CAPE TOWN: As demand continues to be strong for South African grapes, the European market especially is seeing good prices, this had been helped by the rain in the Northern province and Orange River, which saw a short break in the harvest. The Middle East has received less volumes than at the same time last year as has Russia; the big winner is Canada which is becoming an increasingly popular destination for South African grapes – volumes sent there have more than doubled this season. The Far Eastern market has also seen an increase in volumes as the protocol for China was changed this season.
About 80% of the harvest has been packed in this region. The good rains affected sugars on Crimson but most vineyards in this region are already cultivated under plastic covers. Producers are still very positive about the harvest and expect the region to end in line with the crop estimate. Over 90% of the harvest has been packed in this region. Rain fell in certain parts of the region over the past week. It is not expected that the rain will have a big impact on the total volume due to many grapes being under plastic covers. Producers remain positive that they will end within the crop estimate. The grapes are healthy and quality looks good in general. The region had some rain, but it will not have a noteworthy effect on the harvest. The colour development is better than in the previous season.
