FRESH FOCUS
SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE GRAPES 2025
PUBLISHED BY
Steady hand
South Africa’s sustainable approach to export development sees the leading table grape supplier balance traditional markets with Asian expansion
PRODUCTION
EXPORTS
MARKETING
VARIETIES
LOGISTICS
CERTIFICATION
CREATING A PROGRESSIVE, EQUITABLE AND SUSTAINABLE TABLE GRAPE INDUSTRY
TABLE GRAPES OF OUTSTANDING QUALITY AND TASTE, WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLY GROWN IN SOUTH AFRICA TO MEET THE HIGHEST GLOBAL STANDARDS, START THE JOURNEY FROM THE FOOT OF TABLE MOUNTAIN TO REACH MARKETS AND TABLES AROUND THE WORLD.
Assisting producers to retain, grow and optimise markets is the most important function of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), an enabling grower association. SATI represents growers on key government and industry initiatives aimed at creating more opportunities from ownership to accessing new markets in a sustainable way.
SATI assists growers with numerous support services including Industry Information, Transformation, Research, Technical
Market Access, Market Development as well as Training and Development with the objective to establish South Africa as the Preferred Country of Origin for the world’s best tasting grapes.
+27 21 863 0366 info@satgi.co.za | satgi.co.za linkedin.com/company/satgi@sati_sa SOUTH AFRICA
63 Main Road, Paarl | PO Box 2932, Paarl 7620
FRESH FOCUS
SOUTH AFRICAN TABLE GRAPES 2025
Picking the “pots of gold”
Advertisers
South African exporters say there are “pots of gold” in Asia. The secret is to deliver the right product at the right time
New opportunities are beckoning for South African table grapes around the world. However, at present, traditional markets are still key for the South African table grape industry. Over the past ten years South Africa has increased the volume of table grapes it exports to its key traditional markets, the UK and EU, in line with the growth seen in the total volume of grapes exported. However, as part of a strategy to diversify its markets, the country has also increased the volume of grape shipments to regions with growth potential. These include the vast consumer markets across Asia including South-East Asia, with much ground already made in China and Vietnam. South Africa now has access to 16 of the world’s top 20 table grape-importing countries and good progress has also been made in gaining access to Korea and the Philippines. As market access to countries across this region grows, new opportunities open up. That is why South African exporters say there are “pots of gold” in Asia. The secret is to deliver the right product at the right time to the trade. However, there are new realities in the global fresh produce trade that will affect all, particularly the changes the geopolitical landscape 2025 looks set to bring. In Fresh Focus South African Table Grapes 2025, we bring you a range of perspectives on this important sector of the South African fresh produce industry. For the rural communities in South Africa, the fortunes of this industry are vitally important in growing the economy and creating work. The people in these regions are proud to bring their produce to consumers in Asia.
Fred Meintjes Editor
South Africa consolidates gains in Asia
After several years of consistent expansion into Asia’s markets, the industry says there are new opportunities.
by Fred Meintjes
The South African table grape industry burst onto the scene in Asia in recent years with expanded market access and market development programmes creating many opportunities.
The country is also producing a range of excellent, new generation varieties which are favoured by consumers and the trade in Asia. And while the trade recognises changes in market supply in these fast-developing markets –with India and China increasing production and supply to other markets in Asia – it has paved the way for a bright future in the region.
South Africa’s table grape season starts in November and normally ends around the end of March. It is particularly its mid- to late growing regions which ship to Asia from mid-January until the season finishes. This year South Africa estimated it would harvest and ship around 75mn cartons (4.5kg) to all export markets, which is the same as in the previous season.
The South African industry says there are several reasons why the trade and consumers in Asia can have confidence in partnering with South Africa as a reliable source of high-quality table grapes.
“Over the past 20 years our industry has made great progress in transforming our cultivar range,” says Leon Viljoen, senior grower from the Hex River. He says growers have spent a great deal of time and money on selecting the best varieties for their regions and can offer only the best.
“South Africa’s position as a preferred supplier to key export markets was once again affirmed in 2024,” says peak industry body SATI (South African Table Grape Industry). “Although we are still selling around 80 per cent of our crop in our traditional markets (the EU and the UK), the quality and food safety standards that we have introduced apply to all our markets.”
SATI says recent development programmes run in China and Vietnam were well received by the market with importers and customers impressed with the quality and taste of the fruit, positioning South Africa as a supplier of quality grapes.
“We can now consolidate our position and ensure that we grow our presence amongst our discerning customers and consumers focused on quality products,” SATI says.
