SATI STATISTICS OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2024

NATIONAL INFORMATION

OVERVIEW 2023/2024 PRODUCTION OVERVIEW

T

The 2023/24 table grape season marked a positive bounce back in export volumes with 74.2 million cartons exported (75.8 million cartons inspected). South Africa’s position as a preferred supplier to key export markets was once again affirmed, with 57% of our crop exported to the EU (55% in 2023) and 20% to the UK. Export volumes to most other markets increased favourably, with the USA and Canada combined observing 18% growth compared to the average for the last five seasons. Exports to the Middle East increased by 2%, and exports to China and Hong Kong decreased by 40% compared to the average for the last five seasons. SATI remained focused on addressing logistical matters and, with the collaboration of industry stakeholders, positive progress was made. SATI’s latest vine census indicated that total table grape hectares decreased by 300 ha (2%) from 19,788 ha recorded in 2023 to 19,488 ha recorded in 2024. The top 5 varieties now account for half (50%) of the total hectares planted, namely: Crimson Seedless (16%), Autumncrisp ®️ (9%), Sweetglobe™️ , (9%), Sweet Celebration™️ (8%), & Prime (8%). Hectares of licensed varieties continue to grow, while a further decrease in unlicensed varieties such as Crimson Seedless (-9%) and Thompson Seedless (-20%) were seen. SEASON OVERVIEW The 2023/24 season was a good season overall. The Hex River region experienced unseasonal and isolated weather in various weeks throughout the season, but overall, table grape growing regions experienced favourable weather conditions which facilitated the market receiving sufficient volumes of quality grapes. The season concluded 2-3 weeks earlier than last season, due to changing weather patterns and rain experienced in the Hex River region during the mid-late season. Apart from the Berg River region that packed 18.5 million cartons, which is 2.6% less than the previous season, the other four production regions all showed increased YOY packing volumes for the 2023/24 season. The Orange River region packed its highest volume to date with 24.2 million cartons, the Hex River region packed 23.2 million cartons, the Northen Provinces region 6.0 million and the Olifants River region 3.9 million cartons.

EXPORT STATISTICS

*All cartons expressed as 4.5 kg equivalent.

74 149 581 Cartons Exported COMPARED TO 63 592 393 LAST SEASON

333 673 Tons Exported COMPARED TO 286 166 LAST SEASON

20 597 Containers Exported COMPARED TO 17 665 LAST SEASON

2

SATI STATISTICS 2024