INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
ASSOCIATIONS
SATI Update
By the South African Table Grape Industry ( SATI )
Highlights from SATI ' s first communication for the season as well as the latest stats are included .
Lisa Fotios | Pexels
REGIONAL UPDATES The Northern provinces had a reasonable start to the season . Volumes are expected to decrease in comparison to last season .
There has been a stronger focus on the local market in the first few weeks . Rain in weeks 44-46 slowed progress slightly due to an overall focus on packing only the best quality grapes for export markets .
Packing in the Orange River started with cooler temperatures being experienced , assisting with colouring .
The harvest is expected to be smaller as a result of producers not preparing certain cultivars for export due to market conditions .
MARKETING , LOGISTICS & CLIMATE
Logistics execution has improved , with processes being more streamlined and effective communication between stakeholders in place . Currently it would seem sufficient containers and vessels are available .
Significant cost increases in the table grape value chain are placing producers under pressure , with average direct production costs having increased by more than 16 %.
Noteworthy is the long-term structural change in supply from South Africa which is influenced by cultivars , overall crop size and market conditions .
To date , Peru is shipping more grapes to North America , mostly driven by a strong US dollar , relative to prices that can be achieved in Europe .
All indications are that there will be strong demand for grapes up until Christmas and possibly into the early part of the new year .
The Orange River flood is not anticipated to have a significant impact on table grape production , however it may affect irrigation .
Lower than average temperatures have been experienced over the last year , however this is expected to change from Jan / Feb 2023 when the current La Nina weather cycle is expected to end . For summer rainfall regions this is good news , as drier conditions are expected from Jan / Feb 2023 for the second part of the season .
According to meteorologist , Johan van den Bergh , summer rainfall areas have received more rain this year than the average received over the last five years , due to the current La Nina cycle . CLA
Significant cost increases in the table grape value chain are placing producers under pressure ,
ONE CONSOLIDATED VOICE FOR THE REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY .
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