Lean van Schalkwyk, marketing manager at Neofresh, a litchi producer, highlighted the fluctuating prices of litchis in South Africa, noting that a 2kg carton currently ranges between approximately $6.70 and $7.20 (R130 to R140). Speaking with Farmer's Weekly, Van Schalkwyk attributed the reduced flower count on litchi trees to unexpected temperature drops, frost occurrences, and earlier high temperatures. These conditions led to poor fruit set and were exacerbated by cold damage in July and intense heat at the onset of spring, causing significant fruit drop and sunburn damage.
South African litchis, known for their quality and size, are exported to markets in the US, Middle East, and UK, where they are in high demand. The international market favors litchis with a circumference of at least 34mm. However, South Africa faces stiff competition from Madagascar, Mauritius, and Reunion. Despite this year's low yield, there is hope that litchi prices will remain above average.
Exporters are rushing to ship high volumes of litchis to capitalize on the market before Madagascar's first shipments arrive. Ben Halliday from Agrilink, an air freighter, described the season's start as nerve-wracking due to difficulties in gathering the necessary volumes for export to Europe and the Middle East.
The South African Litchi Growers' Association reports that the country's total litchi plantings stand at 1,360 hectares, an increase from the previous year. The Mauritius cultivar is the most widely planted, followed by McLean's Red, primarily produced in the Letaba region of Limpopo.
Source: farmer's weekly