Pg. 5-6 Review of South African Litchi Production and Marketing

The Litchi (Litchi chinensis) has been cultivated in China for over 3 500 years and has undergone selection for specific production areas. It was introduced into South Africa towards the end of the 19th century.

Two major cultivars are currently being grown on a commercial basis, namely:
L chinensis cv mauritius (Tai So) in the lower subtropical areas and L chinensis cv maclean, a local selection grown in slightly higher, cooler areas of the subtropical belt.

The major litchi producing countries are located in the east, eg China and India; South Africa is the major producer on the African continent.

Summary:

• Litchi (Litchi chinensis) has been cultivated in China for over 3,500 years and was introduced to South Africa at the end of the 19th century.
• Two major cultivars are grown commercially in South Africa: cv mauritius (Tai So) in lower subtropical areas, and cv maclean in slightly higher, cooler subtropical zones.
• South Africa is the major litchi producer on the African continent, with about 1,045 hectares under cultivation, mainly along the eastern subtropical belt from northern Transvaal to Natal.
• In the 1987/88 season, South Africa produced around 5,687 tons of litchis, making it the sixth largest global producer.
• Compared to other subtropical fruits, litchi production is smaller; avocados and mangos produce much larger volumes.
• Litchi production shows a cyclical pattern with alternate year drops, linked to the alternate bearing nature of cultivars like maclean.
• Litchis are marketed locally, exported, and increasingly processed; in the 1987/88 season, 13% of the crop was processed mainly into juices (78%), alcoholic beverages (18%), and canned/yogurt products (4%).
• The local market consumes 49% of production; about 2,776 tons were sold mainly in traditional 2kg untreated packaging; prices average around R1,200/ton.
• Local market demand is sensitive to volume and limited by the short three-month season.
• Exports grew to 2,185 tons fresh litchis in 1987/88, mainly to Europe and the UK, with France as the largest importer.
• South Africa increased its market share in Europe, especially in France, which imported 1,079 tons, holding 66% of the litchi imports.
• Advances in sulphur treatment have allowed larger volumes to be shipped by sea in refrigerated containers, improving cost efficiency.
• Export volumes have increased by about 5% annually over five years, with a 23% increase in the last season.
• The European market for exotic fruits like litchis is growing, offering good prospects for South African exports.
• Challenges include the short harvest season, alternate bearing, limitations of sulphur treatment under rainy conditions, and lack of research on optimal maturity and postharvest handling.
• Research is key for resolving these issues and sustaining industry growth.
• Overall, the South African litchi industry has strong potential due to good production, research infrastructure, and marketing efforts across processing, local sale, and export markets.