SA heading for a record table grape season

The table grape industry is expected to topple last year’s export figures of 71,5 million cartons this year, despite severe logistical challenges.

AJ Griesel, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry, said that the original estimate was for volumes to range between 70,6 million and 77,7 million 4,5kg-cartons, with current indications that it would be closer to the top of the range. This was reflected by the fact that about 69 million cartons had been packed by the start of March this year, compared with 61,8 million during the previous season, and 60 million cartons the season before that.

Along with this, about 55,9 million cartons had been exported by the start of March 2022, compared with 53 million the previous season, and 50,5 million cartons before that.

Griesel ascribed the good export figures to favourable climatic conditions in combination with the use of improved varieties and production practices in many of the new vineyards that were now starting to produce commercial yields.

The table grape season had come to an end in most regions, with many experiencing normal to above-normal packout rates, and harvesting being completed up to two weeks early in some areas. The quality of the grapes in general was good, thanks to favourable climatic conditions, Griesel added.

The challenge now was to deliver the table grapes safely and in good condition to the market. Delays at ports, shortages of containers, and trade disruptions were making this one of the most challenging seasons the industry had ever experienced.

“Various factors are at play, which have resulted in the logistical challenges faced by the industry. On top of this, we have to deal with poor productivity at Cape Town Harbour at very crucial stages, as well as the impact of Russian’s invasion of Ukraine on shipping routes and markets.

“Along with this, trade with the

Far East is still being hampered by COVID-19-related restrictions, while competition from table grape producers from other Southern Hemisphere countries is intensifying.”

Michael Vorster, a farmer and chairperson of the Hex River Valley Table Grape Association, said farmers were anxiously monitoring developments in the market.

“Production costs have increased astronomically over the past year, with cost per container increasing by around US$2 000 [about R30 000], equalling R6/carton. Packaging material prices are also up by 18% and fertiliser costs by 90%.”

Market prices in turn had remained relatively stagnant, while shipping problems and delays were threatening the quality of grapes before they reach export destinations, he added.

‘PRODUCTION COSTS HAVE INCREASED ASTRONOMICALLY OVER THE PAST YEAR; FERTILISER COSTS ARE UP 90%’