South African grape exports 3.3 million cartons short of 2012

The Hex River Valley Region is the only region still packing volumes of grapes in South Africa. Although the producers in the Olifants River Region are still packing very low volumes of Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal and even Redglobe. It is expected that, due to the slow colour development of these varieties, packing in the
region will potentially only stop by Week 14.

In the Berg River Region packing in the Piketberg area has finished for the season. Small volumes of Dauphine are being packed in the Saron area by one producer, whilst the rest have completed their packing activities. In the Paarl and Wellington area mostly Bonheur, La Rochelle, Waltham Cross and Dauphine is being packed, with some producers having finished packing activities for the season. The quality is still good.

Redglobe, Autumn Royal and Crimson Seedless are the main varieties being packed in all areas of the Hex River Valley Region, with the first Barlinka and Dauphine also expected from Week 11. Quality is still very good but the crop load is lower than expected. Producers are trying to finish packing activities before the Easter Weekend (end Week 13), and there are even producers who will end their packing activities during Week 12. Weather conditions are favourable for the packing of good quality grapes.

In general exports are still lagging behind last year's levels, with the exception of exports to Russia. As shown in table 1, exports to this destination are up almost 300,000 cartons compared to last year. The total volume of South African grapes exported to date is almost 3.3 million cartons short of last season.