Indian consumers can anticipate a zesty season ahead as the inaugural shipment of South African lemons for 2025 has successfully arrived in Mumbai.

This significant shipment marks the first export of lemons to India by FruitOne, a local citrus cultivation and export company eager to expand its offerings in the promising market.

Boitshoko Ntshabele, CEO of the Citrus Growers' Association of Southern Africa (CGA), on Thursday said they were delighted to announce the arrival of the first shipment of South African lemons in India for the seaso.

"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," Ntshabele said.

Ntshabele also pointed out that citrus exports to India have increased significantly.

Since 2020, citrus exports have almost tripled to 30 000 tons. South Africa also exports oranges, mandarins, and grapefruit to India.

However, Ntshabele also mentioned an obstacle to further growth.

"A steep citrus import tariff of 30% keeps South African growers and the citrus-loving Indian consumer from benefiting even more," Ntshabele said, expresseing hope that the progress already made in trade relations between SA and India continues.

The arrival of 1 600 cartons of lemons on the vessel Navios Verde, welcomed by major importers IG International, is just the beginning.

"India, just because of its sheer population size and its growing middle-class, is important to South African fruit's future," said Leardt van der Burgh, head of commercial at FruitOne.

"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."

India’s appreciation for South African citrus is palpable. With a target of exporting 260 million 15kg cartons of citrus by 2032, the CGA’s goal aims to create approximately 100 000 additional jobs and significantly boost South Africa's export-led economic growth.

To further advance this agenda, a group of CGA representatives plan to travel to India next week as part of a Fruit SA delegation, engaging with the Indian government and participating in Fresh Produce India in Mumbai, a pivotal trade event.

The outlook for the South African lemon season appears promising, with better fruit sizing compared to 2024. Overall, an estimated 32.9 million cartons are expected to be exported globally in 2025, aligning well with the anticipated market demands.

Sachin Khurana, the CGA's trade representative in India, said the Indian market loved South Africa's citrus.

"In India there is a noticeable appreciation of South African citrus and its juiciness, vibrant colour, and fresh flavour," Khurana said.

"For five months of the year - when the produce of India’s own citrus growers is out of season, South Africa sustains Indian consumers."

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