The Christmas and New Year's sales period of table grapes in Europe and United Kingdom markets went reasonably well says Leon de Kock, CEO of Grape Alliance Marketing, based in the Hex River Valley of South Africa. "Sales were good, but one worry was Peru that kept their supply longer than we expected."
He says they are focusing on harvesting and exporting the early table grape varieties. "The entire Hex River Valley has not started full harvesting yet. Our varieties are the more early varieties, which we are packing at full speed. The sales were good, while the quality of the arrivals of the early grapes we do from Namibia were very good, there were no real issues. That's the main issue for us, if the quality arrives then it sells well. Up until now the markets are moving well. I don't know what the experience is of everyone. The markets are in good shape. In Europe there are promotions between Christmas and New Year's with little fresh information available," states de Kock.
South Africa's table grapes arrived to mostly empty markets in Europe and the UK at the end of last year (2024). This caused a lot of grapes to be sent via airfreight to meet the pre-Christmas demand. "The UK market does not have problems. Some exporters sent fruit via airfreight until 10 days ago, there was a reasonable amount of airfreight. It costs up to $14 per box to export via airfreight. If people pull a lot of airfreight, it shows there's not enough stock," explains de Kock.
The main variety from the Hex River growing region is Crimson, with harvesting starting in a few weeks' time. "Crimson harvesting is still two weeks away. We are currently harvesting Starlight and Arra 29. Next week we will start with Sable Seedless. We work in partnership with Orange River farmers, they supply in the first part of the season while we supply in the second half."
Expectations for rest of the season
"My expectation is the market will not be where it is now, the higher prices will come down, but there's strong sales out there. Our markets can maintain the volumes, everyone just has to keep their sales active," concludes de Kock.
For more information:
Leon de Kock
Grape Alliance Marketing
Tel: +27(0)83 234 8292
[email protected]
www.grapealliancemarketing.co.za