With the grape season in full swing, SAFE is harvesting a host of different grape varieties, such as Crimson seedless, Scarlotta, Red Globe, Autumn Royal, Barlinka, and Dauphine. They have also been planting some new red and white seedless varieties such as Jack’s Salute, Tawny, Ara 15, Melody, Sweet Celebration, Sweet Glode, Magenta and Alison.
Quentin Scott of SAFE says that South Africa is enduring the longest and most severe El Nino weather pattern in 35 years, and the hot, dry weather is the cause of volumes being down 15-20%.
This harsh weather has also caused slightly uneven sizes, however the overall quality and brix of the fruit is good. “As vast areas of South Africa are experiencing a drought, water is already an issue, and the next few weeks will be crucial,” says Scott. There have also been some intermittent, isolated rainfall which has impacted the late varieties in the Western Cape.
Scott tells us that their main markets for export are Europe and the Far East. “The exchange rate acts in our favour however the dry weather and lower yields balance out this impact. It will have an impact on future costs, particularly on fuel costs, fertilizer costs, cartons and salaries (inflation).” Scott explains that as they are exporting to Thailand and the Far East- they intend to grow these markets for their harvests.
