Asian markets could compensate for expected difficulties in the European market

According to South African professionals, the decline in tourism and demand in Europe will impact table grape exports. Asian markets offer new opportunities for the sector.

 

 

 

During the previous season, the sector had not suffered the effects of the pandemic until April. But for this new season, the negative effects of COVID-19 will be felt more heavily.

 

 

 

SATI (South African Table Grape Industry) reported crop estimates of between 65 and 69.8 million boxes (4.5 kg). Last year, the volumes amounted to 66.15 million boxes.

 

 

 

Travel restrictions, containment regulations, declining tourism in the United States and Europe, are resulting in much lower demand. In particular, demand from the restaurant industry has collapsed.

 

 

 

For this new season with a larger harvest than last year, professionals in the sector are banking on demand from Asian markets. Particularly in China where consumers are increasingly including fresh fruit in their daily diet. For this 2020/21 season SATI is planning a promotional campaign estimated at ZAR 4 million ($ 266,945) in retail stores in some major Chinese cities and in 2 of the country's major wholesale markets.