The country’s table grape sector showed resilience during 2025/26, achieving record inspection volumes of 81.25m cartons
The 2025/26 table grape season was one of the most challenging in recent years for the South African table grape industry.
Growers faced significant commercial pressure amid weather-related disruptions, logistics delays, rising costs and increasing global competition.
“Despite these challenges, the South African table grape industry once again demonstrated resilience, recording the largest inspection volumes on record,” said Alwyn Dippenaar, chairman of industry body Sati.
Dippenaar said Sati remains committed to supporting the industry through research, market development, logistics initiatives, transformation and stakeholder engagement to ensure the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of the sector.
“Progress was made across all portfolios during the year, with several new initiatives aimed at strengthening South Africa’s position as a reliable supplier of high-quality table grapes to global markets,” he noted.
The most recent vine census showed a marginal 0.4 per cent decrease in national plantings to 19,404ha, continuing the longer-term trend towards stabilisation in area planted.
Final figures for the season indicate that 81.25mn cartons were inspected for export, representing a 3 per cent increase year-on-year and remaining within the upper range of the initial crop estimate.
On a regional basis, four out of five regions met or exceeded their crop estimates for the season.
The Hex River Region achieved about 95.8 per cent of the anticipated volume due to rain that had an impact on the crop during the latter part of the season.
All other regions met or exceeded their crop estimates.
Export statistics
Dippenaar said total exports reached 78.3mn cartons, marginally higher than the previous season.
“Europe and the United Kingdom remained South Africa’s primary export destinations, jointly accounting for 86 per cent of total exports,” he explained.
”Europe remained the industry’s largest export destination, with volumes increasing by 16 per cent year-on-year to 52.1mn cartons.
”However, increased supply from South Africa and competing Southern Hemisphere exporters contributed to periods of market oversupply, resulting in pricing pressure,” Dippenaar continued.
UK exports declined by 6 per cent to 13.5mn cartons during the season.
“Given the UK’s position as a key high-value market for South African table grapes, this trend warrants closer analysis,” he commented.
”As competition from other Southern Hemisphere origins continues to increase, the industry must ensure that it remains well-positioned to retain and strengthen its presence in this strategically important market.”
Exports to the Middle East declined by 16 per cent to 4.3mn cartons, while exports to North America declined significantly, decreasing by 53 per cent to 3.5mn cartons.
“Volumes to the USA and Canada were impacted by logistics constraints, tariff uncertainty, exchange rate pressures and rising costs. Exports to Canada, in particular, were also constrained by limited shipping availability during the season,” Dippenaar pointed out.
”This highlights the importance of reliable market access and logistics solutions.”
It was encouraging that South Africa gained temporary tariff-free access to China, presenting new opportunities for the industry, he said.
“While this development is positive, success in this market will depend on our ability to compete effectively against strong domestic production and established suppliers such as Australia, which benefits from geographic proximity and shorter transit times.”
South Africa also exported table grapes to the Philippines for the first time after gaining access in 2025.
The export protocol for South Korea was concluded and published in February 2026, paving the way for commercial exports from 2027 once administrative processes are finalised.
“We now have access to 17 of the top 18 table grape importing countries globally,” Dippenaar added.
