“The harvest looks particularly good, the internal fruit quality is great, and we expect a higher export percentage than the previous year,” he said.
Smit expects an export volume increase of 7% to 8% for soft citrus, while Valencia export volumes are pegged at 15% to 20% higher than 2016. However, he expects a 10% decline in Navel export volumes.
According to Smit, the swing between warm-day and cold-night temperatures contributed to the fruit acquiring a good colour and sugar content.
Substantial rainfall is, however, still needed during the coming winter. Smit anticipates good precipitation over the Easter weekend.
