Fresh grapes market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the South African fresh grape market volume fluctuated between 1 586 and 1 692 thousand tons. A rise to 1 692 thousand tons in 2020 was supported by the potential for expanded production in the Limpopo and Free State regions and an increased focus on crop-load management. The volume then dipped in 2021 as the industry grappled with significant rises in production input costs and logistical challenges. Warm spring weather in 2022 aided grape development, contributing to a market volume of 1 661 thousand tons, before stabilization near 1 667 thousand tons in 2023 despite lower overall production caused by climate-related floods and droughts that reduced wine grape yields.

In value terms, the market grew from 2 632 million US dollars in 2018 to 3 149 million in 2021, driven largely by increased freight and input costs. Export dynamics evolved, with new legislation in November 2022 updating standards for grading, packing, and marking table grapes for export. The industry expanded its reach, launching marketing activities in Vietnam in 2023 and facing higher tariffs in the USA, which spurred advocacy for exemptions and market diversification efforts.

Beyond 2023, the industry focused on market access, achieving a 25% increase in exports to the USA in 2024. The resumption of apple exports to Thailand in 2025 indicated potential for broader fruit market expansion. Ongoing challenges included port strikes and logistical delays, while packaging innovations and a shift toward new-generation cultivars aimed to maintain competitiveness.

Production fresh grapes in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

South Africa was one of the world's top producers of fresh grapes from 2018 to 2021, ranking 10th globally by production volume.

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2018-2021

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 2 000 K t of fresh grapes, showing only a slight change compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production was in 2019 at 1 884 K t, while the highest was in 2020 at 2 008 K t. The largest decrease occurred in 2019, falling by 0.9%, and the largest increase was in 2020, rising by 6.6%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Fresh grapes production in South Africa increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, the output was valued at 3 840 M $ US, marking a strong year-over-year increase of 19.1%. From 2018 to 2021, production rose by 21.8%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 052 M $ US, with the largest decline that year of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Exports fresh grapes from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

Cross-border shipments of fresh grapes from South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, export volume reached 369.5 K t, up 13.7% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, exports grew by 14%, translating to an annualized rate of 4.4%. The lowest volume was in 2019 at 321.3 K t, with the largest decline that year of 0.9%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Canada were the core markets for South Africa's fresh grape exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 44.1% of exports, the United Kingdom for 22.6%, and Canada for 4.6%, together making up 71.3% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, M $ US

Fresh grapes exports from South Africa increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports totaled 709.5 M $ US, reflecting a sharp rise of 36.0% compared to 2020. From 2018 to 2021, exports increased by 32%, equivalent to an annualized growth rate of 9.7%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 520.5 M $ US, with the largest decline that year of 3.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Canada were the main markets for South Africa's fresh grape exports in value terms. The Netherlands represented 41.4% of exports, the United Kingdom 23.1%, and Canada 5.5%, together accounting for 70.0% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from South Africa in value, 2018-2021

Imports fresh grapes to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, foreign fresh grape supplies to South Africa stood at 9.7 K t, showing a substantial gain of 10.3% compared to 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 12.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.1%. The highest volume was in 2019 at 10.5 K t. The largest decline occurred in 2020, falling by 16.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019, rising by 22.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021, K t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain, Egypt, and Namibia were the top suppliers of fresh grapes to South Africa in volume terms. Spain accounted for 38.6% of imports, Egypt for 34.5%, and Namibia for 24.8%, with their combined share reaching 97.9% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, M $ US

In 2021, South Africa's fresh grapes imports were recorded at 17.7 M $ US, corresponding to a rise of 20.2% from 2020. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 7.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%. The lowest value was in 2020 at 14.7 M $ US, with the largest decline that year of 11.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Over the 2018-2021 period, Spain and Egypt concentrated the majority of South Africa's fresh grape imports in value terms, while other markets played a less significant role.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to South Africa in value, 2018-2021