The new South African table grape season has started, with growers in the northern regions and the Orange River packing their new crop. The first small consignments of Flame Seedless, packed in the Groblersdal region in the north of the country, are expected to arrive in Europe next week.
Early predictions from the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) have indicated that the country could see a similar export crop compared with the previous season, and it is forecast that the total crop will fall just short of 50m cartons – although industry spokespeople have pointed out that it is too early to make firm predictions.
During a visit to the Orange River and northern regions last week, growers appeared in a buoyant mood over their prospects for the coming season.
The first volumes of Groblersdal-grown Flame Seedless had excellent colour and taste, with the first volumes of Early Sweet – an early white seedless grape that ripens before the Prime variety – delivered fruit with excellent berry size and flavour.
Groblersdal, where 80 per cent of the northern region's crop (around 3m cartons) is produced, has enjoyed good weather so far this season, with growers optimistic of a strong season.
In the Orange River region, the first table grape volumes were packed at the beginning of week 45, with the Karsten Group reporting harvesting at three of its farms located along the Orange River.
Karsten Group general manager Piet du Plessis told Fruitnet.com that the season had started at Klein Pella and Raap & Schraap along the lower end of the production region, as well as at Blouputs.
In fact, there is evidence that the Orange River is set to resume growth in total volumes after some years of stagnation.
'It is no secret that the Orange River had some tough times recently,' said Peu Bezuidenhout of Rekopane Estates. 'Growers have removed older varieties which have not been performing well and replaced them with tomorrow's cultivars that are in demand in the market. At Rekopane, we have replaced 42ha, which will be coming into production soon.'
Northern growers are expected to complete their harvest around Christmas, while the harvesting and packing season in the Orange River will last until early February 2010.
