San Miguel grows in South Africa while looking East

With a total of 7,760 hectares planted in three countries (Argentina, Uruguay and South Africa) and a total in 2015 of 91,058 tons of citrus exports, San Miguel is focusing on exploring new markets, expanding its fruit supply in those where it is already present, bolstering the pillars of its company identity and strengthening its quality and sustainability policies.

“We want to consolidate our position as the leading company for fresh citrus and processed fruit and vegetable foods in the Southern Hemisphere. We understand that lasting success must be achieved and maintained through sustainable development,” said Alejandro Moralejo, Fruta Fresca’s commercial director.

While Europe accounts for half of its customers and Russia is bordering 15%, the firm is also making headway in North American markets and now ships over 20% of its produce to customers in the Middle and Far East.

The most important fruit is lemon with 52% of its output, but orange exports continue to grow with 41% and mandarins at 6%.

This year, the supply from San Miguel will balance out. The growth rate being seen in sweet citruses is slightly higher than in lemon.

Historically, the company had a ratio of 4 or 5 times more lemon than oranges and tangerines, while it has now managed to achieve a 1-to-1 ratio.

In new markets, it is exploring the Far East and, in order to expand its supply to the US market, recently acquired two new farms in Western Cape, South Africa, which unlike other regions in this country has the phytosanitary permits to export to the US.

The main distribution channels are supermarkets, accounting for 70% of sales.