South Africa’s table grape and raisin industry is preparing for a strong 2026 production season, with the Orange River Valley expected to deliver around 85% of the country’s total crop.
Chairperson of the Orange River Producers’ Association, Gabriël Viljoen, says the outlook for the upcoming season is highly positive, driven largely by improved yields from newly planted grape varieties.
Ongoing challenges
Viljoen acknowledged ongoing challenges in international markets, particularly the 30% export tariff imposed by the United States, but said producers have reached a compromise with American buyers to ensure continued access to the market.
“The export tariff of 30% to the USA is still there on board and we’ve met up with our buyers on that side to take the 30%. They will pay the 15% and the producers will pay the other 15%, just to keep the door open and the fruit flowing to the USA,” Viljoen said.
He added that producers are optimistic about volumes for the new season, with a significant increase expected due to higher productivity from new cultivars.
“The coming season is also looking very good. Our new varieties that have been planted are producing much better. We’re looking at an increase of about two to three million additional 4.5kg boxes of grapes, which will be packed for the coming season,” he said.
Collaboration is key
This growth is expected to bring total production to between 82 and 83 million cartons for the 2026 season, further cementing the Orange River Valley’s position as the backbone of South Africa’s table grape and raisin industry.
Despite global trade pressures, Viljoen says collaboration between producers and international buyers remains key to sustaining exports and maintaining South Africa’s competitiveness in major markets such as the United States.
