Industry body Raisins SA reports landmark production figure of 100,542 tonnes, with Thompson variety leading the way at 58,000 tonnes, as producers benefit from new plantings and higher-yielding cultivars
South African raisin production has defied challenging weather conditions to officially pass 100,000 tonnes for the first time.
In April, the crop forecast was adjusted down to 91,000 tonnes after heavy rain in February and March caused crop losses in the eastern production areas upstream of Kakamas in the Northern Cape.
However, losses were not as severe as feared and new figures from industry body Raisins SA reveal that the total volume produced has hit 100,542 tonnes.
It marks the first time the South African industry has ever surpassed the landmark 100,000-tonne figure in a single season.
Thompsons represents the largest product type, with over 58,000 tonnes produced this season.
Goldens (13,710 tonnes), SA Sultanas (10,174 tonnes) and Flame (6,474 tonnes) are also notable categories, with support from jumbo-size categories, OR Sultanas and currants.
Raisins SA chief executive Wessel Lemmer said the increase has been achieved thanks to hectares that were established in 2021 and 2022 coming into production, as well as a switch to newer, higher-yielding cultivars.
Healthy vineyards and optimal weather conditions at the start of the season have also played a key role.
“This is a significant milestone in the development of the South African raisin industry,” Lemmer said.
“We have ambitions to reach 150,000 tonnes in the coming years and be a top player on the global export markets.
”This success is testament to growers’ commitment in investing in their crops and facilities, backed by world-class research and a working model that encourages collaboration and the sharing of ideas,” he added.
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