SATI STATISTICS OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2022

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The 2021/22 table grape season concluded with a total of 77,7 million cartons (4,5kg equivalent) inspected and passed for export (intakes). Good weather conditions during the season as well as new cultivars coming into full production supported a large harvest. Overall, a satisfactory yield was achieved, however numerous challenges were experienced this season such as difficult market conditions and logistical constraints which impacted the quality of arrivals in export markets. SATI’s latest vine census indicated that national table grape

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plantings decreased by 185 hectares (1%) to 20 379 hectares compared to the previous year. The six most planted varieties now comprise 50% of national hectares planted, with the smaller varieties decreasing further. SEASON OVERVIEW Numerous logistical challenges were experienced this season. Shipping delays in the Cape Town port over the December 2021/January 2022 period placed significant pressure on the industry. Global container shortages and unsustainable increases in shipping costs placed further financial strain on the industry. The combination of these factors resulted in prolonged shipping times to most export destinations. Covid-19 lockdowns in Shanghai placed further pressure on product flow to and from China. Combined with screening measures and in-market distribution challenges, it was difficult to execute the SATI China Market Development Campaign co-sponsored by the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. Macro-economic factors placed significant downstream pressure on the industry value chain this season. In March 2022, Euro Zone inflation was reported at 7.4% - up from 1.3% at the same time a year earlier; whilst UK inflation was reported at 7% - up from 0.7% a year earlier (Trading Economics, 2022). In both instances, the steep increase can largely be attributed to the rise in energy prices and global uncertainty following the Russia-Ukraine war. Increased production from Southern Hemisphere countries (such as Peru, whose exports increased from approximately 383,000 tons in 2018/2019 to 531,000 tons in 2020/2021) tightened market competitiveness in our traditional markets. Surplus product from other markets could also be redirected to Europe and the UK due to the on-going Russia- Ukraine war. Additionally, producers faced profitability challenges due to other factors such as rising input costs, maintaining the cold chain, and rolling power outages. Given the current state of the industry, it is expected that going forward emphasis will be placed on cold chain monitoring, applying production practices that will support product longevity during the export journey and ensuring that market access is preserved within current markets. Producers and their well-being remain SATI’s primary focus and, together with industry stakeholders, we will relentlessly keep exploring all avenues to help facilitate the necessary change required at all levels to support our industry.

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SATI STATISTICS 2022