South African expects marginal volume increase as grape harvest begins

Growers in South Africa’s northern regions, located mostly in the provinces of Mpumalanga and Limpopo, have started the new table grape season amidst indications that the country could see a marginal volume increase compared with last year’s crop. The northern regions always deliver South Africa’s first new-season grapes, and follow closely on shipments from Namibia, where harvesting started last week. The harvest in the Orange River is due to start in the last two weeks of November. Industry leaders, however, pointed out that it would be some time before significant shipments would leave Southern African ports. The northern regions are expected to pack around 5.8mn cartons this year, compared with last year’s shipments of 6mn 4kg cartons. In all other regions of South Africa, at this early stage of the season, growers are expected to increase their shipments marginally. The northern regions have undergone some changes recently, with planted vineyards having been removed. The ...