South Africa's table grape intakes were 53% higher year-on-year in the season up to week 1, as a result of a very early season that the sector believes should taper off to a "normal" level within the three-year average.

The difference between intakes and actual exports is also much higher than in previous years, but shipments abroad are still also up by more than half year-on-year at 18.3 million cartons.

This figure represents around a third of the total season estimate of 52.9-54.3 million cartons forecast by the association South Africa Table Grape Industry (SATI).

SATI cited very hot weather conditions in the Orange River region, where the quality was excellent and vineyards were healthy.

"The last Thompson Seedless is being packed in the Kanoneiland area, whilst small volumes of Crimson Seedless and Redglobe will be packed in the region over the next few weeks," the group said.

"It is expected that another 2.3 to 2.5 million cartons will be packed until the end of the season in this region."

The amount of fruit remaining to be packed was less still in the Northern provinces where conditions were described as favorable, with 750,000 cartons to go.

In the Olifants River region, mostly Red Globe was being packed while Crimson Seedless vineyards had reached the required maturity levels.

"It is expected that another ±2.3 million cartons will be packed until the end of the season in this region," SATI said of the area.

"Weather conditions are favourable for packing, the quality is excellent and the vineyards are healthy."

There is still a significant amount of fruit to be packed in the Berg River and Hex River Valley regions.

"Thompson Seedless, Victoria, Redglobe, Regal Seedless, Sugrathirteen, Sunred Seedless and Dan ben Hannah are currently being packed in various parts of the region," SATI said of the Berg River area.

"The season is still 10-14 days earlier than normal and all varieties tend to mature at the same time due to the excellent weather conditions still being experienced. Final packed volumes of varieties reflects a normal crop volume. The quality is excellent and the vineyards are very healthy.

"Sugraone, Sugrathirteen and Victoria are being packed in the region. Packing of Regal Seedless will start from Week 3. The season is still 10-14 days earlier than normal and all varieties tend to mature at the same time due to the excellent weather conditions being experienced. The quality is excellent and vineyards are very healthy," SATI said of the Hex River Valley zone.

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