Stormy weather hits deciduous and table grape growers in Western Cape

After months of hot sunshine and perfect growing conditions, recent weather events in the Western and Southern Cape are likely to impact South African fresh fruit exports.

Growers in Ceres and the Langkloof have started assessing the damage caused by this weekend’s stormy weather.

It is expected that final details will only be available in around two weeks, but growers have said that some have been affected more than others.

“It is with concern that we take note of the hail damage reported in the Langkloof and the Koue Bokkeveld; however, the full extent of the impact on the apple and pear crop is still being assessed,” said Roelf Pienaar, managing director at Tru-Cape Fruit, who remains cautiously optimistic about the season.

“While the crop is progressing well and quality indicators are encouraging, there are still a number of variables that will influence market performance and global demand.”

In the Hex Valley most of the early varieties have been harvested, with mostly Crimson Seedless left for the rest of the season.

In recent times growers in these regions have increasingly covered their vines under netting, and this is likely to reduce some damage.

Ceres recently reported excellent prospects for blushed pear while the Gala crops also promised high packouts. 

While there are reports of widespread damage in the Langkloof, growers also confirm that damage by hail has been ‘patchy’, with some orchards more affected than others.

TruCape said the first apples and pears are coming off the trees earlier than expected, setting the stage for a season shaped by both opportunity and uncertainty.

While early indications point to good quality fruit, factors such as potential hail damage, exchange-rate volatility, and other variable conditions will continue to influence outcomes as the season unfolds. 

The company said the Langkloof was severely affected by a hailstorm on 5 February, followed by further hail damage in the Koue Bokkeveld on 8 February.

Depending on the variety, the season is on average seven to ten days earlier than usual, according to Calla du Toit, procurement director at Tru-Cape.

“We picked the first BigBucks Gala in the Ceres region on 26 January, which is exactly ten days earlier than last season,” he noted.

Harvesting of Rosemarie, a blushed summer pear variety, commenced on 23 December – approximately two to three weeks earlier than the industry norm.

“It was only the second time in the past 25 years that I can remember we started harvesting before Christmas,” Du Toit added.

In the EGVV region (Elgin, Grabouw, Villiersdorp and Vyeboom), summer pears are about ten to twelve days earlier than usual, while apples are approximately seven to ten days ahead of the normal pattern, according to Graeme Krige, technical advisor at Two-a-Day.

“We expect a good-volume crop in the EGVV, with clean fruit that is relatively free of pests and disease,” said Krige.

“Later varieties are expected to catch up as the season progresses, with ripening likely to return to a more normal pattern.”