SATI STATISTICS OF TABLE GRAPES IN SOUTH AFRICA 2026

NATIONAL INFORMATION

OVERVIEW 2025/2026 PRODUCTION OVERVIEW *All cartons expressed as 4.5 kg equivalent.

The 2025/26 season highlighted the complex and evolving operating environment facing the global table grape industry and reinforced the need to respond strategically to these changing conditions. While South Africa delivered its largest table grape crop on record, the season formed part of a succession of challenging years during which global trade has been shaped by geopolitical conflict, shipping disruptions, changing trade policies, inflationary pressures and climate-related events . These factors have created sustained uncertainty and volatility across global markets, while driving up the cost of key production inputs such as fertiliser, fuel, agrochemicals and logistics for South African producers. At the same time, these global challenges have coincided with local constraints, most notably the under performance of the country's ports, placing additional pressure on exports. With consumers in many of South Africa's key export markets continuing to face cost-of-living pressures, the industry is operating in a far more complex and competitive environment, where agility and a focus on long-term sustainability have become essential . Despite these pressures, the South African table grape industry demonstrated resilience. Final inspection volumes reached 81.25 million cartons (78.9 million cartons, 2024/25) , with 78.3 million cartons exported (78.2 million cartons, 2024/25) , confirming South Africa’s position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of fresh table grapes. The latest vine census recorded a marginal 0.3% decline in national plantings to 19,343 hectares , continuing the longer-term trend towards a stable production footprint. However, ongoing replacement of older vineyards with higher-yielding new-generation cultivars continues to improve productivity, enabling modest production growth. A MORE COMPETITIVE GLOBAL MARKET Europe and the United Kingdom remained South Africa’s largest export destinations, together accounting for 86% of total exports . Europe received 52.1 million cartons , representing a 16% increase on the previous season. Competing Southern Hemisphere suppliers, particularly Peru and Brazil, also increased ship ments in the same marketing window. South African exports to the United Kingdom declined by 6% to 13.5 million cartons and exports to North America fell sharply due to tariffs and exchange rate pressure. These trends illlustrate the importance of market retention. While important milestones were achieved during the year – including South Africa’s first commercial exports to the Philippines , temporary tariff-free access to China and the conclusion of the export protocol for the Republic of Korea – the industry’s strategic priority must increasingly shift towards protecting and strengthening its position in established markets. Ensuring that table grapes remain a preferred fruit choice for consumers will be essential to supporting sustainable prices in an increasingly competitive global marketplace. SEASON OVERVIEW The season started earlier than usual following warmer weather before and during the early production period, resulting in peak harvest and export volumes occurring earlier than usual.

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SATI STATISTICS 2026