South Africa’s table grape sector has achieved remarkable success this season, setting new benchmarks across several key indicators.
Despite a minor contraction in vineyard area, the industry recorded its largest national harvest to date.
This all-time record for table grape exports stands as a resounding testament to the efficacy and resilience of the nation’s cold chain infrastructure. The ability to successfully harvest, maintain and transport an unprecedented volume of delicate produce to international markets underscores the critical role and ongoing advancements within the cold chain, ensuring the quality and extending the shelf life of this valuable agricultural commodity.
The total harvest volume reached 78.9 million cartons (in 4.5 kg equivalents), representing a 4% increase compared to the previous season. An even greater proportion of this bumper crop, 77.4 million cartons, was destined for international markets, marking a 5% surge in export volumes year-on-year.
The peak of the export season, spanning weeks two to six of 2025, also witnessed record-breaking activity. During this period, inspection volumes surpassed seven million cartons per week, highlighting the efficiency and scale of the industry’s operations. Projections suggest that table grape yields are poised for further expansion as older vineyards are replaced with newer, more productive varieties. Over the past decade, inspection volumes have already demonstrated a consistent growth trend of 3.2%.
Significant shifts were observed in the utilization of South African ports for export. The combined volume of grapes shipped through the Cape Town Container Terminal and the Cape Town Multi-Purpose Terminal rose substantially, accounting for 90% of total exports in the 2024/25 season, up from 82% in the preceding year. Conversely, the proportion of exports handled by Eastern Cape ports declined from 11% to 6%, and Durban’s share decreased from 7% to 3%. Notably, a small but significant 1% of the export volume was channeled through Walvis Bay, a new development compared to the previous season.
Neighbouring Namibia’s table grape exports reached 8.8 million cartons, a slight decrease from the 9.1 million cartons recorded in the previous season.
The improved performance of the South African export sector was partly attributed to enhanced efficiencies at the Port of Cape Town. These improvements included a reduction in vessel waiting times and the number of anchored vessels, extended operational shifts during holidays and recovery periods following weather-related disruptions, and the strategic installation of two 500 kVa generators with container plug points through a collaborative public-private initiative.
Average port productivity, measured by gross crane moves per hour, showed a positive trend, averaging 13 in the first 13 weeks of the year, compared to 10 in the same period last year. However, adverse weather conditions in February and March, resulting in significant wind delays, did cause some disruptions to shipping schedules.
The industry also benefited from the implementation of a predictive logistics model. This innovative tool, based on a digital representation of the harbor, facilitated optimised grape network movements across various South African ports, contributing to the overall efficiency of the export process.
Reference: SA Freight News