Grower Power for Value Creation in High-Value Horticulture? The Case of Citrus in South Africa

This paper analyses how the reconfiguration of power relationships in high-value fresh fruit value chains impacts on upgrading for export performance. The citrus industry in South Africa stands out internationally for its strong export growth and productive capabilities in which collective action by the Citrus Growers Association has played an important role. South Africa is the second largest citrus exporter in the world, after Spain. The industry's export success has been built on investments and coordination to support shared capabilities and upgrading. The performance relates to improvements from inputs, through to growing, packing and marketing. We find that the upgrading is associated with the relatively powerful position of citrus growers, due to the way they organised themselves through the industry association and their engagement with the state. This has simultaneously supported value creation and inclusion. Through the case study of South Africa's citrus industry, we demonstrate the potential for growers to organise themselves to reconfigure power relations in the value chain.

Automated summary

This paper analyzes the impact of power relationship reconfiguration in high-value fresh fruit value chains on upgrading for export performance. The citrus industry in South Africa has experienced strong export growth and productive capabilities, largely due to collective action by the Citrus Growers Association. South Africa is the second largest citrus exporter in the world, and its export success is a result of investments, coordination, and shared capabilities. The study finds that upgrading is associated with the relatively powerful position of citrus growers, achieved through industry association organization and engagement with the state. This supports both value creation and inclusion. Through the case study of South Africa's citrus industry, the potential for growers to reconfigure power relations in the value chain is demonstrated.