The South African table grape industry squeezed out a modest export growth in 2025/26 despite battling one of its most challenging logistics seasons in recent years. A record-sized crop collided with wind disruptions and congestion at the Port of Cape Town, which translated into million-dollar losses.
Despite these supply chain hurdles, the country exported over 78 million cartons of table grapes, up 0.2 percent year-on-year, according to a season overview by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI).
Image courtesy of SATI.
The South African table grape industry reported an early start to the 2025/26 season, with several varieties maturing ten to 14 days ahead of schedule. This, combined with adverse weather at the Cape Town Container Terminal, led to stock build-ups and forced exporters to divert cargo.
SATI said the national crop estimate remained unchanged throughout the season, with a projected range between 77 million and 81.77 million cartons.
The top exported varieties during the season were Crimson Seedless at 9.1 million cartons, Sweet Globe at 8.6 million cartons, Sweet Celebration at 8.5 million cartons, AUTUMNCRISP at 7.2 million cartons, and Prime at 6.5 million cartons.
Jabu Mdaki, CEO of Transnet Port Terminals, a major operating division of South Africa's state-owned freight transport company of the same name, reported a 91 percent increase in wind disruptions between November and January. The executive also cited equipment downtime and late container arrivals as key operational issues.
To address these issues, Transnet said it plans to replace the port's landside equipment and introduce cranes capable of operating in winds up to 56 miles per hour. Additionally, the company aims to raise average gross crane hours to 22 by March 2027.
An industry workgroup coordinated by the country’s Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum is seeking to improve terminal efficiency by reducing the container booking window from 72 hours to 36 hours, effective May 1.
SATI CEO Mecia Petersen said growers faced heavy commercial pressure during the season due to logistics disruptions, increased competition from other Southern Hemisphere exporters, and geopolitical uncertainty.
Petersen noted that US tariffs on South African exports currently stand at ten percent and continue to create uncertainty around future trade conditions.
However, in its season review, SATI identified opportunities in Asia following China's granting South Africa tariff-free access for two years. The industry also launched promotional campaigns in North America and the Philippines to support market development.
*All images are referential unless stated otherwise.
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