Grapes market in Sub-Saharan Africa

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the grape market volume in Sub-Saharan Africa remained stable at around 1.6 million tonnes. This period coincided with the restructuring of the South African industry, which saw the establishment of Raisins SA to strengthen the sector's identity and capabilities, alongside a shift toward free-market principles with a strict focus on quality and compliance for exporters. Market volume then increased to 1.7 million tonnes in 2020 as table grape production returned to normal levels following unfavorable weather conditions in the previous season.

The market experienced a slight dip to 1.66 million tonnes in 2021. During this year, a development project for 200 hectares was launched in the Orange River region to support small growers, and the sector received statutory levy investments aimed at upgrading drying infrastructure and socio-economic development. By 2022, the market recovered to 1.69 million tonnes, with raisin production remaining robust and exports increasing despite financial pressures from high input costs and adverse climate.

In 2023, market volume rose further to 1.71 million tonnes. This growth was bolstered by improved port and logistics conditions, which reduced shipping delays and enhanced the competitiveness of Southern African grapes in international markets. New vineyard plantings and the replacement of old vines since 2014 supported production expansion, with industry forecasts pointing to raisin output exceeding 100,000 tonnes by 2025. Rising demand for premium, natural snack products in key export destinations opened additional avenues for innovation and market access.

Production grapes in Sub-Saharan Africa

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

Following two years of contraction, grape production in Sub-Saharan Africa rebounded in 2020. The region produced 2 078 K t of grapes that year, marking a moderate increase of 6.5% from 2019. Production had reached its lowest point in 2019 at 1 950 K t, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 6.3% drop.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, the value of grape production in Sub-Saharan Africa reached 3 565 M $ US, representing a 3.4% gain compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production value grew by 2.8%, which translates to an annualized rate of 0.9%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 3 448 M $ US, while the highest was in 2018 at 3 719 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with a 7.3% decrease, whereas the largest increase took place in 2018 with a 7.2% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports grapes from Sub-Saharan Africa

Exports in kind, K t

After two consecutive years of decline, grape exports from Sub-Saharan Africa showed growth in 2020. Exports reached 391.2 K t that year, up by 2.5% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 4.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of -1.6%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 381.6 K t, and the largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 5.0% drop.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany consistently formed the core markets for grape exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in volume terms. The Netherlands accounted for 36.5% of exports, the United Kingdom for 21.3%, 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 Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

Grape exports from Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Export value reached 671.2 M $ US, showing only marginal fluctuation compared to the previous year. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 738.8 M $ US. The most significant decline occurred in 2019 with an 8.7% decrease, while the largest increase took place in 2018 with an 8.8% rise.

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

Throughout the 2017-2020 period, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany remained the primary markets for grape exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value terms. The Netherlands accounted for 32.8% of export value, the United Kingdom for 20.8%, and Germany for 8.5%. Collectively, these three markets represented 62.1% of total export flows.

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

World map of product's exports from Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to Sub-Saharan Africa

Imports in kind, K t

Grape imports into Sub-Saharan Africa increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Import volume reached 27.8 K t, showing a modest rise of 7.1% year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 21.4%, which equates to an annualized growth rate of 6.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the import landscape for grapes in Sub-Saharan Africa was quite diverse. Egypt accounted for 17.1% of imports by volume, Spain for 11.9%, and Italy for 2.9%. Together, these three countries represented only 32.0% of total import flows, with the remaining 68.0% coming from numerous other trading partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

The value of grape imports into Sub-Saharan Africa declined for the second consecutive year in 2020. Import value reached 58.2 M $ US, showing a moderate decrease of 5.6% compared to the previous year. However, over the 2017-2020 period, import value increased by 12.9%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 4.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 58.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest increase of 22.6%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, grape imports into Sub-Saharan Africa came from a broad range of markets. Egypt accounted for 18.6% of import value, Spain for 16.6%, and Portugal for 3.2%. Together, these three countries represented only 38.5% of total import value, with the remaining 61.5% coming from numerous smaller trading partners.

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

World map of product's imports to Sub-Saharan Africa in value, 2017-2020