JOHANNESBURG – For the second consecutive citrus season, Tiger Brands has secured 100% of the oranges it needs to produce its iconic Oros drink from South African growers.
The development marks a significant turnaround from the previous year, when the company had to supplement local supplies with imported oranges due to challenges affecting domestic citrus production.
Most notably, factors such as citrus greening disease in major producing countries such as Brazil have created a global citrus supply shortage, increasing international demand for South African citrus.
This has strengthened export parity prices, reduced local availability and increased costs.
South Africa is one of the world's leading citrus exporters, but local producers often enjoy attractive returns on international markets.
“South African citrus fruits are in high demand in a globally competitive market, making reliable local supply increasingly important,” Shamiel Landery, MD of Snacks, Treats and Beverages at Tiger Brands, said today, Wednesday 1 July 2026.
“By sourcing 100% of the oranges we need from South African producers, we strengthen our commitment to local sourcing, provide stable domestic demand for farmers, and strengthen South Africa’s agricultural value chain while reducing our dependence on imports.”
Tiger Brands, South Africa's largest user of orange concentrate, sources approximately 45,000 tonnes of oranges annually (equivalent to approximately 275 million oranges) and produces approximately 3.5 million liters of orange concentrate for use in Oros, the country's leading diluted drinks brand.
Last season, when local citrus supplies were limited, Tiger Brands sourced approximately 65% of its citrus requirements locally and the remaining 35% from international markets.
The oranges Tiger Brand uses in the production of Oros, Valencia and Navel, are sourced from South Africa's leading citrus growers across Mpumalanga, Limpopo and the Western Cape.
Fruit harvested during the May to July citrus season is processed into concentrate and supplied to Tiger Brands' beverage manufacturing facility in Rodekop, Gauteng, where between 75,000 and 100,000 liters are supplied each week to produce Oros (approximately 400,000 liters per month).
The company's ability to secure all of its orange needs locally over the past two seasons has been underpinned by its role as a reliable long-term buyer, providing growers with a stable domestic market and predictable demand.
Tiger Brands says ensuring 100% local sourcing reflects the strength of its long-standing partnerships with local producers and its commitment to supporting South African agriculture.
This continued support has enabled citrus growers to invest in their operations, improve efficiency and create employment opportunities within rural areas.
Some of the benefits reported by suppliers include investments in water infrastructure, solar energy projects, and initiatives aimed at improving resource efficiency by reducing water and energy consumption.
“Partnerships between food producers and agricultural producers are essential to ensuring the sustainability of South Africa's food system,” Mr Landry said.
“By providing citrus producers with a reliable local market, we contribute not only to the success of our suppliers but also to the economic well-being of the communities in which they operate.”
The local sourcing performance also supports Tiger Brands' broader ambitions to increase local sourcing and strengthen its domestic supply chain while providing consumers with high quality products.
Oros is one of Tiger Brands' 10 core brands identified as having attractive growth potential.
“Oros has been a trusted family favorite for generations, known for bringing families together for a moment of rejuvenation,” Landery said.
“Continuing to source key ingredients locally strengthens the brand’s connection with South African consumers and the communities that help produce it.”
