The South African table grape industry is expecting the volumes inspected in 2023/2024 in export to rise by around 12% when compared to actual volume of 2022/2023 season.

It is also in line with the 3-year average volume. An estimate for the national crop in the range of 73.0 million boxes (4.5 kilogram equivalent) is expected The upper anticipated limit of 75.2 millions cartons (4.5 kilogram equivalent) as well as the less likely limit being around 70.8 million boxes (4.5 kilogram equivalent).

The volumes in the Orange River Region are expected be closer to mid long term average following smaller yields from the previous season because of unseasonal weather conditions. The region’s harvest estimation is estimated at around 21.1 million boxes (4.5 kilogram equivalent) in comparison to last season’s 16.4 million boxes (4.5 kilograms equivalent) which were examined for export.

The Northern Region expects a crop in the range of 5.9 million boxes (4.5 kg or equivalent) in comparison to the previous harvest’s 5.6 millions of cartons (4.5 kg or equivalent) checked for export.

The Berg and Hex River Regions weren’t as affected by weather events this season and expected quantities are to be similar to previous seasons. The crop of the Berg River Region will be 19.1 millions of cartons (4.5 kilograms equivalent) in comparison to last year’s 19.0 millions of cartons (4.5 kilograms equivalent) that were inspected prior to export in the region. The Hex River Region expects a harvest of 23.5 million boxes (4.5 kg or equivalent) as opposed to 21.2 million boxes (4.5 kilograms equivalent) that were inspected in preparation for exports in the previous season.

It is estimated that the Olifants River region is expecting an estimated crop in the range of 3.4 million boxes (4.5 kilograms equivalent) as compared with 3.0 million boxes (4.5 kg or equivalent) that were inspected and exported in the preceding season.

The last winter was defined by cold temperatures which are advantageous in the dormancy period. Numerous regions saw unseasonal rain during the harvest time this season. This was blamed on changes in weather patterns. Initial indications suggest that in the 2023/2024 harvest season, enough quantities are expected to be harvested in every area, aided by the new cultivars that are coming into the market.

The consolidation of the cultivars within the South African table grape industry is ensuring that the industry remains in line with the global trends of market which allows them to provide market with cultivars that they want to sell. Based on the most recent vineyard census, an upswing in the popularity of white grapes with no seeds in specific regions is predicted.

The producers remain committed to quality at all times, on the farm and in the cold chain process. They remain committed to preserving South Africa’s status as a preferred destination of origin for retailers across the world. The crop estimates for the first time represent an appropriate deduction, depending on several aspects. The figures can be adjusted according to the need.

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Mecia Petersen

SATI

Tel: +27 21 863 0366

Email: mecia@satgi.co.za

www.satgi.co.za