Namibian grape growers say they expect an above-average year in terms of income due to the short supply of grapes on the global market this year due to production issues in Peru, All Africa reported. 
Six million cartons are expected to be packed and shipped to international markets, compared to the 4.6 million cartons last year.
The industry is forecasting N$780 million (US$57 million) in revenue for 2017, a year-on-year increase of N$180 million (US$13 million).
Peru is seeing a huge reduction in production volumes from the north of the country as a result of heavy rain and flooding earlier in the year.
Silverlands Vineyards managing director Andre Vermaak said Peru's situation was benefiting Namibian grape farmers who are seeing less competition in international markets.
"For 2017 Peru lost about 50 percent of their grapes due to flooding, so that helps us. Hopefully because of the short supply of grapes we can get more for our grapes [onto the market]. I trust that this season will be above average in terms of income," he was quoted as saying.
Director of Cape Orchard Company Arjan de Kock, expressed similar sentiments, saying the industry expects to have a good year compared to the last, as there are more grapes, while the quality has also improved.
He said although only about half of the grapes have been harvested so far, it looks promising.
"There is more fruit and the quality looks good this year, so we are very excited and we think it is going to be a good year. We expect a turnover of about N$780 million if we get good prices," he told the publication.
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