“Behind all this is an industry which for many generations has been committed to the art
LEFT—Growers must balance productivity, cost management and quality as costs rise
of growing quality table grapes. All this is done by dedicated people on the farms and in the logistics chains that ensure a reliability of supply.”
South Africa, at the foot of Africa, is located in the ideal position to supply markets of Asia and Europe. The country’s major shipping port for table grapes is Cape Town but also uses ports on the country’s south and east coasts to connect specifically with services to Asia.
“After some years of introducing our grapes to the Chinese trade and consumers we believe the South African brand is now well positioned in the market,” SATI says.
Work to gain access to more markets in Asia is ongoing and the industry is progressing negotiations with Korea and the Philippines.
“These negotiations sometimes take time, but it is important that we set up protocols correctly before moving forward,” SATI notes.
In line with global trends, one of the challenges for the industry is above inflation cost increases.
“As input costs continue to rise, farmers face increasing pressure to remain competitive. To build resilience, stay competitive, and ensure long-term viability, producers continue to prioritise productivity, prudent cost management, sustainability, and quality. As a result, the South African table grape industry remains well positioned as a preferred supplier of quality produce in various markets,” SATI says.
“Dealing with environmental issues and the effect of climate change is also challenging. Farmers have adapted to changing conditions by implementing production practices suitable to the growing conditions in their regions to improve resilience. As an industry body we can support them through targeted research activities.”
Smoother export operations are also a priority and SATI has commissioned the development of a prescriptive logistics model to optimise its export supply chain. The model, developed in partnership with Transnova Africa, uses data analytics to identify the most efficient routes to market, taking into account various factors such as transportation costs, transit times, and product quality.
The purpose of the prescriptive logistics model is to support the industry's competitiveness in the global market through its value as a decision-making tool with the aim of optimising logistical solutions and reducing costs.
This all augurs well for the development of the South African business across markets of Asia.
Expanding horizons for South African table grapes
The South African table grape industry is prioritising market retention and development, says SATI chief executive Mecia Petersen.
by Fred Meintjes
In an increasingly competitive global environment, one of SATI’s key priorities is to maintain the relationship with the long-existing markets in the EU and UK. SATI is paying equal attention to expanding South
Africa’s presence in markets where an opportunity to develop or grow existing market share has been identified.
“We currently enjoy access to 16 of the world's top 20 table grape importing countries, and we are
committed to continuing to supply these markets with consistent, quality product,” says SATI chief executive Mecia Petersen.
“We strive to preserve our market leadership in the UK and EU. These markets account for nearly 80 per cent of our volumes, and we recognise the importance of continuing to supply our customers in these regions with consistent, high-quality product,” says Petersen.
To achieve this, and to uphold South Africa’s reputation as a reliable quality supplier, the industry is working closely with value-chain partners including government, exporters, and other logistics partners to optimise routes to market and improve delivery times.
“This includes the use of a digital prescriptive logistics model, developed in partnership with Transnova Africa, which helps us identify optimal routes and drive future improvements,” Petersen notes.
Alongside market retention, Petersen says market development is equally important.
“We are currently exploring opportunities to expand our exports to new and growing markets, including South-East Asia and North America. The US and Canada combined currently account for around 8 per cent of our total exports and producers are enthusiastic about the opportunities these markets present,” she says.
In addition to North America, the industry is exploring opportunities to expand exports to Asia
“Negotiations to access the Philippines and Korea are at an advanced stage, and we are optimistic about the potential for growth in this market.”
To establish a market presence for South African table grapes in China, the industry, in partnership with the Western Cape Department of Agriculture, ran a targeted campaign in China for four seasons from 2021 until 2024.
The market responded positively - importers and customers were impressed with the quality and taste of the fruit.
“While global market dynamics continue to evolve rapidly in certain markets, such as China, where increased domestic production has reduced demand for imported fruit, we remain optimistic about the potential for growth in this region,” says Petersen.
“Last year the Chinese trade promotion campaign expanded to include Vietnam, where we see an opportunity for South African grapes.
“By strengthening our partnerships, diversifying our markets, and maintaining the quality product South Africa is synonymous with, we are confident that our table grape industry will continue to thrive in the years to come.”
LEFT—SATI chief executive Mecia Petersen
New leadership from the Orange River for SATI
Alwyn Dippenaar, new SATI chairman, walks in the footsteps of a long tradition of grape farming in South Africa’s remote Orange River region.
by Fred Meintjes
In the mid-1980s reaching Blouputs in the Lower Orange River region, a desert-like part of South Africa bordering Namibia, was quite an ordeal. When you turned off the main road from Augrabies to Pofadder, and headed down to the river, you had to open many farm gates.
