market is anticipated,” the CGA added.

Reference Link, Fruitnet News

Share Post
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • VK
  • Pinterest
  • Mail to friend
  • Linkedin
  • Whatsapp
  • Skype
South Africa’s grape exports t...
Export challenges mount as Cap...

Related posts

Read more

South African citrus industry faces uncertain future as US trade tariff pause nears expiration next week

As the new US trade tariff deadline looms, citrus growers in South Africa are holding their breath over what will happen during the next week Continue reading
Read more

South African raisin industry achieves record-breaking 100,000 tonne harvest despite weather challenges

Industry body Raisins SA reports landmark production figure of 100,542 tonnes, with Thompson variety leading the way at 58,000 tonnes, as producers benefit from new... Continue reading
Read more

Study backs port privatisation in South Africa

Calls for privatisation in South African ports grow, with a leading supply chain management company publishing a study backing the move. Continue reading
Read more

Transnet lifeline a positive move for South Africa’s produce industry

New government guarantee of R51bn will provide opportunities for public and private sector partnerships. Continue reading
Read more

Success of Flash Gala in India gets South African industry talking

South African sources say trade dynamics in India have created new opportunities for South African apples and pears. Continue reading

Add comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Recent Popular

South African citrus industry faces uncertain future ...

1 July 2025 0

South African raisin industry achieves record-breaking 100,000 ...

1 July 2025 0

Study backs port privatisation in South Africa

17 June 2025 0

Transnet lifeline a positive move for South ...

17 June 2025 0

Success of Flash Gala in India gets ...

17 June 2025 0

LOVEREN VAN ZYL BOERDERY’S LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH ...

20 July 2022 0

South African table grape industry ready to ...

20 October 2022 0

“South Africa starts catching up after weeks ...

9 September 2022 0

Fresh produce probe in South Africa

2 March 2023 0

End of the Sharon fruit dream in ...

26 February 2024 0

Connect with us

Facebook Instagram Linkedin

Instagram

Useful Links

    • Privacy Policy

    • Terms of use

    • Support Services Policy

    • Email Disclaimer

    • PAI Act Manual

    • Covid-19

Subscribe Now

Subscribe us and get latest news  and updates to your inbox directly.

* Don’t worry, we don’t spam.

Contact Info.

The Vineyards Office Estate, Farm 3, Manor House, 99 Jip De Jager Drive, De Bron, Cape Town. South Africa
+27 (0)21 818 4200
info@paltrack.co.za
Mon – Fri: 8am to 5pm

Copyright © 2024 Paltrack. Designed by Hero Digital

Facebook Instagram Linkedin
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok