South African grapes continued to enjoy good demand in global markets, thanks to the industry’s reputation as a reliable supplier of quality produce. The EU and UK received 58% and 18% of exports, respectively, and the industry remains committed to retaining these as its traditional markets. Other key markets demonstrated growth, with exports to North America (Canada and USA) reaching 7.4 million cartons, a 25% increase from the previous season.
“The industry is encouraged by growing exports to the USA, and we are closely monitoring developments regarding potential new tariffs that may impact the sector,” said Mecia Petersen, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI). South Africa has been exporting fresh grapes to the USA for over two decades, with export volumes growing at an average rate of 19% per year over the last five years.
In the 2024/2025 season, South Africa’s table grape exports to the USA represented about 3% of total exports, equivalent to approximately 2.2 million 4.5 kg cartons or 9,878 tonnes.
“Volumes to this market have grown exponentially over the past five seasons, and SATI believes there is room for further growth,” said Petersen. “Industry engagements conducted in 2024 and 2025 indicated that USA-based role-players had an appetite for increasing volumes of high-quality grapes sourced from South Africa.”
South African table grapes complement the USA market by producing counter-seasonally, filling strategic supply gaps and providing American consumers with fresh produce during the off-season.
“Retaining market share in existing markets, such as the USA, remains a key priority for the industry, and we are committed to working with government and stakeholders to secure a favourable trade environment with the USA,” she said.
A higher USA tariff for South Africa compared to other Southern Hemisphere exporters active in the same marketing window, such as Peru and Chile, would put local producers at a disadvantage. The global table grape market is becoming increasingly competitive, with increased production from emerging and established producing countries.
“Market diversification is important for export-driven industries; however, it is impacted by various factors and accessing new markets is not a straightforward or quick solution. Market access processes can take many years, and favourable market conditions are influenced by the tariffs South Africa may face in destinations compared to other exporting countries. Finding alternative markets to absorb volumes currently shipped to the USA is not a desirable solution,” said Petersen.
As the South African table grape industry looks to the future, it remains committed to retaining market share in key markets like the USA. It is working with government and industry stakeholders to ensure favourable trading terms, protecting the livelihoods of the nearly 100,000 people directly employed in the sector. In 2024, South Africa exported about USD730 million worth of table grapes globally, and the industry contributed more than USD820 million (R14.67 billion) to national GDP in 2024 (BFAP, 2025).
[ENDS] ISSUED BY SATIMedia Enquiries:
For more information, please contact:
Denene Erasmus
Market Development & Communications Manager – SATI
Denene@satgi.co.za
+27 845 484 606
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
