UK importers and South African senders agree that the UK market for grapes is experiencing under-supply, as sendings to the rest of Europe rise.
According to trade association South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), South Africa has shipped 13 per cent less fruit to the UK this year. Prices are running at very similar levels to 2008 and are remaining stable.
The picture is slightly different on red grape, however, and price points have fallen to the same level as white seedless.
One UK importer told freshinfo: “South Africa had less fruit to start with this year and because Chinese New Year came early, it coincided with the bulk of the crop. This means that a lot of the product that might in other years have headed to European markets, went to Asia.”
He also admitted that exchange rate factors have been brought to bear. A SATI statement hinted that this view is correct: “Continental Europe is achieving prices a little lower than last year and exports from South Africa are on a par with those in 2007. Expectations are that with sound quality, these prices will remain stable.”
Overall, the estimate issued by SATI earlier in the campaign for 47 million to 49m 4.5kg cartons remains unchanged.
The Northern Province and Orange River areas are both regions which have shown an increased pack-out on last season’s levels. In the Oliphants River area, packing was due to finish this week but unfavourable weather conditions have caused a likely 15 per cent decline in total output.
Activity in the Berg River area is also winding down, leaving just the Hex River Valley, where quality is reported by SATI to be “good to average” while berry size is “somewhat disappointing”.
The spokesperson said: “Expectations are that the region will complete packing a little earlier than usual and total volume for the region is in the order of 16-17m 4.5kg cartons.”
