Total production from all regions came to 59,8 million cartons, more than 5% growth compared to the 2008/2009 season, said the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). Despite the strong rand, South African producers have had a relatively good export season. The total volume of table exports to overseas markets grew by 6%.
South African table grape producers started to capitalise on growing trade opportunities in eastern markets, said Sifiso Ntombela, SATI’s head of market intelligence. Exports to the Far East, Asia and Middle East all showed double digit increases compared with the 2008/2009 season. The total growth on exports to the Far East was a staggering 48% and exports to the Middle East rose by 38%.
About 91% of the total production was inspected and passed for export, while the rest was sold locally. The rise in production was attributed to early regions – Orange River, Northern Province and Olifants River – having experienced a sensational season in terms of quality and quantity produced.
SATI said the trio broke their own records, and registered the highest intake volumes ever seen since the start of table grape production in these regions.
The strong volume growth in the Northern Province and Orange River was facilitated by good climatic conditions and higher yields per hectare. Berg River and Hex River experienced a slight decline compared with the 2008/2009 season.
