First Crop Estimate for the 2026/2027 Season
*All cartons expressed as 4.5 kg equivalent
[28 September 2026, Paarl] – The South African table grape industry is preparing for an earlier start to the export season, with the first crop estimate for 2026/2027 indicating a stable crop of sufficient volume to meet market demand.
The preliminary national crop estimate for 2026/2027 of 78.4 million cartons inspected for export has a lower range of 76.8 million cartons and an upper range of about 79.9 million cartons.
Table 1: First Crop Estimate for 2026/2027 season (million 4.5 kg equivalent cartons)
| Region | 5-Year Average | Actual 2025/2026 | Estimate 2026/2027 |
| Berg River |
19.2 |
20 |
20.1 |
| Hex River |
23.9 |
24.4 |
24.3 |
| Northern Provinces |
6 |
5.9 |
5.7 |
| Olifants River |
3.8 |
4.2 |
4.1 |
| Orange River |
24.6* |
26.8 |
24.2 |
| NATIONAL |
77.5 |
81.3 |
78.4 |
*2022/2023 season figures excluded due to the impact of adverse weather conditions on the Orange River region crop.
The estimate remains broadly aligned with the five-year average, supporting South Africa’s ability to provide consistent volumes to international markets. Estimated volumes across the five production regions are also consistent with regional five-year averages.
“Favourable water availability, supported by sufficient dam levels, provides a positive foundation for the season ahead. At the same time, warmer weather conditions have contributed to earlier crop development, and current indications are that the season could be about 10 to 14 days earlier than previous seasons,” said Alwyn Dippenaar, chairperson of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI).
Following recent rainfall, dam levels in the main table grape-growing regions were, on average, approximately 82% full by late September, compared with 85% at the same time last year.
Overall, the estimate reflects continued stabilisation in total table grape hectares planted across the country. Hectares planted decreased marginally by less than 0.5% to 19,434 hectares in 2026.
“The preliminary estimate indicates that South Africa is well positioned to deliver a quality crop in sufficient volumes to meet the requirements of our international markets,” said Mecia Petersen, CEO of SATI.
“SATI will continue working closely with growers, exporters, logistics providers, ports and other stakeholders across the value chain to facilitate the efficient movement of fruit throughout the season and ensure that the 2026/2027 crop reaches markets consistently during the export window,” said Petersen.
The first crop estimate represents a reasonable deduction based on multiple factors, including prevailing weather conditions and production trends. Figures may be revised as required as the season progresses.
ISSUED BY SATI
Enquiries:
Conrad Burger
SATI Finance and Commercial Manager
+2721 863 0366
About SATI
SATI is the unified South African Table Grape Industry Association. All table grape producers are required to register with SATI, which is mandated by law as the industry’s official levy administrator. The levy is required to fund and facilitate market access and development, research and technology, information provision, transformation, and training. SATI is dedicated to operating a partnership that strives to maintain South Africa’s position as the preferred country of origin for retailers around the world. Contact: info@satgi.co.za