South African table grape exports up 20%
South Africa's table grape exports for the season to week 6 are up 20% year-on-year at 34,470,180 cartons, according to the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). 
The country's shipments to the U.K. and Northern Europe have risen significantly at rates of 30% and 26% respectively - this equates to around 6.26 million more cartons that have been shipped to these markets compared to last year.
While large volumes have gone to the European market, shipments to other destinations such as the Middle East and the Far East have fallen, at rates of 15% and 9% respectively.
A SATI report said only two producers were still packing in the Northern Province region, with good quality but in small volumes.
Packing has finished in the Orange River region while some growers in the Olifants River are expected to finish packing in week 8.
Berg River growers are still packing mostly Crimson Seedless and Autumn Royal grapes, while packing is set to come to a close for some growers in week 9.
The region is packing late mid-season cultivars such as Red Globes, Sundance and Rochelle, while SATI says the quality is excellent.
In the Hex River Valley region, mid-season cultivars are still being packed, with high volumes of Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal, La Rochelle and Red Globe.
Related stories: Overlapping grape expectations in Europe
Subscribe to our newsletter
