The total value of citrus being exported to the US is estimated at more than $520m.
Gerrit van der Merwe, chairperson of the Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum, says the American West Coast and Midwest states are this year being targeted for increased sales after the progress in those areas in 2009.
Last year 20% of South African citrus exported was successfully channelled to the West Coast and 15% to the Midwest.
Van der Merwe says that in 2010 South Africa's citrus will be aggressively marketed in those regions so as to push sales there up to 50% of all US sales.
This would be done by taking market share away from South Africa's competitors in the southern hemisphere through innovation in the supply chain, which will be to the benefit of American commerce and consumers.
South Africa's market share is growing despite the difficult economic conditions, with its citrus products being distributed throughout the US while its competitors, Chile and Australia in particular, are struggling to make the grade.
Van der Merwe says that the South African citrus industry will not shrink from competition and will take on the other southern hemisphere countries that are marketing in the US with better quality and the type of service that promotes growth and sales in the American market.
Last year the South African industry demonstrated the value of doing so in delivering fruit of the highest quality regularly throughout the season.
Strong partnerships with well-known supermarket groups also have positive results.

SOURCE: FIN24