South Africa’s 2025 citrus export season is projected to peak at a record 171.1 million 15kg cartons, reinforcing the sector’s position as the country’s largest agricultural export. As volumes grow, logistics efficiency is becoming increasingly critical prompting renewed focus on rail transport as a complement to traditional port and road networks.
In a significant logistics breakthrough, CTI Logistics recently dispatched the first refrigerated citrus train from Johannesburg’s City Deep terminal to the Port of Durban. This move is part of a broader initiative to reduce the sector’s dependence on road freight, which currently handles around 90% of citrus exports.
Citrus exports
Approximately 40% of citrus exports originate in Limpopo province and must travel 850 km under strict cold-chain protocols to reach export facilities. Each week, CTI dispatches a minimum of 48 refrigerated containers (“reefers”) from its cold storage facility, equipped with 48 plug points to ensure uninterrupted temperature control. Claudia Cuturi of CTI emphasized the attention to detail: “Transnet sometimes gets bad press, but really, these containers in Johannesburg are treated like their own children.”
Along the rail route, safety cars accompany trains when needed, highlighting the commitment to security and quality preservation. Beyond enhanced product handling, rail offers compelling economic and environmental advantages lower transportation costs, improved fuel efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint. Rail also sidesteps road hazards such as traffic congestion and accidents, which are expected to rise as truck trips may increase from 2,200 to over 3,800 per week by 2028, according to the Citrus Growers’ Association.
The project’s scalability is promising. “The more containers we move, the cheaper the rates can be,” said Cuturi, noting that current shipments are destined for Europe. Other rail initiatives are also gaining traction Kholwa Logistics, in partnership with Transnet, is transporting citrus from Bela-Bela, reinforcing rail’s viability in the sector.
Minister Barbara Creecy’s recent appeal for private sector investment in rail infrastructure echoes these developments, signaling growing government support for modernizing transport logistics. With rising citrus volumes and mounting road congestion, rail may well be the key to sustaining and expanding South Africa’s citrus export dominance.