Summer Citrus from South Africa launches its 2026 season with the first US arrivals expected this month
Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) has announced the commencement of the 2026 season, with the first arrivals expected at US ports this month.
Approximately 170 containers, primarily easy peelers and some Navel oranges, are scheduled to arrive during the early part of the season.
SCSA said that it would continue to match available supply with the demand of the market, despite lower volumes in the country and the impact of exteme weather.
The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerised shipments and dedicated conventional vessels, SCSA said.
“The port of Philadelphia is a critical point of entry for our fruit as many of our importers and repacking facilities are located in New York and Pennsylvania,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa.
“Ensuring reliable shipping partnerships remains a top priority for the programme, helping us maintain a steady supply throughout the season.”
Since October 2025, MSC has operated a standalone service between South Africa and the US, including a seasonal Philadelphia stop to support distribution throughout the Northeast.
New this year, MSC vessels will add weekly stops into Savannah, Georgia, creating an additional entry point for fruit destined for the Southern US market.
“The addition of Savannah expands our ability to serve customers in the south while providing greater flexibility across our supply chain,” Conradie continued.
“Our focus is on meeting the needs of importers and customers through efficient, reliable logistics solutions.”
Alongside its partnership with MSC, SCSA revealed that it has renewed its agreement with Seatrade.
The first conventional vessel under that programme is expected to arrive in Philadelphia shortly after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
From a production perspective, the group said it expects lower volumes this year, especially with Navels, following the record-volume season in 2025.
“It is important to acknowledge the amount of planning and coordination required to execute a programme like this,” Conradie pointed out.
”Negotiations and planning workshops with shipping providers begin months before the season starts.
“By March, retailers are typically ready to discuss imported citrus programs, and from that point forward we build our shipping plan and align all logistics partners to ensure consistent weekly shipments and arrivals throughout the season.”
While parts of South Africa experienced heavy rainfall during May, the impact on the Western Cape, the primary growing region supplying citrus to the US, is described as ”manageable” with lower volumes predicted for the 2026 season.
SCSA said that, while weather-related conditions caused some minor supply chain delays, the group has maintained its planned volume projections for the season and made “limited adjustments” to vessel schedules.
