April 13, 2016

California-based fruit, land, and crops company, Limoneira has expanded into South Africa with the launch of Limoneira South Africa through a partnership called Real Citrus with Re:inc that was launched to oversee packing and sales on the African continent.

The South African company will be based in Paarl, South Africa and will fall under Limoneira’s One World of Citrus model it formed upon its 2014 investment in Chilean lemon grower, Rosales. Together with Re:inc, Limoneira South Africa will source its citrus from local growers to be shipped to global markets, as part of Limoneira’s initiative to make its products available year-round.

Global citrus sales have climbed by 8% year on year for the December to February period according to IRI Worldwide data – an indication of strong consumer demand for healthier, seasonal foods, reports Americafruit.

“Africa is one of the largest citrus exporting continents in the world – exports are almost four times larger than California’s and Arizona’s combined,” said Limoneira chief operating officer, Alex Teaugue in a company statement. “This represents another promising opportunity for supplying our global customers year-round.”

Founded in 1893 in Ventura County, California, Limoneira began producing lemons, Valencia oranges, and walnuts on 413 acres. Today the company has grown to 11,000 acres producing oranges, lemons, avocados, pistachios, pluots, cherries, and specialty citrus.

“Working with Limoneira made perfect sense, said Riaan van Wyk, CEO of  Re:inc. “Their 124 year history of growing high quality citrus for export is admirable as is their responsibility for sustainability. It will be exciting to harness our combined talents to benefit our customers.”