With 94 per cent of the 2025 South African table grape export crop already packed, the season is expected to conclude by the middle of March
The South African table grape industry reached the 94 per cent mark in its packing season at the end of week 8, in terms of the national crop estimate of 76.4mn cartons.
So far, 71.72mn cartons have been inspected for export, which is 4 per cent more than the same time last year.
Of this volume, 59.81mn cartons had been shipped until week 8, up 5 per cent. So far 78 per cent of volumes have been exported to the EU and the UK, and 9 per cent to North America.
Growers in the late Hex River region, as well as the Berg River region, have indicated that they expect an early end to the season.
In these regions harvesting conditions have been good, with hot and dry weather experienced during February.
In terms of market distribution, while the EU and UK have been the dominant receivers, there has been a sharp increase in shipments to the US compared with last year.
Former Sati chairperson Anton Viljoen, who is also managing director of ASV Farms in the Hex River Valley, said that so far this season shipments to the US had increased 27 per cent compared with last year.
Speaking to grape growers, Viljoen said the EU remained a key market for South African table grapes, accounting for about 60 per cent of all exports.
“The industry should continue efforts to maintain South Africa’s position and reputation as a trusted supplier of quality grapes to this market,” he said.
South Africa should also focus on supplying the EU with cultivars that were sought after by retailers and consumers, while using the right kind of packaging for the market, Viljoen noted.
He also highlighted the opportunities for South Africa to increase exports to the US.
“South Africa should explore strategies to export to the North America region for a longer marketing window, extending to later in the season,” Viljoen added.
Sati revealed that delays because of wind at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) almost doubled during February this year, compared with last year.
During this period, 203 hours of activities were lost due to the strong winds.
The port is still in recovery mode with normal arrival patterns expected from the beginning of March.
