[Press Release] SATI Announces First Table Grape Estimate for 2023/24

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South African Table Grape Industry expects the 2023/24 season volumes inspected for export to increase by approximately 12% in comparison to the actual inspected volumes for the 2022/23 season. This is in line with the three-year average volumes.

A national crop estimate of 73.0 million cartons (4.5-kilogram equivalent) is anticipated, with the upper expected limit at approximately 75.2 million cartons and the lower expected limit at approximately 70.8 million cartons. Volumes in the Orange River region are expected to return closer to the medium-term average, following lower yields in the previous season due to unseasonal weather patterns.

The Orange River region’s crop estimate is expected at approximately 21.1 million cartons, compared with last season’s 16.4 million cartons inspected for export. The Northern Provinces region expects a crop size of approximately 5.9 million cartons, compared with last season’s 5.6 million cartons inspected for export.

The Berg River and Hex River regions were less impacted by weather patterns in the previous season, and anticipated volumes are expected to remain closely aligned with those seen in the past. The Berg River region’s crop is estimated at 19.1 million cartons, compared with last season’s 19.0 million cartons inspected for export, and the Hex River region expects a crop size of 23.5 million cartons, compared with 21.2 million cartons inspected for export during the last season. The Olifants River region expects a crop estimate of 3.4 million cartons, compared with 3.0 million cartons inspected for export in the previous season.

The past winter period was characterized by low temperatures, which is advantageous during the dormancy cycle. Multiple regions experienced unseasonal rain during the harvest period last season, which was attributed to changing weather patterns. Early indications are that during the 2023/24 season sufficient volumes will be produced in each region, supported by newer cultivars coming into production.

Cultivar consolidation in the South African table grape industry has ensured that producers remain aligned with global market trends, enabling them to supply markets with desired cultivars. On the basis of the latest vine census, a continued upward trend toward white seedless grapes in certain regions is expected.

Producers remain focused on quality, both on farms and during the cold chain process, and are dedicated to maintaining South Africa’s position as the preferred country of origin for retailers around the globe. The first crop estimate represents a reasonable deduction based on multiple factors. Figures may be revised as required.

Image: SATI