The South African table grape industry expects 2023/2024 season volumes inspected for export to increase by approximately 12% in comparison to the actual inspected volumes of the 2022/2023 season.
This is in line with the three-year average volumes. A national crop estimate of 73.0 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) is anticipated, with the upper expected limit at approximately 75.2 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) and the lower expected limit at approximately 70.8 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent).
Volumes in the Orange River Region are expected to return closer to medium term average, following lower yields in the previous season due to unseasonal weather patterns. The Orange River Region’s crop estimate is expected at approximately 21.1 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), compared to last season’s 16.4 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export.
The Northern Region expects a crop size of approximately 5.9 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), compared to last season’s 5.6 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export.
The Berg and Hex River Regions were less impacted by weather patterns in the previous season, and anticipated volumes are expected to remain closely aligned with those seen in the past. The Berg River Region’s crop is estimated at 19.1 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), compared to last season’s 19.0 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export, and the Hex River Region expects a crop size of 23.5 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), compared to 21.2 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export during the last season.
The Olifants River region expects a crop estimate of 3.4 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), compared to 3.0 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export in the previous season.
The past winter period was characterised by low temperatures, which is advantageous during the dormancy cycle. Multiple regions experienced unseasonal rain during the harvest period last season, which was attributed to changing weather patterns. Early indications are that during the 2023/2024 season sufficient volumes will be produced in each region, supported by newer cultivars coming into production.
Cultivar consolidation in the South African table grape industry has ensured that producers remain aligned with global market trends, enabling them to supply markets with desired cultivars. Based on the latest vine census, a continued upward trend towards white seedless grapes in certain regions is expected.
Producers remain focused on quality, both on-farm and during the cold chain process and are dedicated to maintaining South Africa’s position as the preferred country of origin for retailers around the globe. The first crop estimate represents a reasonable deduction based on multiple factors. Figures may be revised as required.
For more information:
Mecia Petersen
SATI
Tel: +27 21 863 0366
Email: [email protected]
www.satgi.co.za