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500,000 cartons destroyed

South Africa: Rain damage in the Hex River Valley

A section of the Hex River Valley was hit by severe thunderstorms the afternoon of 18th January, followed by more rain the afternoon of the 19th January 2012.

According to a South African Grape Table Industry (SATI) spokesperson, at least 5 grape producers were significantly affected as high winds caused the trellis systems in some vineyard blocks to collapse, whilst hail damage ranging from 5% to 60% was recorded in other blocks.

Although it is too early to calculate the extent of the physical damage, as well as the value of crop losses, it is estimated that ±500 000 cartons (4,5kg equivalents) table grapes were lost due to the storm.

The industry crop estimate for the region had originally been set at 17.8 – 18.2 million cartons at the start of the season, but has now been adjusted to 17.3 - 17.7 million cartons for the 2011/2012 season.