South Africa: Hot weather may put grape volumes under pressure
"The Northern Province and Orange River regions are well into their harvest and
indications are that the crop estimate will favour the lower end of the overall total estimate." (see table)
NORTHERN PROVINCES
Volumes are expected to be higher than the 2014/2015 season. The hail and rain that occurred in the province in week 47 did not have any significant impact on production. The region continues to experience hot weather conditions.
ORANGE RIVER
Early season varieties are showing much lighter bunch weight with the same
expected for mid-season varieties. Late season varieties will have much the same bunch weight as the previous season, thus causing the estimate for this region to be marginally lower than the lower end of the regional estimate (see table).
OLIFANTS RIVER
The region’s quality and colour development is still very good but there are signs of sunburn on Redglobe. The crop estimate of 4.1 million (4.5kg) equivalent cartons is still applicable. Currently, the region is experiencing water restrictions with a 40% quota imposed but indications are that these restrictions will not affect the 2015/2016 harvest but may possibly affect the 2016/2017 harvest.
BERG RIVER
Although crop volumes seem to be high, there is concern about the weight of the grapes especially on the early varieties. The warm weather conditions ranging between 35°C and 40°C in week 48 may put vineyards under pressure.
HEX RIVER
The region is currently busy with harvest preparations and volume expectations are still in the range forecast. Weather conditions are highly favourable.
For more information:
Rhomona Gounden
SATGI
Tel: +27 21 863 0366
Email: rhomona@satgi.co.za
www.satgi.com
Skype: rhomonagounden