The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) has released figures showing exports fell 11.4% in week 5, but shipments to the country’s most significant market of northern Europe were up 11.8%.

South Africa exported 1,922,972 cartons to northern Europe during the week, compared to 1,719,769 cartons in week 4.

The country exported 2,840,358 cartons in total which took cumulative shipping for the season to 25,455,724 cartons.

While export figures to the European continent were positive in week 4, shipments to the U.K., Middle East and South East Asia were down 41%, 60% and 87.5% respectively.

These falls in shipments came largely as a result of the season approaching its close, with SATI announcing the conclusion of grape packing in the Northern Province and Orange River regions.

The report said the Oliphant’s River region will finish packing in week 8, while good quality Crimson Seedless and Autumn Royal varieties continued to be produced.

The Berg River was packing at peak volumes with favorable weather and good quality grapes, while SATI said the Hex Valley region was packing ‘very good quality’ grapes, where very hot weather conditions were recorded.

Source: www.freshfruitportal.com