Winter marks a period of introspection for South African table grape producers, with big decisons to be made
With a good campaign behind them, Namibian and South African grape growers now have important decisions to make before the new season starts later in the year.
Southern Africa’s table grape growers are delivering some 40mn cartons of grapes to world markets during the early season. Most of these originate from Namibia, the Orange River and the northern regions of South Africa.
What the future grape offering looks like is determined mostly by which new varieties are produced, and whether growers feel confident that they can invest in them to broaden their marketing offer.
Early season growers in Southern Africa have very different requirements than those in later regions – with most early grapes grown in desert-like conditions or in the north of the country, where seasonal rain must be dealt with.
Growers say close interaction between themselves and the most important breeding programmes assist them greatly in making tough choices.
In this respect the world has become smaller, and growers are able to visit field days in other global growing regions during their off-season to assist their decision-making.
So, what has the past season been like in terms of new varieties for the early regions?
TopFruit, which manages the Arra range in Southern Africa, says the 2024/25 Namibian table grape season was successful, despite slightly lower-than-expected volumes.
“As always, the quality of Namibian grapes remained exceptional,” the group confirmed. ”Growers adapted well to challenges, ensuring a satisfying harvest.”
TopFruit said all early-season varieties saw some reduced production due to an unfavourable winter, but mid-to-late season varieties performed strongly, particularly the Arra Sweeties branded grape which continued to excel in all aspects and is referred to in the local industry as ’the top earner’.
“Arra Honey Pop, another branded variety aimed at the early season, surpassed expectations,” the company noted.
The Arra Fire Crunch and Arra Cherry Crush branded varieties, in the red category, generated ”significant excitement”, highlighting the promising future of the breeding programme.
In the Northern Cape, new varieties also enjoyed a positive 2024/25 season, though early varieties experienced lower berry weights compared to the previous year.
Mid- and late-season varieties delivered strong yields and volumes.
Some challenges arose during the season, including warm, gusty winds during flowering, causing over-shattering in certain varieties. However, proactive grower interventions ensured a good harvest.
“Most importantly, logistics improved significantly this season, compared to previous years, reducing travel times,” TopFruit outlined.
Arra Fire Crunch and Cherry Crunch branded grapes stood out for their timing, vibrant colour, and remarkable crunch – traits that have paved the way for their first commercial plantings, set for September 2025, the company added.
