South African table grape sector primed for better season

Last year, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) experienced one of its toughest seasons for decades, due to increases in the cost of inputs, freight costs and logistical challenges.

In a statement, SATI said that South Africa’s table grape industry is ready once again to confirm its status as a preferred supplier of table grapes in international markets.

Producers and stakeholders have been proactively planning, assessing how to improve quality on the farm and mitigate as much risk as possible during the transportation of the product.

To prepare for the coming season, SATI has worked closely with a number of domestic trade organisations to proactively mitigate against these challenges and allow the industry to move forward.

South African table grape exports have increased year-on-year for the past five years. SATI is committed to maintaining the industry’s established markets while pursuing market development efforts in emerging markets. South Africa remains a quality Southern Hemisphere producer to our traditional markets, and export figures provide positive indicators of the industry’s expansion in the Northern Hemisphere.

Over the last four years exports to the EU have increased by 6% CAGR. Exports to the UK have remained steady (+4% CAGR) over the same period. Exports to Canada have grown by 19% CAGR over the last four years, while shipments to the US have risen by 40% CAGR over the same period.