Grapes market in SADC

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, grape production in SADC remained stable at around 1.95–1.96 million tons. This period saw the industry organization Raisins SA strengthen its role under Hortgro Services management to support expansion and recapitalization, while ongoing irrigation guidelines projects aimed to improve climate resilience for table and raisin grapes.

Production increased to 2.07 million tons in 2020, lifting market volume to 1.69 million tons. In 2021, the industry's focus on promoting healthy snacking and its response to COVID-19 through graduate placements coincided with significant port logistics constraints, which operated at roughly 30% of international norms and affected export efficiency. Despite a 25% rise in exports to the UK over two seasons, these logistical hurdles contributed to a slight contraction in domestic market volume to 1.64 million tons.

The 2022 launch of the Vine Academy and Model Farm enhanced farmer sustainability and competitiveness in the Lower Orange River Valley, supporting a production peak of 2.14 million tons. Concurrent Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) projects advanced skills development and ownership transformation. By 2023, improved port logistics and decade-long productivity gains underpinned the export sector, though production moderated to 2.05 million tons while the domestic market volume stabilized at 1.68 million tons.

Production grapes in SADC

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

After two consecutive years of decline, grape production in SADC increased in 2020. The region produced 2 073 K t of grapes that year, marking a moderate year-on-year growth of 6.6%. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 1 946 K t, following the largest decline of 6.4% in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of grape output in SADC was 3 495 M $ US, showing a slight increase of 2.2% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 3 421 M $ US, while the maximum occurred in 2018 at 3 658 M $ US. The largest decline of 6.5% took place in 2019, whereas the largest increase of 5.9% was observed in 2018.

Annual dynamics of production in SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports grapes from SADC

Exports in kind, K t

Following a two-year decline, grape export volumes from SADC rose in 2020. The region exported 398.0 K t of grapes that year, up by 3.7% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 3.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 1.1%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 383.7 K t, with the largest decline of 3.8% occurring in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany were the primary markets for SADC's grape exports in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 36.5% of exports, the United Kingdom for 21.4%, and Germany for 8.0%. Together, these three countries represented 65.8% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

SADC's grape export value declined for the second consecutive year in 2020, amounting to 671.1 M $ US with minimal change compared to 2019. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 738.7 M $ US. The largest decline of 8.7% occurred in 2019, while the largest increase of 8.8% was seen in 2018.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Throughout 2017–2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany remained the leading markets for SADC's grape exports in value terms. The Netherlands held 32.8% of exports, the United Kingdom 20.8%, and Germany 8.5%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 62.1% of total export flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from SADC in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to SADC

Imports in kind, K t

Grape import volumes into SADC declined for the second year in a row in 2020, reaching 13.8 K t, which represented a limited decrease of 5.6% from the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports fell by 2.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.9%. The peak import volume was recorded in 2018 at 15.2 K t, accompanied by the largest increase of 6.9% that same year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020, K t

The structure of grape imports into SADC in volume terms from 2017 to 2020 was diversified. Egypt accounted for 18.3% of imports, Spain for 16.1%, and Turkey for 2.4%. Together, these three countries made up just 36.8% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Grape import values into SADC fell for the second consecutive year in 2020, totaling 31.1 M $ US, which indicated a significant loss of 20.0% compared to the previous year. Over the 2017–2020 period, imports decreased by 2.9%, with a compound annual growth rate of 1.0%. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 41.1 M $ US, when the largest increase of 28.4% occurred.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of grape imports into SADC in value terms was highly diversified. Spain accounted for 22.3% of imports, Egypt for 18.0%, and Turkey for 3.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 43.6% of total flows, while the remaining 56.4% was distributed among numerous smaller partner countries.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to SADC in value, 2017-2020