SANTA PAULA, CA – Limoneira Company has announced the formation of Limoneira South Africa (Limoneira SA) as the company drives its growth initiatives forward. In addition, the company has revealed its new partnership with South African-based Re:inc dubbed Real Citrus which will both represent and manage the packing and sales opportunities for the program. Together they aim to meet global demand for citrus year-round.
"Africa is one of the largest citrus exporting continents in the world - exports are almost 4 times larger than California's and Arizona's combined. This represents another promising opportunity for supplying our global customers year-round. Limoneira S.A. will also pursue investments in joint venture farming and packing operations in South Africa," said Alex Teague, Limoneira's Chief Operating Officer, in a press release.
Limoneira SA will be based in Paarl, South Africa, and Limoneira's U.S. organization together with Re:inc will manage grower, packing and sales functions. Citrus will be sourced from South African growers and will be packed locally for marketing and global sales.
"We're delighted to partner with Re:inc,” said Limoneira Senior Director, Mark Palamountain. “They have extensive experience in getting world class fruit to market, and they mirror Limoneira's commitment to sustainability, stewardship and innovation. This continues our mission of perfecting the 52 week citrus supply chain."
Riaan van Wyk, Re:inc. CEO, also shared his thoughts on the partnership, saying "Working with Limoneira made perfect sense. 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."
With a year-round citrus program that continues to grow, we'll be sure to keep you updated on Limoneira's domestic and international ventures.
