South African table grape growers could be facing a shortfall of punnet-sized grapes with vines producing a significant amount of large berries this season.

However, the impact of a potential punnet supply deficit might not be extensive, as many supermarkets are demanding larger sized grapes for punnets this year, one exporter says: “In the past the bulk of the grapes have been regulars and yes, we are finding there’s quite a bit less coming out in regular punnets, but some supermarkets have given programmes and actually require large berries for punnets,” said Basil Karstel of Afrifresh Export Ltd. “For supply to discount supermarkets that accept regular grapes, they might find a shortfall, but the average product is of a higher standard than normal.”

Kartsal thinks that long-term, the production of larger berries might even be in line with the industry’s strategy: “South Africa is moving away from regular to large - exporting regulars has not paid over the last few years. The price that you can achieve hardly warrants it being exported.”

The problem comes as the Western Cape faces a reported severe fuel shortage, which could hold up fruit transportation across the area.

Western Cape MEC, Cobus Lowry, has approached the South African Petroleum industry Association (Sapia) with a special appeal to make urgent arrangements for farming areas most affected by the shortage. Reports suggest some farming communities around Piketberg and Malmesbury have almost no access to fuel at all.

Concerns are mounting that the lack of fuel could result in fruit being stockpiled or consignments unable to reach plants for processing. This, Lowry highlighted in an open letter to Sapia, could deliver a severe blow to local farmers, many of which are counting the cost of the drought which hit last season.

However, Elaine Alexander, chief executive of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) says while there are problems, the panic has escalated to disproportionate levels: “It’s certainly not a crisis situation,” she said. “ I believe that people see it as a crisis, but it’s because it’s a busy season and people are panic buying. ”

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