Arabfields, Sana Dib, Financial Correspondent, Johannesburg, South Africa — South Africa’s table grape industry has entered the new export season with growing confidence after a year of steady progress across production and logistics. Growers in the country’s five main grape producing regions have reported favorable weather conditions, healthy vineyards and strong fruit development, creating optimism that the months ahead will deliver another solid export campaign.

Farmers have already started preparing vineyards for peak harvesting, while packing facilities are increasing activity as the first shipments move toward international markets. In Namibia, neighboring producers have also begun harvesting, adding to the region’s overall export momentum.

Industry leaders expect approximately 81.25 million cartons of table grapes to be inspected during the current marketing cycle, following the record harvest achieved during the previous season. Around 78.3 million cartons were exported in 2026, representing a modest increase over the previous year despite weather disruptions and logistical challenges. Improved yields from modern grape varieties helped offset a slight decline in vineyard area, which now stands at roughly 19,400 hectares.

Workers across vineyards and packing houses have welcomed the encouraging start. Many producers say better growing conditions have improved fruit quality, while investments in farming practices continue to strengthen productivity. Export companies are also reporting greater confidence as infrastructure upgrades at the Port of Cape Town improve cargo handling efficiency during the busiest weeks of the export season.

Logistics remain one of the industry’s biggest concerns, but recent investments in port equipment and stronger cooperation between public and private partners have reduced pressure on exporters. Some companies have also expanded the use of alternative ports to maintain reliable deliveries to customers across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Looking ahead, industry analysts believe South Africa is well positioned to maintain stable export volumes over the next few seasons. If weather conditions remain favorable and logistics continue to improve, annual exports could gradually move beyond 80 million cartons on a consistent basis. Continued adoption of higher yielding grape varieties and ongoing infrastructure improvements are expected to support competitiveness in global markets while helping growers respond to changing consumer demand.