Looking at exports up to Week 1 (below) we can see how the early harvest has influenced export volumes. Close to 6 million more cartons have been exported than at the same time last year. While the European Union has received another 4m cartons, volumes to the Middle East and South East Asia have almost doubled compared to the same week last season.
Normal volumes of Redglobe and Crimson Seedless are being packed in the Northern Provinces. According to SATGI approximately 750 000 cartons will be packed in the region up to the end of the season. Weather conditions are favourable and the quality is still excellent.
Packing has concluded in the early parts of the Orange River Region. The last Thompson Seedless is being packed in the Kanoneiland area, whilst small volumes of Crimson Seedless and Redglobe will be packed in the region over the next few weeks. It is expected that another 2.3 to 2.5 million cartons will be packed until the end of the season in this region. Very hot weather conditions are being experienced. The quality is excellent and vineyards are healthy.
In the Oliphants River Region mostly Redglobe is being packed, whilst the first Crimson Seedless has reached the required maturity levels. It is expected that another ±2.3 million cartons will be packed until the end of the season in this region. Weather conditions are favourable for packing, the quality is excellent and the vineyards are healthy.
Berg River Region
Thompson Seedless, Victoria, Redglobe, Regal Seedless, Sugrathirteen, Sunred Seedless and Dan ben Hannah are currently being packed in various parts of the region. The season is still 10-14 days earlier than normal and all varieties tend to mature at the same time due to the excellent weather conditions still being experienced. Final packed volumes of varieties reflects a normal crop volume. The quality is excellent and the vineyards are very healthy.
Sugraone, Sugrathirteen and Victoria are being packed in the Hex River Valley Region. Packing of Regal Seedless will start from Week 3. The season is still 10-14 days earlier than normal and all varieties tend to mature at the same time due to the excellent weather conditions being experienced. The quality is excellent and vineyards are very healthy.