The area to see the biggest drop is the Hex Valley area whose estimates are down 1.4 million cartons since December. the season is running early and to date 4 million more cartons have been exported compared to the same week last year.
In the Northern Provinces weather conditions are now slightly more moderate but still warm. This season’s warm weather has resulted in less intense colour development. The last of the Crimson Seedless is expected to be packed over the next two weeks or so.
Approximately 95% of white table grapes in the Orange River were harvested by the end of week 1, again this was due to the heat, temperatures of over 45°C over a period of three weeks. Due to the warm weather sugar content of grapes is lower, and the colour development on red grapes is less intense. To date, marketing feedback is generally positive.
In the Olifants River early season cultivars showed a tendency towards lighter bunch mass, there is hope that mid- and later season cultivars will achieve pre-season expectations. Indications are, however, that some mid-season cultivars will produce bunches that are 5-10% lighter than expected. The occasional occurrence of soft berries is the result of the exceptionally warm and dry weather conditions, which is predicted to continue for the next week. Crimson Seedless looks good and producers are still hopeful that its bunch mass will reach season expectations. Estimated volumes from here have been reduced 0.4 million cartons to between 3.4 -3.6 million.
As in 2014/15, the Berg River season is early. Harvest is complete for early cultivars such as Prime Seedless, Early Sweet and Midnight Beauty. Currently Thompson Seedless, Festival Seedless and Victoria are being harvested. Some vineyards have been affected by the heat, but overall the dry and warm weather conditions are favourable for picking and packing. The volume in this region has been reduced by 1.2 million cartons.
Finally in the Hex River the season has started well. Some producers are almost finished harvesting Flame Seedless. Autumn Royal and Crimson Seedless look healthy and promising. Water capacity in dams looks good, but water replenishment is under pressure. Although very warm, the dry weather conditions are favourable for picking and packing. This region will see the biggest drop in estimated volumes at 18.5 -19 million cartons a drop of 1.4 million since December.