The need for citrus in nations on the African continent has increased in the last eight years. Oranges and soft citrus comprise the majority of market, and oranges are most popular due to their longer-lasting season as well as the long shelf life for Valencia varieties. “With increased demands, competition has also intensified, not only in South African produce, but in other producers,” says Rohan Meyer Director of Commercial Operations – Africa Kallos Global. Kallos Global.

The business that exports its products is located at Cape Town, South Africa and they consider themselves to be the top exporter of fruit towards the African continent from 1943. the company has a history of 81 years and still counting.

“Many could see that the African continent as a single market or a single continent, but the specifics are not just that simple. Each country is unique and has distinct needs, dynamic and issues. We offer shipping to more than 30 nations on the African continent. We trade across different types of fruits packaging specifications, sizes of the fruit, grade and currencies. “This creates each country with its own unique opportunities, however also dangers and challenges” Meyer states. Meyer.

The main citrus-producing countries within Africa including South Africa, Egypt and Morocco have been able to make inroads throughout the continent, and are offering fierce competition to the other. “Morocco is an extremely strong rival particularly in West Africa. Within East Africa, Egypt is well-established with a prolonged season, and extremely competitive prices and is also an integral part of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), therefore, they are exempt from import duty. Zimbabwe’s citrus sector has evolved into an essential player over these past years, particularly on the continent of East Africa, where the import duties have been reduced. The company now purchases from Zimbabwe to be competitive in the market” Meyer says. Meyer.

“While payment and supply of currency is a major issue in Africa Our main export driver is the apple. We provide apples throughout the year. throughout the year. Since we have been successful with the apples we have through the years, diversified the range of products we offer to our clients which, at present, comprises all fresh fruit products such as citrus. Kallos Global has also invested heavily in our African expansion, through collaborations, joint ventures and the construction in cold storage facility so that our receivers have an advantage in market.”

Meyer closes with the following statement: “The appetite for citrus varieties is growing across Africa And we’re providing immense value to the farmer. This is exciting, positive and certainly worth cultivating.”

For further information, visit:

Rohan Meyer

Kallos Global

Tel: +27 (0) 21 912 1500

[email protected] / [email protected]

www.kallos.co.za