SEPC’s annual Southern Exposure show that took place towards the end of February / early March was the perfect time for our group to start talking to our valued importers and retailers about the upcoming citrus import season. Although we don’t begin arriving in the US until the end of May / early June with limited volumes, there’s so much effort and planning that goes into our program, and we want to make sure we adhere to the requirement and the demand of the market.
In Orlando, we met with a number of our importer and retailer partners, and we really appreciate the facetime everyone has given us. There is so much value in face-to-face conversations and gathering information as we go along. This is still a relationship business and the trusted partnerships, valued friendships, sharing ideas and small talk go such a long way. Especially in an environment where so much business is done online, we value this in-person event and time even more.
When I started travelling to the US many moons ago, I thought GPS was the best thing since sliced bread, but I have changed my mind. Zoom and Teams calls have made our lives so much easier and are really very valuable in quick access to everyone across the globe and resolving issues and saving time. But it does not replace the human element, and it is exactly that, that has helped us overcome so many challenges and allowed us to utilize multiple opportunities. I like to call it a “human piggy bank,” as it leaves just enough to keep us going, until we see each other again.
Please enjoy this video filmed at the recent Southern Exposure show in Orlando, FL. for further insight!
Coming back to business, I can assure everyone throughout the total supply-chain, the US is an extremely important market for us. Remember, we farm for the US market, and we must adhere to some of the most rigorous requirements, and we ship our best quality here.
From a production point of view, we expect a very healthy season, and we are now busy with the necessary planning. This is the time when our respective exporters have conversations with their respective importers and retailers, to ensure the perfect match between managing our available supply to the demand of the market is acquired. We will allow this process to take its natural course, and we as a group will soon be able to share updated volumes with the trade.
From my side, thank you to SEPC for a very valuable event and thank you to everyone, who has made the effort to spend some time with us. I wish all a successful season and thank you for your contribution to our program!
Please stay up-to-date during the season and reach to out to our grower-exporters or importers to secure your citrus during the summer months.
Proudly shipping and selling the world’s finest Summer Citrus!
Thank you for the continued support!
Suhanra Conradie
CEO – Summer Citrus from South Africa
suhanra@summercitrus.com
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