For unsuspecting supermarket buyers who visited farms, one leading grower had the practice of letting the visitors open the gates, and once they drove through, pretended to forget them in the desolate near-desert landscape.
Today a tarred road provides access and Blouputs has cemented its position in the world of table grape production. It is also home to the Dippenaar Group, which was founded by Paul and Neeltjie Dippenaar and has grown into one of the leading grape growing groups in the country during the past 30 years.
The original farm was Gamcaip, which is a Khoisan meaning the ‘Fountain in the Stream’. There is in fact a hot water fountain in the middle of the stream and during
times when the river level drops to low levels, one can see it bubbling under the river.
The group currently has 329ha in production and plans for considerable further expansion soon. It has also invested considerably in infrastructure and today the farms have modern packhouses with state-of-the-art pre-pack facilities.
Alwyn Dippenaar is one of three sons of Paul and Neeltjie Dippenaar and has helped build up the group’s marketing division Dippenaar Choice Fruit. From 2025 he will also take on a greater role in the industry as the newly appointed SATI chairman.
Alwyn Dippenaar says his term is the continuation of the work done by the previous chairman and the SATI board.
“There are many important projects which we as a board and the industry have been working on for some time and they will continue. I am also excited that we have such a dynamic SATI team, led by the exuberance of youth coupled with experienced staffers,
who will lead us forward,” says Alwyn Dippenaar.
There are, however, several very important focus areas that are particularly relevant as the industry enters 2025.
Alwyn Dippenaar refers to SATI’s focus on logistics and the role the new model will play in stabilising logistics operations.
“We cannot solve these problems ourselves, but the information that we will derive from this model will be crucial to assist all role-players to contribute,” he says.
ABOVE—Dippenaar’s head office is located in the Lower Orange River
BELOW—Alwyn Dippenaar is the new SATI chairman
Grape exporters should take note of new trends
Changes to production in China, India and the US could affect world markets.
by Fred Meintjes
“The ideal sales window for South African table grapes to the US is from January to mid-February when South Africa can fill some of the gaps in supply from Chile and Peru,” Swart outlines.
“The latest retail trends in the US show that, with the introduction of new white seedless varieties, sales have shifted from 50 per cent white seedless and 50 per cent red seedless, to 75 per cent white seedless, 25 per cent red seedless, and 5 per cent black seedless.”
In South Africa red seedless has dominated for some time, but recent years have seen the white
Changes in supply, as well as within table grape categories themselves, will affect the future development of markets in Asia and the US for South African exporters.
Riaan Swart, grape champion for EMEA at Dole, says for South African table grape industry, one of the trends shaping the market is so-called disruptors in Asia, most notably driven by influences from China and India.
Swart points out that China is gaining prominence as a table grape producer.
“The country has increasingly become a net exporter of grapes over the last three to four years and is still growing with their season now spanning from April to November,” he says.
“The increase in production
also has implications for the opportunity China represents as an export destination for South Africa and other Southern Hemisphere producers.
“Due to factors such as increased domestic production, it is likely that China will feature as a niche export market rather than a big volume market,” he continues.
The introduction of newer varieties has resulted in some changes to the length and nature of India’s production season, with the peak of production now forecast for February onwards.
Exports from India to the EU are expected to start peaking from Week 10 onwards, competing with shipments from South Africa.
Changes in categories of grapes could also affect prospects for South Africa in that market.
seedless category grow significantly as new varieties have entered the market.
ABOVE—South African grapes may have to contend with Chinese domestic production in the coming years
BELOW—The white seedless grape category continues to grow
New varieties keep South African growers at the forefront
South African growers among the fastest in the world to invest in new licenced and branded varieties.
by Fred Meintjes
South African grape growing is a multi-generation game, with foundations that were laid in the previous century resulting in fourth and fifth generations continuing these highly successful businesses.
With this strong legacy fuelling them, the newest generations are embracing growing practices to sustain their businesses for generations to come – and they are amongst the fastest in the world to plant new licensed and branded varieties. This has in recent times fundamentally changed their businesses.
Having the best varieties in your product range is easier said than done. The world’s leading grape breeders are bringing forth many very promising white, red and black varieties, but it is up to grape growers to evaluate them and introduce them on their farms.
Leon Viljoen, a table grape grower from De Vlei one of the oldest table grapes farms in the Hex River Valley, is a good example – this year he celebrates 55 years in the South African table grape business. At the same time, he is also celebrating a journey of close cooperation with the IFG plant breeding programme, which is now owned by Bloom Fresh.
