Ensuring fruit quality

The lychee export campaign for the 2024-2025 season began on November 12, with Atsinanana region officials aiming to maximize its yield.

Since last week, Atsinanana authorities have been working intensely to finalize critical details for the start of lychee season. Despite projections from Tamatave’s Horticultural Technical Center forecasting a 50% drop in production across surveyed regions, the season is launching with optimism.

Local stakeholders recognize the importance of maintaining product quality and adhering to volume limits to ensure a successful campaign. « We have been structuring our logistics over recent weeks to ensure high-quality transport and prevent significant losses given the current road conditions », shares an operator planning to ship goods by sea. This year, the campaign is launching fifteen days earlier than last year. « We sincerely hope for favorable weather conditions so as not to delay the campaign, allowing operators to collect the fruits smoothly », he adds.

In 2023, lychee revenues reached 54.4 billion ariary, equating to 12 million USD. According to the Central Bank, lychee exports totaled 16,860 tons a 7.4 % increase in volume. Besides France, a key market for these juicy fruits, Malagasy lychees are exported to the UK, Canada, Morocco, and the UAE, with some shipments also reaching Russia.