"This is due to smaller volumes from South Africa. The Far East market has not been that active since Chinese new year and not much demand in the Middle East," he explains.
"The issue in the Far East is possibly quality, but there is also a big preference for Australian grapes which are quite competitive against South Africa just now. I think this will turn around in 2/3 weeks time though."
The Hex river valley is the last big production region still to have volumes of table grapes.
Gary explained that they see the vessels from South America go by on the way to the Eastern markets and they are virtually full, so there is a lot of product going there especially the Red Globe variety for which there is a big demand.
"As an industry our volumes are down as you have seen from the reports, but the season has been a bit odd in that the start went very quickly but the late season seems to be slower, and we are still very involved with Crimson seedless, one of South Africa's biggest varieties, which is normally tailing off by now. Then you have the Autumn Royal which is all but finished now and then the very late varieties such as Barlinka and Dauphine which are very Eurocentric," according to Gary.
" I believe that some volumes originally intended for the far East Market will find its way into Europe because of the shortage and healthy demand in that market"
The odd season is due to the very hot temperatures throughout South Africa.
The exchange rate has been favourable for exports but export volumes have been down due to smaller berry size.
Gary said it is still warm for the time of the year, although the evenings are changing, there are predictions of some rain in March and April but by then it will be too late for this season.
For more information:
Gary Britz
ELE Trading
Tel: +27 21 976 0604
Email: [email protected]
www.eletrading.co.za
