The 2020/21 Namibian table grape season started about 10 days later than normal and it’s ending on a high note this week with Kobus Bothma, executive director of Capespan Namibia, calling it Namibia’s best ever grape season, ending around 12% above the initial estimate.
The delay in starting, coupled with ideal weather conditions during the packing period, have in fact produced grapes of excellent quality, he says.
“The area received only 10mm of rain in the harvesting period, compared to some production areas in the northern parts of South Africa receiving 50 to 80mm of rain.”
Capespan Namibia directors Gideon Nuunyango and Kobus Bothma toasting their best ever Namibian grape season (photos supplied by Capespan Namibia)
“The season estimate for Namibia was 7.6 million x 4.5kg equivalent cartons, but it seems that 8.5 million x 4.5kg equivalent cartons may be reached by the end of week 2.”
Last year’s Namibian export crop came to 6.1 million 4.5kg equivalent cartons.
“This season seems to be the best ever for Namibia, with the highest season volume up until now, compared to just below 7 million cartons in previous seasons.”
Packing grapes in a Capespan Namibia packhouse as the season winds down
In mid-October Kobus told FreshPlaza that cooler than usual conditions during September - the same conditions that delayed the start of the season - had been favourable for berry size and bunch development.
For Capespan Namibia, too, it is a record breaking season with volumes far exceeding 2 million 4.5kg equivalent cartons.
"We should exceed the crop estimate by around 35%, with 50% extra large fruit packed by the end of week 2."
He continues: “All of our 18 varieties have exceeded their estimates. We are very pleased and grateful to end this season on a high note. Volumes and quality far exceeded our expectations.”
Namibia's Aussenkehr Valley on the banks of the Orange River
For more information:
Kobus Bothma
Capespan Namibia
Tel: +264 63 297 570
Email: kobus@csnam.co.na
http://www.capespan.com/