Current data indicates that the South African table grape export season is likely to conclude earlier than usual, around Week 12, which is two weeks earlier than last season. By Week 10, inspection volumes reached 73.4 million cartons, representing 97% of the initial crop estimate.
The Hex River Region's crop estimate decreased by 6.0% (approximately 1.5 million cartons) to 22.5 million cartons, due to weather challenges in localised areas. The change in the region's estimate, is not anticipated to impact the national crop estimate. The Berg River Region is expected to complete packing this week, followed by the Hex River Region next week.
The national crop estimate remains 75.8 million cartons inspected for export and is expected to conclude within the allowed variance. All indications are that the final volume will be within 3% of the lower limit.
Regional packing status
The Berg and Hex River Regions are almost done packing. To date, the season has produced a good quality harvest Sati notes.
Despite ongoing logistical challenges at the Port of Cape Town (lack of equipment, equipment breakdowns and planning challenges), the war room implemented between industry and Transnet was a good start to improved collaboration and communications.
National inspection volumes for Week 10 totaled 73.4 million cartons (62.5 million cartons in 2022/2023), which is 17% more than the previous season. A total of 67.5 million cartons were exported up until Week 10, which is 26% more than the previous season (53.6 mill cartons in 2022/2023). The top three cultivars exported in Week 10 were Crimson Seedless (1,641,905 cartons), Autumncrisp (1,024,278 cartons) and Scarlotta Seedless (952,988 cartons).
A variance of 5.91 million cartons (8.50 mill in 2022/2023) exists between inspected and exported volumes, which includes 1.20 million cartons in cold stores (data available on 13 March 2024). At least 3.97 million cartons planned for export, scheduled to sail in Week 11.
The difference between inspected and exported volumes is decreasing as the season tapers down. Total stock (all fruit) in cold stores equaled 10.2 million cartons on 13 March 2024; of which grapes comprised 12%, compared to 30% two weeks prior.
The harvest size has almost reached the lower end of the estimate, with two regions (Berg and Hex River) still packing.
Regional Updates
Up to Week 09, the Berg River Region packed 18.4 million cartons (1% less than the same time last year). Most producers have completed packing, and the remainder expect to finish by Week 11.
Up to week 09, the Hex River Region packed 20.9 million cartons (10% more than the same time last year). Two thirds of producers have completed packing, and the remainder expect to finish in the next two weeks. The region expects to come close to its latest crop estimate of 22.5 million cartons inspected for export.
For more information:
Jacques Ferreira
SATI
Tel: +27 72 641 7881
Email: [email protected]
www.satgi.co.za