Volumes were up in all growing regions, Willem Bestbier CEO of South Africa's Table Grape Industry body, SATI explained that this was partly due to unprecedented weather conditions and new plantings coming into production, "We are not replanting in huge amounts but it is increasing steadily, the big volumes are mostly down to the great conditions we have had this year, some our growers said it has been the best season for 50 years."
Late last year there was bit of hail in a couple of areas but nothing since the crop ripened.
"In the week before Christmas until mid February, the European and UK markets fell quite dramatically and the Orange River Valley growers who were packing or had arrivals at that time had to take the low prices, which was unfortunate for them," explained Bestbier. "The early season on the other hand was good and the late season is ending well, so on average a good year. The reason for the drop in prices
was the volumes and the fact that India was early with big volumes, unfortunately for the Indian growers they suffered terrible rain which cut the export short, leading to a better end for the South African growers."Exchange rates, have also been a factor this season, rates between the Rand/Pound and Rand/Dollar were good, but unfortunately the Euro rate affected South African exports negatively. It is 8% weaker than a year ago and as 57% of grape exports go to Euro countries this had a big effect.
Bestbier said that no major new planting is planned in the coming years, but there are still plenty of young vineyards coming in to production so a marginal increase is expected next year, weather permitting.
The South African grape industry is looking forward to some new, interesting varieties in the coming years such as, Cotton Candy, Butter Scotch, Tawney and a home grown variety called Joy Bells.
As for market share next year, Bestbier said they are very keen to develop Eastern markets, but the strict steri protocols make it difficult to get the product there in optimum condition. "We are hoping to see Thailand open for next season, all the technical work has been done it is more the diplomatic work which has to be rounded off now, but we are hopeful that by September/October this year it should be open."
For more information:
Willem BestbierSATI
Tel: +27 (0) 21 863 0366
Email: willem@satgi.co.za
www.satgi.co.za