South Africa's table grape crop for the 2014-15 season is shaping up to be between 4-7% percent higher than the last campaign, according to an initial estimate put out by the South African Table Grape Industry (SATGI). 

SATGI said the growth was mainly due to new plantings coming into production as well as a general adjustment towards normal harvest volumes in areas affected by adverse weather last year.

Between 52.9 million and 54.3 million cartons equivalent to 4.5 kilograms each are expected to be produced in the country.

While these figures represent a strong increase from the last campaign, they are roughly in line with national production during the 2012-13 season.

Harvesting activities are also expected to begin up to seven days earlier than normal.

Despite recent hail storms in the northwestern Orange River Region - the second most productive in the country - the area is also expected to see one of the highest volume increases this season of 9-11% -  with around 16.5 million to 16.8 cartons anticipated.

The Hex River Valley Region, near the southwestern city of Cape Town, will continue to be the area producing the highest volumes with between 17.7 million and 18 million cartons expected, which would be a 5-7% year-on-year increase.

A second crop estimate is due to be published in early December.

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