South African table grape exports reach record volumes despite logistics delays, market saturation
Europe remained the industry’s largest destination, with volumes up 16% year on year to 52.1 million cartons.
SOUTH AFRICA – The South African table grape industry has achieved a record inspection volume of 81.25 million cartons during the 2025/26 season, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite weather disruptions, logistics delays, rising costs, and intensifying global competition.
“Despite these challenges, the South African table grape industry once again demonstrated resilience, recording the largest inspection volumes on record,” said Alwyn Dippenaar, chairman of industry body SATI.
Final figures indicate a 3% increase year-on-year, remaining within the upper range of the initial crop estimate. Total exports reached 78.3 million cartons, which were marginally higher than the previous season.
Europe and the United Kingdom remained South Africa’s primary export destinations, together accounting for 86% of total exports. Europe remained the industry’s largest destination, with volumes up 16% year on year to 52.1 million cartons.
However, increased supply from South Africa and competing Southern Hemisphere exporters led to periods of market oversupply, putting pressure on prices. UK exports declined by 6% to 13.5 million cartons during the season.
“Given the UK’s position as a key high-value market for South African table grapes, this trend warrants closer analysis,” Dippenaar commented. “As competition from other Southern Hemisphere origins continues to increase, the industry must ensure that it remains well-positioned to retain and strengthen its presence in this strategically important market.”
On the other hand, exports to North America declined significantly, decreasing by 53% to 3.5 million cartons. “Volumes to the USA and Canada were impacted by logistics constraints, tariff uncertainty, exchange rate pressures and rising costs,” Dippenaar pointed out.
“Exports to Canada, in particular, were also constrained by limited shipping availability. This highlights the importance of reliable market access and logistics solutions,” Dippenaar added.
Furthermore, the industry is actively pursuing geographic diversification into Asian markets. For instance, South Africa gained temporary tariff-free access to China, presenting new opportunities despite competition from Australia’s shorter transit times.
The country also exported table grapes to the Philippines for the first time after gaining access in 2025. Additionally, the export protocol for South Korea was finalised and published in February 2026, paving the way for commercial exports starting in 2027.
“We now have access to 17 of the top 18 table grape-importing countries globally,” Dippenaar added.
Future competitiveness depends on securing reliable logistics solutions and strengthening presence in high-value markets.
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