334000 tons of South African grapes will soon be harvested in 70 million cases, facing the challenge of rising freight rates.

On October 27, the South African Grape Industry Association (SATI) released its first assessment for the 2021/22 season, predicting production to reach 70.6 million-77.7 million boxes (4.5 kg/box). Based on the median value of 74.2 million boxes, the estimated output is 334,000 tons, which is basically the same as the previous quarter.

Although the newly planted high-yield varieties will continue to be fully produced, overall yields have not increased significantly. The latest statistics for 2021 show that South Africa's grape planting area has decreased from 21100 hectares in 2020 to 20564 hectares at present. Compared with 2019 data, a total of 1234 hectares have been reduced in three years, which further proves that South Africa's grape industry is in the process of integration and development.

According to Anton Viljoen, the theme of the South African Grape Industry Association, South African producers will focus on "getting back to basics", focusing on all aspects of production management, from planting, picking and packaging to meeting consumer needs. In order to continuously provide high-quality fresh grapes, South African grape growers continue to invest a lot of money in breeding new varieties, upgrading packaging plant equipment and technology, building cold storage, and continuously meeting the needs of consumers in the international market.

Harvesting will begin in early November in two early-maturing regions in the Northern Province and Orange River region, while harvesting will begin at least one month after harvest begins in the early-maturing regions in the middle and late ripening regions of the Olafenz, Heck and Berg Rivers.

The data in the table below represent the most recent assessment based on analysis of available data, combined with recent industry and historical data, based on previous experience and observations.

1st yield assessment for 2021/22 season

(4.5kg/box, unit: ten thousand)

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In addition, according to Agrotex Global, South Africa's fruit export industry may face a 30%-40% increase in freight rates from the beginning of this season. Data show that container freight rates in South Africa have risen by 40% since 2020, and this trend will continue. The production and transportation costs of fresh raisins in South Africa will increase significantly due to rising labor, packaging materials and logistics costs.