ibian grape production is expected to more than double by 2020. Volumes in 2002 were 1.5 million cartons, this rose to 4.2 million last year and the plan is to keep increasing this volume to 10 million cartons by 2020.Andre Vermaak, Capespan Namibia, says this season's grapes are excellent quality and volumes are up around 30% on last year. "A cold September and October has contributed to the great quality, we are also a week earlier then last year."
He goes on to say that there will be a market for these increasing volumes, "We will continue to increase exports into the Far and Middle East as well as the more traditional European markets. Namibian grapes are the first Southern Hemisphere grapes to arrive in Europe and arrive in good time for pre-Christmas trade. Some of the traditional suppliers will also see volumes declining in coming years."
The South African grape harvest is late this year leaving plenty of room on the market for Namibian grapes. The Early Sweet and Flame varieties are finishing up and Thompson's seedless is getting underway.
