SOUTH AFRICA – The South African table grape industry has been pushing forward with more precise logistics this season, making strategic decisions months in advance to ensure smooth operations.
With improvements in their logistics models, producers now have the ability to predict scenarios up to eight weeks ahead, giving them the ability to adjust accordingly to meet market demand.
The 2024/25 grape season started later than expected, but mid and late-season varieties are set to follow the usual schedule. By the end of the season, it is expected that a total of 76.4 million cartons (4.5 kg) will be exported.
Despite these positive forecasts, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) is urging producers to stay alert for any potential disruptions. Mecia Petersen, SATI’s CEO, said, “Producers must be ready to act if challenges arise during the season. The logistics model is more advanced than before, so we can be more proactive.”
She added that one potential issue could be a bottleneck if production peaks, with some varieties ripening faster than expected.
To address these potential bottlenecks, SATI has worked with Transnova Africa, an independent logistics consultancy, to build a model that can suggest optimal routes for exports.
The model is updated bi-weekly and helps both farmers and businesses make better decisions. Jacques Ferreira, SATI’s manager of commercial industry affairs, explained, “The model helps reduce costs and guides logistical decisions. It even suggests alternative routes if weather-related disruptions occur at ports.”
Ferreira further emphasized that the model was built with input from stakeholders across the value chain, including freight forwarders, government officials, and producers. “By providing up-to-date information, we can make better commercial decisions,” he said.
While improving logistics is vital, SATI’s ultimate goal is to maintain and grow South Africa’s presence in key export markets. Petersen stressed that the UK and EU remain the primary markets for South African grapes, but the industry is also focused on expanding to new regions.
“A major priority for us is to maintain our position as the preferred counter-seasonal grape supplier in the UK and the EU,” she said. “However, we are also working to increase our presence in other markets.”
Petersen shared that South Africa now has access to 16 of the world’s top 20 grape-importing markets, and negotiations with the Philippines are progressing.
SATI has also been running campaigns in China for the past four seasons, which have helped raise awareness about the quality of South African grapes, though growth has been slow due to factors like increased domestic production.
Vietnam has also been gaining attention as a growing market. “Vietnam’s population size and their exposure to Western foods make it an attractive market,” Petersen explained. “We are putting more effort into growing our presence there.”
In North America, South Africa’s grape exports have been steadily increasing. Ferreira noted that the US market is showing more interest in South African grapes. “We are seeing more demand in the US, especially in the gaps between Peru and Chile’s supply windows,” he said. “This is where South Africa can fill the void.”
While trade with the Middle East and Africa has seen modest growth, SATI remains focused on sustainability, keeping up with market trends and ensuring the long-term success of the industry.
“It is essential that we work as an industry, rather than as individual entities,” Petersen concluded. “We are in a good position, and the future looks promising.”
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