Canyon Gold

To be sustainable in an ever competitive fruit export industry, it is crucial to focus on the marketing principle of “Field to Fork”. Integration of the supply chain forms an essential part of it and relationships with fruit receivers in the diverse international markets, must be developed at grass root level. It is necessary to access new markets; therefore, South Africa and the USA are currently busy with negotiations to allow farmers in black spot affected areas to export citrus to the USA. When they have come to an agreement, Blydevallei will be allowed to export to the USA markets as well.

As part of our integration in the supply chain, we have developed our own brand, Canyon Gold, over the last 20 years to such an extent that in 2018 more than 80% of our fruit was marketed directly to receivers and Supermarkets all over the world. Direct exports have many advantages, including the fact that you know who your customer is and what their needs are. You also have more control over all the phases of transactions.

Blydevallei takes pride in its equipment; therefore, we are constantly searching for the best technology to upgrade our pack houses and improve our systems.

Mangoes

The mango tree stands as a steadfast evergreen, maintaining its lush foliage throughout the year. These expansive leaves offer generous shade and enhance the tree’s rich appearance. When the mango tree blossoms, it showcases delicate light pink flowers that release a sweet, unmistakable fragrance. These clusters of blooms adorn the branches, filling the air with their delightful scent, especially noticeable in an orchard during mango blossom season.

Blydevallei Mangoes play a crucial role in our business. As December ushers in the hot, humid season, our mango season starts. From December to June, we market these delicious fruits through various channels:

  • Local Market Programs: Our mangoes brighten up supermarket shelves, adding vibrant color and flavor to fresh produce sections. Whether shopping for groceries or seeking culinary inspiration, you’ll find our mangoes ready to delight.
  • International Reach: Our mangoes embark on global journeys, with our bounty reaching export markets in the form of whole fruit or fresh-cut programs.
  • Dried Mango: We also cater to drying plants, including our own facility and others in the Lowveld region. From freshly dried mango slices to chewy snacks, we ensure that every part of the mango is utilized.

 

Lemons

Lemons have become an essential part of everyday life, whether used in for garnish, in drinks and cooking. The Eureka lemon is the most widely cultivated variety and represents the majority of lemons exported from South Africa. At Blydevallei, we grow Eureka lemons along with 2PH Seedless lemons. Our lemon season at Blydevallei runs from December to March, supplying both local and worldwide export markets.

Grapefruit

At Blydevallei, we cultivate Star Ruby grapefruit, which are harvested from April to June. The Star Ruby is the most popular variety, accounting for the largest share of the Southern African grapefruit crop. Renowned for its vibrant ruby-colored flesh, juicy texture, and perfectly sweet flavor, the Star Ruby stands out in the market, which includes the Middle East, Europe, Russia and the Far East.

Valencia Oranges

Valencia oranges come in several varieties, and at Blydevallei, we’ve carefully selected varieties to ensure we harvest top-quality fruit for the right market from May through September. Our cultivars include early, mid-season and late valencias. Each cultivar boasts unique characteristics and special qualities, which we are proud to present to consumers.

Soft Citrus

Soft citrus forms an important part of our farming business. At Blydevallei, we have chosen a range of cultivars to ensure we harvest the highest quality fruit for the right market throughout the season. Each cultivar offers distinct characteristics and unique qualities, available from early to late in the season. Consumers, locally and internationally, can enjoy our delicious, easy-peeling fruit in-season.