The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) released the 2nd Crop Estimate for the 2020/2021 season with intake volumes lowered to between 61,7 million and 67,1 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) brought about by the effect of rain in week 1 in the Orange River region. This region is now expected to pack between 15,0 and 16,0 million cartons.
The mid to late cultivars in the Orange River, namely Autumn Crisp, Arra 15, Sweet Globe, Scarlotta, Sugar Crisp, Crimson Seedless and Red Globe will still be packed with great care and focus on quality.
The geographical diversity of South Africa’s five production regions is once again demonstrated with the mid to late Olifants River, Berg River and Hex River regions in the Western Cape expected to make up for the volumes lost. In these regions the quality is excellent, and the weather forecast for the foreseeable future is equally promising.
The earlier Northern Provinces region started about 2 weeks late but is expected to reach the upper level of the first crop estimate, while they report good quality and berry sizes.
The updated second estimate, in the table below, was reached by considering the best available information, experience and observations, the latest industry vine census and historical data.
Table 1 – 2nd Crop Estimate for 2020/2021 season (million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons)
Crop estimates are done in co-operation with growers and industry experts representing all production regions. This forum is used by SATI to be more responsive to in-season developments and deviations.
The Olifants River region, with its packing window predominantly between that of the Orange River Region and the mid-to-late Berg and Hex River regions, reported very good quality and berry sizes. The estimate of the Olifants River region has been raised to a low of 3,7 million and a high of 4,0 million cartons.
The Berg River region, the third biggest production region in SA, reported equally good quality grapes with very decent berry sizes. The estimate for this region remains unchanged.
The quality of grapes in the Hex River region also looks very promising. The estimate has been changed with the upper limit increased to 23,0 million cartons, while the lower end remains unchanged at 20,6 million cartons.
Producers and exporters are confident that all market commitments will be serviced with a very good product. According to new SATI Chairman, Anton Viljoen Jnr, producers will continue to focus on selecting, preparing and packing the best quality table grapes with great eating quality from South Africa to send to its discerning world markets.
