SATI STATISTICS OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2023

NATIONAL INFORMATION

OVERVIEW 2022/2023 PRODUCTION OVERVIEW

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The 2022/23 table grape season concluded with a total of 63 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) exported (65.2 million inspected). Export volumes confirmed South Africa’s position as a preferred supplier in our traditional markets, with 55% of our crop exported to the EU and 20% to the UK.

Overall, a satisfactory harvest was achieved with export volumes aligning very closely with South Africa’s 5-year average of 66.3 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), which resulted in markets receiving sufficient volumes of good quality grapes. SATI prioritised addressing logistical matters this season, and significant progress has been made in collaboration with industry stakeholders. Increasing production costs continued to place strain on producers. SATI’s latest vine census indicated that table grape hectares planted decreased by 3% to 19.788 ha in 2023. In line with global market trends, older marginal cultivars continue to be replaced by new generation cultivars. Global consumer trends indicate a preference towards white seedless grapes and the 2023 vine census reflects that South African production remains in line with this trend. SEASON OVERVIEW The 2022/23 season was challenging due to various unpredictable factors, such as unexpected weather patterns. Unseasonal weather experienced in more than one table grape growing region impacted harvest conditions and volumes this season. Apart from the Berg River region, producers in all growing regions contended with smaller than anticipated harvests. The Orange River region experienced above average temperatures which resulted in weaning of some cultivars. Both the Hex and Berg River regions experienced above average rainfall at the beginning of December. Producers implemented various mitigating measures including the use of netting, plastics and disease management techniques to facilitate quality exports being shipped to market. The main logistical challenges experienced at the Cape Town port this season included shipping omissions and excessive wind – February recorded 242 hours, compared to 139 hours during the previous season. To mitigate some of the challenges identified, pre-season planning focused on reducing gate moves through the utilisation of rail and night runs which yielded some positive results.

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SATI STATISTICS 2023