First shipment of SA lemons arrives in India boosting trade prospects

SOUTH AFRICA – The first batch of South African lemons for the 2025 season arrived in India this week, marking an important step for citrus exports from the country.

This shipment, delivered by FruitOne, a South African citrus cultivation and export company, was received at Jawaharlal Nehru Port.

“We are delighted to announce the arrival of the first shipment of South African lemons in India for the season,” said Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (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.”

India has been an important market for South African citrus, with growing demand driven by its large population and expanding middle class. Leardt van der Burgh, Head of Commercial at FruitOne, emphasized the importance of this development.

“India, just because of its sheer population size and its growing middle-class, is 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. Adding lemons to this basket in 2025 is a big step forward in this regard.”

The shipment, consisting of 1,600 cartons of lemons, was transported aboard the vessel Navios Verde and was welcomed by importers IG International. The arrival comes at a crucial time, as South Africa continues to strengthen its citrus export sector.

South Africa also exports oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit to India, ensuring a steady supply of citrus products during months when India’s own production is low.

Sachin Khurana, the CGA’s trade representative in India, highlighted the appeal of South African citrus. “In India, there is a noticeable appreciation of South African citrus and its juiciness, vibrant colour, and fresh flavour. For five months of the year – when the produce of India’s own citrus growers is out of season, South Africa sustains Indian consumers.”

Challenges in trade growth

While citrus exports to India have nearly tripled since 2020, reaching 30,000 tonnes, obstacles remain. “A steep citrus import tariff of 30% keeps South African growers and the citrus-loving Indian consumer from benefiting even more,” Ntshabele said.

He expressed optimism that trade discussions between the two nations could lead to progress on this issue.

South Africa aims to expand its citrus exports significantly. The CGA has set a goal of exporting 260 million 15kg cartons of citrus by 2032, which could create approximately 100,000 additional jobs and provide a substantial boost to the economy.

A delegation of CGA representatives will travel to India next week as part of Fruit SA’s efforts to strengthen trade relations.

The team will meet with Indian government officials, representatives of the South African High Commission, and attend Fresh Produce India in Mumbai, a key industry event.

Industry outlook

Despite positive developments in trade, logistical and regulatory hurdles remain a concern. “The CGA is grateful for progress made by Transnet in terms of equipment acquisitions at ports, but the only long-term way to achieve the needed efficiency is through structural change,” said Mitchell Brooke, the CGA’s logistics development manager.

A recent study by the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy found that inefficient logistics cost the citrus industry R5.27 billion (US$288 million) per year.

The 2025 lemon season is expected to meet global demand, with an estimated 32.9 million cartons set for export. While overall export volumes are slightly lower than last year, the market outlook remains stable.

Industry leaders hope that continued trade expansion and improvements in infrastructure will support long-term growth.

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