[Press Release] South African Table Grape Industry Releases Second Crop Estimate

January 19, 2021

Produce Report

This content has been modified from its original version. It has been edited for content and style, as well as to follow Produce Report editorial guidelines and for necessary website formatting.

Jan. 13, 2021 – South African Table Grape Industry has released its second crop estimate for the 2020/2021 season, with intake volumes now forecast to be slightly lower than the previous estimate at between 61.7 and 67.1 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) owing to the effect of rain in the Orange River region in week 1. This region is now expected to pack between 15.0 and 16.0 million cartons.

The mid-to-late cultivars in the Orange River region, namely, Autumn Crisp, Arra 15, Sweet Globe, Scarlotta, Sugar Crisp, Crimson Seedless and Red Globe, will still be packed with great care and a focus on quality.

The geographical diversity of South Africa’s five production regions is once again demonstrated, with the mid-to-late Olifants River, Berg River and Hex River regions in the Western Cape expected to make up for the volumes lost. In these regions the quality is excellent, while the weather forecast for the foreseeable future is equally promising.

The earlier Northern Provinces region started approximately two weeks late but is expected to reach the upper level of the first crop estimate, with good quality and berry sizes being reported.

The revised estimates given in the following table were reached by considering the best available information, experience and observations alongside the latest industry vine census and historical data.

**Second crop estimate for 2020/2021 season (million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons).**
	SECOND CROP ESTIMATE		FIRST CROP ESTIMATE		ACTUAL PACKED VOLUME
REGION	LOW	HIGH	LOW	HIGH	2019/2020	2018/2019	2017/2018
Northern Provinces	6.90	7.40	6.9	7.4	6.10	7.12	6.83
Orange River	15.0	16.0	18.5	19.9	19.86	19.21	19.02
Olifants River	3.7	4.0	3.5	3.8	3.32	2.37	2.80
Berg River	15.5	16.7	15.5	16.7	16.27	13.79	13.05
Hex River	20.6	23.0	20.6	22.0	20.60	18.65	20.37
TOTAL	61.7	67.1	65.0	69.8	66.15	61.13	62.06

SATI’s crop estimates are generated in cooperation with growers and industry experts representing all production regions. This forum is used by SATI to be more responsive to in-season developments and deviations.

The Olifants River region, with its packing window predominantly between those of the Orange River region and the mid-to-late Berg and Hex River regions, has reported very good quality and berry sizes. The estimate for this region has been revised upward to a low of 3.7 million and a high of 4.0 million cartons.

The Berg River region, the third biggest production region in South Africa, has reported equally good quality grapes with very decent berry sizes. The estimate for this region remains unchanged.

The quality of grapes in the Hex River region also looks very promising. The upper limit of the estimate has been revised upward to 23.0 million cartons, while the lower limit remains unchanged at 20.6 million cartons.

Producers and exporters are confident that all market commitments will be serviced with a very good product. According to SATI’s new chairman, Anton Viljoen Jr., producers will continue to focus on selecting, preparing and packing the best quality table grapes with great eating quality from South Africa to send to its discerning world markets.

Images: South African Table Grape Industry