The business is expanding and remains profitable—but at a cost, writes Betina Ernst, President at consulting firm Top Info Marketing.
The agreement is expected to open the door for other agricultural commodities, with apples and pears first in line.
The industry is eyeing major opportunities following China's grant of two years of tariff-free access.
This is the first shipment of the fruit to the Asian country since the African industry gained market access in 2025.
With harvest estimates unchanged, stats show 90 percent completion against SATI’s season forecast and confirm consistent performance from the country's export sector.
Right at the midpoint of the current campaign, the country reports clockwork-like production, with shipments halfway through the initial estimated volumes.
The South African Table Grape Industry reports a slower export pace, driven by increased inspections, adverse weather in Cape Town, and strong commercial rivals in the Southern Hemisphere.
The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) attributes this season's growth to favorable conditions across all five production regions and ongoing improvements in logistics and port operations.
South Africa has been exporting fresh table grapes to the United States for over two decades, with an average annual growth rate of 19% over the last five years.
Joylene Van Wyk, the Media Liaison Officer for the country's Ministry of Agriculture, told Freshfruitportal.com that the table grape industry plays a significant role in the SA economy.