“We have lived with the vines from and early stage and learned from those before us,” says Viljoen.
diverse climatic regions to be the best,” he concludes. Today Sweet Celebration and Sweet Globe are amongst the top five varieties exported from South Africa. Viljoen, however, states the importance for grape growers to consider all breeding programmes.
Throughout South Africa, there are at any time up to 50 new varieties on offer – mostly from the Arra, Sun World and Bloom Fresh breeding programmes.
“But these days one has to be much more agile to stay in the game and we need to explore all opportunities that come our way.”
Viljoen’s long search for the best varieties has taken him around the world. He became the first in South Africa to plant such celebrated IFG varieties as Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe, Sweet Joy, Cotton Candy, Candy Hearts, Sweet Sapphire, Sweet Nectar and Candy Snaps.
“In the end we are as good as the products we offer our customers and their consumers – and we must utilise the best resources and the best of our
SATI’s latest vine census indicated that the total table grape hectares has decreased somewhat as growers move to newer varieties.
Five varieties now account for half (50 per cent) of the total hectares planted, namely: Crimson Seedless, AutumnCrisp, Sweet Globe, Sweet Celebration and Prime Seedless.
Autumncrisp has emerged as the leading late South African white grape. Crimson Seedless remains a strong variety in the South African offer to eastern markets, with the late Hex River Valley growing region excelling as a high-quality producer of this late red seedless.
In recent times the Arra range has also produced exciting new red and white varieties, with Fire Crunch making a big impact in the earlier growing areas this year. Sun World has also introduced a range of early season varieties.
BELOW—Leon Viljoen has been growing table grapes for 55 years
Renewed focus on logistics set to improve the fresh produce export sector
South Africa sits at the crossroads of world shipping lanes – but serving continents in both the east and the west is a formidable task.
by Fred Meintjes
In recent times dealing with South African ports has been tough. However, with logistics taking centre stage nationally, the situation seems to have turned around this season with international markets soon to see the benefits.
In support of South Africa’s strong table grape export industry, SATI has been coordinating shipping logistics and assisting growers and exporters to pick the best logistics options.
This increased focus on effective transport and shipping logistics has been crucial for maintaining successful fresh produce handling across the notoriously difficult and long supply line to Asian markets.
Traditionally, South Africa has had strong and consistent shipping routes to Europe which have
been developed over more than a century of exports. But with growing markets for South African grapes in Asia, logistics routes have expanded. Exporters now use Cape Town and Eastern Cape ports to connect to Asian markets. In some cases, shipping routes via the Middle East are also used, with extraordinary transit systems used to keep the grapes in perfect condition during shipment.
Very recently, South African ports company, Transnet, has reported improvement in efficiencies and no doubt SATI’s
LEFT—South African table grape exporters now use Cape Town and Eastern Cape ports
logistics models are also helping to more effectively put fruit through the ports.
Supply routes to Asia are, however, long and expensive. In order to withstand the shipping times, South African growing practices are geared to grow the best grapes and then maintain quality all the way to the market. Growers must also comply with strict phytosanitary regulations, and this has to be taken into account when products are packed and sent to Asian markets.
Unlike the case with citrus fruit, where conventional reefer vessels are also used to supply Asia, South African table grapes are shipped entirely in reefer containers, which in many instances are taken straight to markets where they are often opened for the first time since leaving the packhouse.
Exporters know that once they load the fruit in the container, the cold chains must be maintained until the fruit arrives in the market to ensure the best quality product on arrival.
New access protocols require a special focus
South Africa’s food standards organisation, PPECB, looks to add more value to the country’s export chain amid expanded access to Asian markets.
by Fred Meintjes
As South Africa grows its markets in Asia, the country’s export standards organisation, Perishable Products Export Control Board (PPECB), says management of new protocol requirements requires special attention.
The original mandate of the PPECB was to “oversee the export of perishable produce”. In recent years, and since deregulation of »
BELOW—PPCEB inspectors conduct onsite inspections
Our passion for excellence helps you grow your business and establish yourself as a preferred supplier of perishable products.
we w and sustain your
the South African fresh produce business, this role has changed significantly.
“Apart from being a regulator, the PPECB wants to add more value in terms of the role it plays within the export value chain,” says Lucien Jansen, chief executive of the PPECB.
In South Africa, the PPECB conducts integrated inspection of cold chain services, that includes but is not limited to aspects of phytosanitary compliance, food safety, product quality, equipment certification and temperature management.
“The PPECB’s stamp of approval, which is fixed on cartons and pallets approved for export, is also globally renowned and synonymous with product quality and consistency,” says Jansen. “In a market that is highly competitive,
we believe that the PPECB’s stamp of approval is more important than ever before.”
