Contradicting earlier reports, heavy rainfall in the Orange River region could reduce forecast total export volumes by around 7.5 per cent.
However, according to the Orange River Producer Alliance (ORPA), despite losses and harvest delays, the region still expects to export similar volumes as last year.
ORPA chairman Johan Burnett said that exports were likely to be down a further million on predictions earlier in the week. He said: “Despite the rain, prospects for the crop remain good. A total export volume of 12.6 million cartons is expected, compared to last year's 14.4m 4.5kg cartons. The new figure is around 4m down on predictions.”
Burnett said that the rain has affected Kanoneiland, the largest growing area in the Orange River region. He said: “Harvesting was suspended for a short period. Kanoneiland is one of the later regions and to date more than 50 per cent of the total crop has been packed. The effect of the rain on the total crop and market supply is therefore negligible. Growers are having to ensure proper field sanitation is being carried out, to ensure the grapes are healthy.”
Martin Dunnett, procurement director at Capespan UK, said that the rainfall will not affect exports to the UK.
He added: “All UK requirements will be met and we anticipate that volumes will run through to the end of the season. Although developing markets, such as Eastern Europe may be hit and they could receive reduced volumes.”
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