Outlook for Table Grapes 2020

The demand for seedless varieties of table grapes is set to continue on its path towards expansion in the coming years, especially in the EU where consumers are beginning to develop a sound appreciation for these particular varietals. The emergence and growth of markets in Asia, Africa as well as the Middle East hold huge potential for the marketing of South African grapes.

This opportunity is fuelled by, what is now the start of a plethora of new seedless bred table grape varieties, being made available and subsequently due to enter commercial production in the coming years.

These varietals will mostly originate from the United States and will have royalty fees attached to every vine planted and each carton of fruit sold. The evolution of trade, in particular during the bridging periods when new competitors like Brazil and India have been emerging, will continue to blur the lines between early and late fruit, thus forcing South African producers to focus on achieving uniform quality in a narrower marketing window.