SA table grape exports rise despite port and logistics strain

The South African Table Grape Industry (Sati) closed the 2025/26 export season with record harvest volumes but continued to face significant logistical and cost pressures. It exported 78.3 million 4.5kg cartons, slightly above the previous season, while 81.25 million cartons were inspected for export, a 3% increase year-on-year.

Sati said the outcome remained within the initial crop estimate despite operational disruptions, with its CEO, Mecia Petersen, stating that the season reflected resilience under difficult conditions.

“While it is worth noting that we achieved steady export volumes, the 2025/26 table grape season is highly challenging, with growers facing significant commercial pressure amid weather-related disruptions and logistics delays,” Petersen said.

Logistics constraints were a defining feature of the season. The Port of Cape Town’s share of exports dropped by 15 percentage points from 91-76%, with more volumes redirected through Eastern Cape ports, increasing costs for exporters.

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“The logistics challenges experienced this season remain a key concern… These issues must be addressed to ensure consistent and improved performance in future seasons…” Petersen said.

National plantings declined slightly by 0.4% to 19 404 hectares. Despite this, improved yields from newer cultivars supported the record harvest.

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From a market side, Europe and the UK accounted for 83% of exports, underscoring continued concentration in traditional markets. However, Sati highlighted early diversification efforts, including first shipments to the Philippines and planned access to South Korea from 2027.

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“The global export market landscape is becoming increasingly complex. This reinforces the need for us to remain focused on quality, consistency, and reliability,” Petersen said.

The industry said future performance will depend heavily on logistics reform and infrastructure improvements at Transnet Port Terminals, alongside efforts to expand into new markets to reduce reliance on Europe.

*Phenyo Selinda is a Moneyweb Intern

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