CAPE TOWN: Shippers of South African citrus are making major inroads into Midwestern and Gulf Coast markets this summer. Growing retail business in the regions has led to a 300% increase this year in the amount of South African citrus entering the U.S. through the Port of Houston, according to a news release from Citrusdal, South Africa-based Summer Citrus from South Africa, formerly known as the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum. This is the third year Summer Citrus from South Africa has worked with the Port of Houston. Traditionally, South African fruit enters the U.S. through Philadelphia and New York.
The Port of Houston is the only Southern U.S. port approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for the fruits’ cold treatment program. In order to grow sales in the Midwest and Gulf Coast, Summer Citrus from South Africa has partnered with regional bloggers to spur demand at their local retailers. The group also has a new website design and enhanced social media presence.
“We’re confident that our consumer marketing campaign will inspire more interest in the brand,” Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa, said in the release. “Coupled with our increased distribution, we expect to see positive sales growth from the elevated presence that Summer Citrus from South Africa will have this season.”
