South African Table Grapes Begin to Arrive in Key EU and UK Markets

Table grapes from the Northern Regions of South Africa has begun to arrive in key markets for table grapes with good reception. It has been confirmed that the recent floods in the Orange river area (W47) has not had any negative effects on the grapes hence growers have not suffered any losses. Grapes are showing good size, health and quality on arrival, however, the only big issue is the shortage of punnets for packaging. Grapes from the Orange river region have good quality with red grapes colouring up well and expected volumes out of the region should be achieved.

Grape competition on the markets have increased with a large volume of cherries expected to arrive. Currently South America is sending more volume to the US market, which has become more competitive. In the EU, overall demand is still deemed to be lower than last year with the main focus on South African growers fulfilling retail programs. There is an overall positive outlook on operations in South Africa with Cape Town port operating at acceptable levels and will only be closed on Christmas day to ensure that all product arriving is dispatched as soon as possible to the destined markets.

Markets are still expected to soften going into 2023 but the increase of available equipment and ships out of South Africa has eased concerns of exporting the fruit timeously. Currently the mood is upbeat and positive in terms of the current performance of the South African grapes in key markets like the EU and the UK with growers expecting a return to profitability for the coming season.