South Africa's table grape exports to all destination categories were up in the season to week 10 with a total year-on-year rise of 20.7% to 46.59 million cartons.

Figures recently released by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) show strong rises to the U.K. and Northern European markets with jumps of 31% and 21% respectively.

With a total of 36.68 million cartons, these two markets have represented 78.7% of South Africa's table grape exports in the season so far.

Shipments to the Middle East were up 22.9% to 2.6 million cartons while exports to the Far East are 4.6% higher than last year. Shipments to 'Other Markets' are up 9.6%.

The SATI report said the Berg River region was packing its last Crimson Seedless and Dauphine grapes for the season, with all packing activities expected to finish this week.

Mid-season cultivars such as Crimson Seedless, Autumn Royal, La Rochelle and Red Globe were still being packed in the Hex River Valley, while the first Dauphine and Barlinka were also being packed. SATI said the packing tempo was still high with good quality fruit.

Packing in the Northern Province, Orange River and Oliphants River regions has finished.

Photo: SATI

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