South Africa will produce more grapes and fewer apples in Market Year 2010-11, according to a U.S. Department of Agriculture report.

Weather was a blessing and a curse in the country, with a late spring and heat wave hurting apple production and a warm, dry spring benefitting grape production. Pear production is expected to remain flat.

South Africa is expected to produce 750,000 metric tons of apples, a 7.2% decrease from MY 2009-10. Gala and Golden Delicious were especially affected by the heat wave, losing 20% and 21% of production, respectively. Exports are expected to decline 13%, to 290,000MT.

Grape production is expected to rise by 9.6%, to 280,000 MT. Exports are expected to rise 6%, to 232,000 MT, according to the report. Europe accounts for 63% of the grape export market. South African grape growers will take over a promotional program in the United Kingdom.

Pear production is expected to reach 348,000 MT. Of that, 182,000 MT will be exported, mainly to Europe.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com