South Africa’s table grape shipments fell by 42% in week 3 compared to the same period last year, with a difference in exports to Northern Europe of nearly 1 million cartons, according to figures released by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI).

The report showed 1.2 million cartons were shipped to Northern Europe, compared to 2.16 million cartons in the same week in 2009-10.

The most dramatic fall was a 70% decrease in shipments to South East Asia, while the smallest change was a 9% fall in table grape shipments to the Middle East.

However, the report notes that these figures do not include shipments with LARS Maersk.

The report said the Northern Province region should finish all packing activities by week 6, with two producers in the region still packing good quality Crimson Seedless Grapes.

The Orange River region has almost finished packing, while the report said very good quality Red Globe, Crimson Seedless and Autumn Royal grapes were packed during week 4.

A wide variety of cultivars are in still in the packing stage in the Berg River region, with mid-season varieties ripening quickly.

It is expected that Red Globe, Sunred Seedless and Crimson Seedless will be ready for harvest from week 5 in the Hex Valley region.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com