In the previous 30 years, for South African fruits destined for Russia, transshipment was carried out in Rotterdam (the Netherlands). Since the conflict in Ukraine, supply chains have changed and South Africa has just resumed its direct winter deliveries of fruit to Russia by sea.
In the 2nd week of January 2023, from Cape Town (South Africa) arrived at the port of Saint Petersburg (Russia) after 22 days of travel, a refrigerated cargo ship carrying 2,000 tons of South African fruits - grapes , peaches, plums, avocados and other fruits.
According to the Honorary Consul of South Africa in St. Petersburg, this is the first direct winter delivery in the past 30 years. And this type of delivery could return on a regular basis, the next shipment is scheduled to depart from Cape Town on January 20, with an expected arrival in Russia in mid-February. This next shipment is expected to total around 5,000 tonnes of South African fruit.
Fruit is South Africa's main export product to Russia. The Russian market accounts for a share of approximately 10-12% of South African fruit exports. With mainly citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, tangerines), grapes, pears, apples, plums, as well as mangoes, avocados and pomegranates.