Grapes market in South Africa

Earlier Report Observations

The South African grape market volume held steady at approximately 1.53 million tons in 2018 and 2019. A prolonged drought in 2018 reduced wine grape yields, but this was counterbalanced by the table grape industry's expansion through increased land under cultivation and growing export markets. Market volume then rose to 1.63 million tons in 2020.

After a contraction to 1.58 million tons in 2021, the market recovered to reach 1.61 million tons by 2023. In 2022, logistical hurdles and rising costs for table grape exports prompted a shift, with more fruit being channeled to local consumption and raisin production, bolstering domestic supply. The 2023 season saw warm spring weather advance grape development, yielding a slightly smaller crop, while low inventory levels in key European markets affected export dynamics.

Production grapes in South Africa

In kind, 2018-2021, K t

Between 2018 and 2021, South Africa ranked as the world's 10th largest producer of grapes.

Top producers of grapes, 2018-2021

World map of production of grapes, 2018-2021

In 2021, South Africa produced 2 000 K t of grapes, showing little change from the previous year. Over the 2018-2021 period, production grew by 5.2%, with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 1 884 K t, which represented a decline of 0.9% from the previous year. Production peaked in 2020 at 2 008 K t, marking a significant increase of 6.6%.

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

In value, 2018-2021, M $ US

Grape production in South Africa increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, the output was valued at 3 828 M $ US, reflecting a robust 14.9% rise compared to 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, production value grew by 12.7%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 4.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 264 M $ US, which saw a decline of 3.9% from the previous year.

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

Exports grapes from South Africa

Exports in kind, K t

South Africa's grape export volume increased for the second year in a row. In 2021, exports reached 433.6 K t, representing a solid 11.2% year-over-year growth. Over the 2018-2021 period, exports rose by 12.5%, with an average annual growth rate of 4.0%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 368.7 K t, which marked a decline of 4.3% from the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany—collectively accounted for 66.9% of South Africa's total grape exports by volume.

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

South Africa's grape exports in value terms increased for the second consecutive year. In 2021, exports totaled 829.7 M $ US, showing an abrupt 28.3% rise compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, export value grew by 20.6%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 6.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 638.9 M $ US, which saw a decline of 7.2% from the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands (35.5% of export value), the United Kingdom (20.4%), and Germany (7.8%) led the export structure by value, together representing 63.7% of total 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 grapes to South Africa

Imports in kind, K t

In 2021, South Africa's grape import volume amounted to 11.6 K t, up by 17.0% year-over-year. Over the 2018-2021 period, imports increased by 16.6%, with an average annual growth rate of 5.3%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 9.9 K t, which represented a decline of 15.2% from the previous year. Imports peaked in 2019 at 11.7 K t, marking an increase of 17.6%.

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

Between 2018 and 2021, Spain (33.6% of import volume), Egypt (30.1%), and Namibia (29.2%) stood out as the main sources for grape imports by volume, together accounting for 92.8% of total flows.

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

After two years of decline, South Africa's grape imports in value terms increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 18.8 M $ US, reflecting a significant 17.7% gain compared to the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, import value grew by 2.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 0.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at 16.0 M $ US, which saw a decline of 12.2% from the previous year.

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

From 2018 to 2021, Spain (48.2% of import value), Egypt (28.9%), and Namibia (13.6%) remained the principal suppliers of grapes to South Africa by value, jointly accounting for 90.7% of total imports.

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

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