Citrus sector underscores importance of Vitamin C boosting fruit and securing supply chain amid pandemic

07 Apr 2020 --- Since its outbreak in China, the unprecedented coronavirus crisis has had a deep impact on the functioning of global markets and supply chains, and the citrus sector is not an exception, stresses the World Citrus Organisation (WCO). Amid the global outbreak, the world citrus community has stepped up efforts to ensure the continuous supply of high-quality citrus fruit, particularly important as consumers seek out Vitamin C to boost nutrition and contribute to a healthy immune system.

The coronavirus crisis has created many challenges for the citrus market including a slow-down in operations across the chain (production, packing, trade, etc.) due to the strict measures implemented on physical distancing in virtually all countries; trade restrictions resulting from logistical issues (e.g. shortage of containers and trucks availability); a slow-down in cross-border operations and an increase in costs across the chain.

The citrus sector is tackling these challenges by taking measures to provide the highest protection to workers across the supply chain. These include telework for non-essential personnel, security distances between essential operating staff, strict hygiene precautions, health checks for workers in the field and establishment of protocols to deal with coronavirus cases.

“These precautions will be on continuous review to ensure the highest level of safety for essential workers, and to continue meeting consumer demand for citrus fruit around the globe. In addition, the sector is working to ensure the highest food safety and hygiene measures. The European Food Safety Authority and the US Food and Drug

Administration have confirmed that there is no evidence that transmission through food consumption could occur,” says a WCO statement.

“WCO welcomes the general recognition by national authorities worldwide on the need to ensure food security and supply, as well as the recognition of citrus production and trade as an essential activity. Global cooperation is essential to restrict the spread of the virus, to keep borders open to citrus trade and to set in place temporary facilitations for customs operations. In these challenging times, WCO and its members are deeply committed to meeting consumers demand for healthy, high quality citrus fruit.”

Edited by Gaynor Selby