The 2025/26 South African table grape season was a study in contrasts, defined by a record-breaking crop and severe logistical hurdles. At the Joint Grape Marketing Forum wrap-up session held in Paarl on 24 April 2026, industry leaders reported that despite a marginal 0.4% decrease in national hectares (now totaling 19,404 ha), the harvest reached its highest volume yet. National inspection volumes climbed to 81.25 million cartons, a 3% year-on-year increase driven by high-yielding new cultivars.
While the production side flourished, the season was marked by intense commercial pressure. The harvest matured 10 to 14 days earlier than usual, creating an early-season surge that collided with operational failures at the Port of Cape Town. This resulted in a massive stock build-up that exceeded “optimal” inventory levels for six consecutive weeks between Week 01 and Week 07.
Logistics Challenges and Port Diversions
Logistics dominated the forum’s agenda, as the Port of Cape Town’s share of exports plummeted from 91% to 76%. Unprecedented wind disruptions—up 91% between November and January—and equipment downtime forced exporters to pivot. Consequently, volumes through Eastern Cape ports jumped from 6% to 21% of the total export share.
Jabu Mdaki, Chief Executive of Transnet Port Terminals (TPT), addressed these failures directly. He outlined a recovery strategy involving a full replacement of landside equipment and the introduction of cranes capable of operating in winds up to 90 km/h. To improve efficiency, TPT is reducing the container booking window from 72 to 36 hours effective May 2026. While the past season exposed deep structural weaknesses, Transnet insists the port system is now on a path to recovery through private sector partnerships and long-term maintenance agreements.
Prescriptive Modeling and Market Strategy
The session also highlighted the role of the South African Table Grape Industry and Transnova Africa Prescriptive Logistics Model. Mark Soden of Transnova Africa noted that while the model accurately predicted vessel targeting and port demand, limited industry engagement with its recommendations hindered its full effectiveness. Retrospective analysis suggested that if exporters had followed the model’s early diversion suggestions, both delay costs and inventory pressures would have been significantly reduced.
Mecia Petersen, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry, emphasized that the industry is facing a “new normal” of unpredictability. Beyond local logistics, growers contended with increased competition from Peru—which exported 155 million cartons—and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting shipping routes and costs.
Strategic Outlook and Collaboration
Looking ahead, the industry is focusing on areas within its control: cultivar selection, quality, and market diversification. High-performing varieties like Crimson Seedless and Sweet Globe™ continue to lead the export share. Strategic wins were noted in market access, including a two-year tariff-free window for China and successful promotional campaigns in North America and the Philippines.
Petersen concluded with a call for collective action, urging producers and exporters to utilize the Joint Grape Marketing Forum as a central hub for alignment. Strengthening the partnership between the South African Table Grape Industry and the Fresh Produce Exporters’ Forum remains essential to protecting the long-term sustainability of the sector in a volatile global market.