Summer Citrus from South Africa has begun its 2026 season, and it says approximately 170 containers, primarily of easy peelers and some navel oranges, will arrive during the early part of the season.
The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerized shipments and dedicated conventional vessels.
“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,” says Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “Ensuring reliable shipping partnerships remains a top priority for the program, helping us maintain a steady supply throughout the season.”
MSC has operated a standalone service between South Africa and the U.S. since October 2025, including a seasonal Philadelphia stop to support distribution throughout the Northeast. A new addition this year is MSC vessels’ weekly stops in Savannah, Ga., creating another entry point for fruit destined for the Southern U.S. market.
“The addition of Savannah expands our ability to serve customers in the South while providing greater flexibility across our supply chain,” Conradie says. “Our focus is on meeting the needs of importers and customers through efficient, reliable logistics solutions.”
Summer Citrus from South Africa says it has also renewed its agreement with Seatrade, and its first conventional vessel under that program is expected to arrive in Philadelphia shortly after the Fourth of July to further support continuity of supply during the summer citrus season.
Summer Citrus from South Africa says it expects lower volumes this year, especially with navel oranges, with parts of the country experiencing heavy rainfall. The organization says the impacts have been manageable, but it will align its supply with market demand to help support a balanced and sustainable program.
“It is important to acknowledge the amount of planning and coordination required to execute a program like this,” Conradie says. “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.”
