South Africa's season grape intakes to the end of week 1 have overtaken the figure recorded for the same period in 2010-11, according to the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI).

The season started with delays but has now caught up with 136,956 cartons more than last year.

The country recorded intakes of 18.7 million cartons during the period while exports stood at 15.95 million, which is slightly down on cumulative exports in 2010-11.

The U.K. share of imports rose by two percentage points to 32% compared to last season, while the Northern European share fell by one percentage point to 55%.

Exports to the Middle East are less than half what they were for the period last season with 327,807 cartons, while Far East shipments are down 15.8% year-on-year at 1.1 million cartons.

Grape exports to 'Other Markets' have jumped by 39.5% to 628,938 cartons.

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South African grape exports gather momentum

Photo: SATI

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