The season's first fruit shipments from South African Summer Citrus arrived in the U.S. port of Philadelphia yesterday, including clementines, navel oranges, Valencia Midknight oranges and Star Ruby grapefruit, website Perishablenews.com reported.

The story reported the shipment would be one of 12 for the season, with 91,000 cartons of navels and 66,000 cartons of clementines on board, the story reported.

Western Cape Citrus Producers Forum (WCCPF) CEO Suhanra Conradie, said South Africa adhered to strict governmental guidelines for quality and safety, the story reported.

"Our citrus has always been recognized as being deliciously juicy and sweet, easy to peel and very nutritious. The 2011 crop will be no exception," Conradie was quoted as saying.

"We view the U.S. market with its discerning consumers as a premium destination for our fruit and only ship the very best we grow."

www.freshfruitportal.com