South African raisin exports are predicted to bounce back by 36% year-on-year to 26,500 metric tons (MT) in 2012, according to a U.S. Department of Agricultural (USDA) report.

In 2011, exports showed a 49% year-on-year decrease to 19,516 MT due to floods in the Lower Orange River production area.

South Africa has slightly increased its area planted for dry grapes with the introduction of new seedless cultivars and the replacement of vines destroyed by floods.

USDA report authors noted 10,847 hectares of land was devoted to producing raisins in 2011, with Thompson Seedless the largest cultivar accounting for 31% of this area.

The production costs of establishing a hectare have risen considerably from ZAR86,187 (US$10,553) in 2008 to ZAR151,817 (US$18,589) in 2011.

Industry figures for 2011 show Europe as the largest importer at 38%, followed by the U.K. at 30%, North America at 17%, the Far East at 8% and the Middle East at 7%.

Picture: The Raisin Company

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