THE Citrus Growers’ Association of Southern Africa (CGA) and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF) announced the end of the 2026 Valencia orange export season to Europe. The final day of packhouse-level inspection for Valencia oranges exported to Europe from regions other than the Western and Northern Cape provinces will be Sunday, 27 September 2026.
The closure date gives growers and exporters currently still supplying the EU market sufficient notice to finalise their last orders and programme obligations.
This decision reflects the South African citrus industry’s commitment to being a responsible and reliable supplier of the finest quality fresh citrus fruits to trading partners across the globe.
In a joint media statement issued last week, the CGA and FPEF thanked growers, exporters and other industry role-players for their continued dedication to an industry that supports more than 160,000 livelihoods on farms and in rural communities across South Africa.
The Eastern Cape accounts for approximately 13% to 14% of South Africa’s total Valencia orange planting area. The region is heavily dominated by cooler-climate varieties like Navels (where it leads the country at 39%), whereas warmer northern regions like Limpopo dominate Valencia production with over 50–60% of the market.
Of the overall Valencia crop packed for export across South Africa, the European Union remains the primary destination, traditionally consuming 40% to 50% of the country’s total Valencia export volume.
