Vine Fruit South African Crop Observation Report, May 2022
The 2022 crop was one of the most challenging crops in the last 20 years. The higher than average rains caused damage to the crop in the Orange River area. In the Olifants River area, better drying conditions have been experienced, and the quality of the crop is good.
The total vine fruit crop was estimated to be between 85,000 MT to 88,000 MT when harvest commenced, but eventually, only 76,481 MT was delivered vs 72,731 MT in 2021 and 83,436 MT in 2020.
The breakdown of products produced during the 2022 season differs from the 2021 season. The rain affected the grape quality and only 13% of the crop was delivered as Golden sultanas, versus 21% in 2021. Thomspon raisins increased from 50% in 2021 to 63% of the 2022 crop. In the Olifants River area, Currants decreased from 5% of the total crop in 2021 to 4% in 2022.
The first frost was experienced by the end of April in the upper Orange River at Groblershoop. A good winter is expected with sufficient cold units.