The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), through another season update from their bi-weekly Joint Grape Marketing Forum, report that National inspection volumes for week 6 amounted to 5.48 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), which is 7% lower than the same week in the previous season.
There have been delays with some vessels in the Cape Town port over the last two weeks. Stakeholders remain in close contact with port officials to address challenges and mitigate impacting factors where possible. Performance output in the recent weeks has not been satisfactory, due to vessel omissions and a concerted effort by Transnet and other stakeholders is required to manage volumes in the coming weeks. Unfavourable weather (wind) is predicted for the coming week.
A total of 50.16 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) were inspected for export up until week 6, which is 7% less than the previous season year to date. A total of 37.6 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) have been exported, which is 10% lower than the previous season to date.
Three regions are still packing – the Olifants River, Berg River and Hex River Regions. The Berg River Region is currently in its peak packing period, with 2.60 and 2.46 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) respectively packed in weeks 5 and 6.
On a national level, peak inspection volumes are expected over the next week or two, with the Hex River Region also moving into its peak packing weeks. During week 6, the vessel carrying the largest volume of table grapes was the Kalahari Express, with 1.69 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) ETA Rotterdam 28th of February.
Regional Updates
Up to week 6, the Olifants River Region recorded 2.3 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export. This figure represents a 14% decrease in volumes year to date. Feedback indicates that total volumes are expected to be below the current crop estimate (3 million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons anticipated). Most of the region is expected to conclude packing in the next 2-3 weeks. Varieties currently being packed include Crimson, Red Globe, Scarlotta, Sweet Celebration, Timco and Autumn Crisp. Late season cultivars are colouring well, with good berry size reported. On average, the region has received good weather, with some warmer days experienced over the last two weeks.
The Berg River Region has reported a good season overall, with progress figures suggesting most cultivars are meeting or exceeding estimates. Varieties currently being packed include Autumn Crisp, Alison, Sweet Joy, Scarlotta and Crimson. Berry quality, colour and health are good. Packing is expected to conclude around week 10, which is earlier than the previous two seasons. Good weather with warm, dry days and cool nights has been experienced and no rain is forecast for the foreseeable future. To date, good arrival quality has been reported. Up to week 6 the region packed 13.1 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) which represents a 15% increase in volume year to date. Figures indicate that the region remains on track to achieve its latest crop estimate of 17.9 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) and may even test the upper limit of the estimate.
Packing continues in the Hex River Region, with a total of 12.6 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) inspected for export up to week 6. This figure represents a 25% increase in volume year to date. Overall volumes from the region are however expected to total slightly lower than anticipated, due to an earlier season (23.9 million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons anticipated). Alison, Scarlotta, Autumn Royal and Crimson varieties are currently being packed. Most of the region’s Autumn Crisp has been packed. Good weather has been experienced, with warm days allowing for sugar accumulation. No rain has fallen in the last two weeks. Overall good quality berry size, health and colour is observed. To date, good arrival quality has been reported from the market.
