Grape volumes down 20 – 25 % from early Namibian area

Betel fruit are harvesting Ralli Seedless, Autumn Royal, Sugarone, and Desert Seedless at the moment. “Later this week we will start with Dan Ben Hannah, Red Globe, and if we’re lucky, the first Thompson, but it will probably come in next week,” says Bertus Swart.

The estimated volume that the company will export in total this season is about one million cartons. Swart explains, “this season we have early Namibian fruit to start with our marketing towards our receivers. At the moment their estimated volume is down by about 20 – 25 % from the early Namibian area. It is a small berry year and this had a direct impact on export volumes. When the berry size is smaller, the crop is smaller.”

Though their vineyards were not affected by heavy rains or hail, Betel did experience very strong wind at the beginning of the season, and this caused some marks on the exposed blocks of fruit, but other than that, the quality of the fruit has been quite good.

Swart mentioned that if there is not much rain between now and January, they may have a problem with the lack of water in February, in the later regions.

For more information:
Bertus Swart
Bet-el Fruit
Tel: +27 (0)21 863 3146
e-mail: bertus@betelfruit.co.za
www.betelfruits.com