Industry sources report optimism across Namibia and South Africa despite expectations of different market conditions, with harvest expected to begin in late October in the earliest production regions
Southern African grape growers are in a confident mood after a successful 2024/25 export season.
Good weather so far, aiding the development of grape vines after winter, augers well for what lies ahead.
However, Namibian sources said it is unlikely they will have the same market conditions in the early season, which propelled them to success last year.
“Some sources in Namibia say the season could be seven to ten days earlier than last year,” said international table grape expert Andre Vermaak.
“However, for experience we know that a bit of cold weather can delay things, so it is too early to make firm predictions.”
Namibia had its best grape export season last year, Vermaak explained, but that was aided by a strong market.
“We will have to wait and see what happens this year,” he said.
On the other side of the Orange River in South Africa, grape growers also harvested a record crop last year.
Industry sources said they expect production to stabilise, indicated by a slight decline in plantings last year.
Industry organisation Sati said it will soon issue its first briefing on prospects for the season.
In terms of port logistics there is new hope that the performance and efficiencies in the container terminal in Cape Town will dramatically increase this year.
“We will again probably have to continue with wind, but the latest improvement in handling equipment is expected to make a huge difference,” a source outlined.
Leading South African cultivar management company TopFruit said its table grape team expects harvesting in South Africa’s earliest region in the north of the country to start at the end of October.
Limpopo, the earliest production area in South Africa, is expected to start at the end of October to early November with Early Sweet ,followed by Arra Honey Pop.
According to TopFruit viticulturist Morné Bester, fertility in the region looks promising, and the favourable flowering weather experienced this year should support reliable yields.
“While Limpopo often faces weather-related challenges, growers remain optimistic and are building on the success of previous seasons,” Beste commented.
TopFruit’s Andre Agenbag confirmed that the season is showing strong potential across both Namibia and South Africa.
“Early Arra varieties in Aussenkehr are expected to be harvested by the beginning of November, with the Northern Cape following shortly thereafter,” he said
Even budbreak and strong vineyard performance across regions suggest good volumes and quality, with expectations for a fruitful season ahead.”
