The 2025/26 South African table grape season has begun under generally favourable conditions, with all five production regions reporting normal crop development.
According to the first crop estimate released by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), export volumes inspected are projected to reach 79.4 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent), a 0.6% increase compared with the 78.9 million cartons recorded during the 2024/25 season.
SATI Chief Executive Officer Mecia Petersen said that growing conditions in the months leading up to the season have supported good fruit development. “Growing conditions have been favourable in the months leading up to the export season, and at this stage we expect the 2025/26 harvest to deliver good fruit quality and sufficient volumes to meet demand in our export markets,” she said.
The organisation noted that recent upgrades at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT) are expected to help improve port efficiency during the peak export period. Transnet, which manages the facility, has invested in new handling equipment as part of a broader operational turnaround plan. Eighteen new rubber-tyred gantry cranes (RTGs) are due to be fully operational by the end of November, supported by existing machinery to strengthen terminal capacity.
Petersen said that these improvements, combined with increased collaboration between Transnet and private sector stakeholders, are intended to stabilise performance at the port. “Efficient supply chain logistics is essential to ensuring that South Africa remains a trusted global supplier of quality table grapes,” she added.
SATI is also continuing its partnership with Transnova Africa to develop its Prescriptive Logistics Model, which uses data to optimise route-to-market decisions for exporters. The model is being expanded through collaboration with Transnet and the Western Cape Government to improve real-time data sharing and logistics coordination. Other fruit sectors have been invited to participate in a Proof of Concept to broaden the system’s scope.
This season will also see South Africa export table grapes to the Philippines for the first time, following new market access approved earlier this year. Initial shipments are expected later in the season and will be supported by promotional activities to introduce the fruit in that market.
In North America, SATI plans to continue market development activities in Canada and the United States, with funding support from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture. While tariffs on U.S. exports remain in place, the industry intends to maintain its presence in the region and assess long-term market opportunities.
