"Demand for easy peelers such as Tango and Nadorcott is trending up"

Imports of South African citrus into Singapore started back in March.

"We started with lemon in March, followed by Star Ruby Grapefruit in April," explained Hong Chew Kwek, Managing Director at Kwek Global. "We then moved into soft citrus such as Nules, Clementines, and Nova in June, followed by Navel and Valencia Orange in July."

"The quality of South Africa's citrus has been good this season except for Nules / Clementines and Nova," said Mr Kwek. "This season, the demand for South African lemons has been very good, which has kept the price very high at the wholesale and retail level. For Navel and Valencia oranges, the demand is average, and they are just moving steadily. This may be down to high import costs due to the strong demand in Europe and the Middle East in July. However, we are starting to see that the price of oranges is beginning to ease as there is supply pressure in the Middle East.

"We are also getting a supply of Navel oranges and soft citrus from Australia. However, the demand for citrus from Australia cannot match the demand for South African citrus. Also, we are seeing that the demand for easy peelers such as Tango and Nadorcott is trending up. This may be due to the fact that the variety of easy peelers is sweet, juicy, and seedless. We will be getting a good volume of Tango and Nadorcott from South Africa, arriving in Singapore in September."

© Kwek Global

In general, Singapore is a market for sweet, juicy, and seedless citrus fruits. This is why varieties such as Tango, Nadorcott, and Late Lane Navel oranges are commanding the demand in the market.

For more information:
Hong Chew Kwek
Kwek Global
[email protected]
Tel: + 65 9833 8223