Cape Town table grape exports increase despite strong winds

SOUTH AFRICA – Cape Town’s table grape exports have surpassed last season’s figures, even as the port faced strong winds that disrupted operations.

By the end of Week 10, the port had shipped 96.1 million 4.5kg cartons, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the same period last year.

According to the South African Table Grape Industry (Sati), the volume of table grapes inspected for export increased by 5%, reaching 76.91 million cartons by Week 10.

This figure slightly exceeds the national crop estimate of 76.4 million cartons. A majority of the exports—77%—were shipped to the European Union and the United Kingdom, while 10% went to North America.

Despite the increase in exports, Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) recorded more than twice the number of windbound hours compared to February 2024.

The extended delays caused disruptions in the movement of goods. However, logistical improvements at the port helped maintain a steady flow of exports.

“The first batch of nine new RTG cranes is en route and expected to arrive in Cape Town before the end of March. CTCT aims to have them operational by end-September 2025. The second batch of nine is set to arrive in July 2025, and the last batch of 10 in November 2025,” said Antoinette van Heerden, logistical affairs manager at the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum (FPEF).

Productivity at the terminal has improved, with crane movements per hour increasing to 13 in Week 10, up from 11 during the same period last year. The number had dropped to nine in Week 07 due to strong winds and equipment breakdowns.

Sati’s commercial affairs manager, Jacques Ferreira, noted that wind delays led to 500 fewer containers being exported than initially projected.

“The analysis suggested that more volumes were shipped on conventional vessels than planned and that the average days to market increased by roughly seven days due to wind delays at CTCT,” Ferreira explained.

South African grapes enter the Philippine market

In another recent development, South African table grape growers secured access to the Philippine market, adding another destination to their expanding list of international buyers.

“We have been working on expanding market access for South African table grapes and are very pleased at this outcome. The Philippine market presents exciting opportunities for our growers and exporters,” said Mecia Petersen, CEO of Sati.

The industry will send its first shipment to the Philippines once final administrative processes are completed. Sati acknowledged the efforts of the South African government in achieving this milestone.

“This development is a significant milestone, and the result of long-standing collaboration between government and the industry. We would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to the Ministry and specifically the Department of Agriculture, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (the South African Embassy in the Philippines), and the Philippine Ambassador to South Africa for their continued support and hard work in achieving this goal.”

South Africa ranked as the sixth-largest exporter of table grapes last year. The industry remains largely dependent on traditional markets in Europe and the UK, which accounted for 57% and 20% of exports, respectively.

The Middle East received 4%, while China and the rest of the Far East accounted for 5% combined.

With a projected crop of 76.4 million cartons this season, South African growers are optimistic about maintaining strong export numbers.

By the end of February, 94% of the packing season had been completed, with national inspection volumes reaching 71.72 million cartons, a 4% increase from the previous year.

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