He says the PPECB has adapted greatly to industry trends over the past years and invested significantly in technology and ICT infrastructure.
“In addition to the traditional quality and phytosanitary inspections, food safety, and cold chain services, information provision has become a major focus area,” Jansen explains.
Further to this, Jansen says the PPECB’s analytical laboratory in Pretoria has expanded its service offering to cater for the growing industry needs.
“The organisation’s major objectives of client satisfaction and service efficiency remain top of mind and a main driver of the PPECB’s organisational culture,” he adds.
The PPECB plays a key role in monitoring and managing compliance in the logistics chain and while recent logistical problems in the ports have challenged the organisation’s agility, this is looking to turn around.
“The national port operations in South Africa have significantly improved this year,” Jansen says.
South Africa has in recent years gained access to new markets in Asia. This is governed by strict protocols which require special focus on logistics operations. This is implemented under the authority of the South African National Department of Agriculture and PPECB plays a key role in compliance.
LEFT—The PPECB plays a key role in monitoring safety and compliance across cold chain services and the logistics chain BELOW—Lucian Jansen, chief executive of PPECB
Despite challenges, there are still “pockets of gold” in Asia
South African grape exporters admit the optimism about major Asian markets has faded somewhat, but with a targeted approach there is still some hope.
by Fred Meintjes
After years of focusing on Asia to grow their grape export programmes, and reduce dependence on traditional markets, South Africa’s table grape exporters say they are now more realistic about long-term prospects.
grow from there”.
However, exporters, say traditional markets in Europe and the UK will for some time still be the most important destinations for South African grapes.
The question is then – what is happening to South Africa’s table grape export drive into Asia?
The answer is simple: increased competition.
for fruit exports, JJ van der Spuy says the Chinese market has become much more competitive than five years ago, with large production of Shine Muscat being on the market between April and December.
“This is a large-berried crispy white grape,” van der Spuy explains. “Compared with apples and pears, citrus and perhaps avocados, table grapes from South Africa have a more difficult market.”
Alongside the increased production of grapes from China and other sources across Asia, Chilean cherries are increasingly flooding the market at low margins during their season.
And yet, exporters still argue that greater access and market development is essential.
“Four years of promoting our products in markets such as China has certainly done a lot to establish our grapes in discerning markets,” a leading exporter says, “and we can »
Core Fruit commercial manager
“There are still pockets of gold in these markets and advances in market access will certainly give us
BELOW LEFT & RIGHT—Safpro table grape growers visiting a Chinese market
more opportunities,” van der Spuy says. “We just need to offer the best product at the right time.”
Enslin Perold of South African exporter Safpro, who has been exporting table grapes to China for over 20 years, says China and the broader Asian regions are incredibly challenging markets for South African grape growers.
“However, [it’s] a very financially rewarding market,” he adds.
If South Africa would like to develop into South and East Asia, Perold says the country desperately needs market access into countries such as Korea and Thailand as well as expanded access to Japan.
Currently, South African grapes are in fact allowed into Japan, but only the Barlinka variety, which is no longer grown.
Nico Louw, head of marketing at table grape exporter Exsa, says his company exports to Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore and
China with some success, although exports to China have declined.
“There are vast differences in price levels in Malaysia and it seems there is a new tender price every week,” Louw says. “Vietnam
LEFT—South African table grape growers must export the highest quality fruit to withstand the long journey to Asia BELOW—SATI has run a number of promotions in China including free tastings
remains a good market for us and good quality is rewarded.”
In general, Asia’s market expectations are incredibly high for table grapes and other fruit. According to Perold, Chinese expectations of the grapes they receive must be large size berries (XXL and XXXL), hard and crunchy, high-Brix, full-colour, and have a full bloom.
“We do understand that only the best varieties are preferred, and South Africa can never consider selling an inferior product to China,” he says. “They must have green stems otherwise the perception is that of an old product.”
Perold says as far as China is concerned there are only three varieties – Crimson Seedless (as long as they are pink), Sweet Globe, and AutumnCrisp – which are favoured. To a lesser extent, Sweet Joy, a black seedless variety, is accepted.
“There are very specific requirements for all these varieties, and if exporters cannot comply, they must not export them,” he says. “We have had some very good results and some poor results due to the fact that we did not send what the market demands.”
Exsa says there is also a demand for specialty products such as Cotton Candy, Candy Hearts and the unusually shaped Sweet Sapphire.
All exporters agree that the honeymoon period which followed the opening of the Chinese market is well and truly over. The future will belong to those who can meet the requirements of these markets.
