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High hopes for the Hex River Crimson harvest The heavy rain last week in the Northern Cape has reduced the estimate for the Orange River region by two to three million 4.5kg equivalent cartons, bringing down the total of table grape exports from South Africa for the 2020/21 season to between 61,7 and 67,1 million 4.5kg cartons, compared to 66,15 million cartons last season. In the Orange River the crop is now expected to come to 15 to 16 million 4.5kg equivalent cartons. New SATI chairperson Anton Viljoen Jr, taking over the role in November 2020 (photo supplied by SATI) The ability of the South African table grape industry to absorb risk as a result of its geographical diversity is again demonstrated this year, the South African Table Grape Industry notes in its second crop estimate, as the mid to late season Olifants River, Berg River and Hex River regions in the Western Cape are expected to make up for the volumes lost.
No delays in getting grapes to high humidity precooling: the way to avoid dry stems The table grape industry’s problem with dry stems is well-known, says Jan Lievens, of UTE Applied Postharvest Technologies, but it is also wholly avoidable, he believes. He refers to the presentation on South African grapes delivered by Oscar Salgado from SanLucar at the Global Grape Summit of 2020, in which Salgado noted “a strong discrepancy” between fruit in the field compared to its arrival, naming dry stems (rachis) a technical challenge to the South African industry. Jan adds that the appearance of grapes is even more prominent this season, as sales are slower and grapes remain in storage for longer upon arrival.
OVERVIEW GLOBAL TABLE GRAPE MARKET Namibia and South Africa are now shipping their table grapes to the European market, while the North American market is mainly supplied by Peru, Chile and California. At the beginning of the overseas season, Namibia and South Africa started remarkably late. This is currently resulting in a more limited supply of grapes in Europe and therefore higher prices. This is expected to change in January, when more table grapes will arrive and prices should stabilize. In North America, there seems to be a greater pressure on prices. In China there is a shifting demand from imported products to the domestic production.
no swimmingFoto: This year Drakenstein Municipalityâs âBe safe this summerâ campaign will focus on seven areas of concern namely fire prevention and safety, road and traffic safety, land invasion, general law enforcement, safety on the banks of the Berg River, safety at municipal swimming pools and resorts, and tourism and visitor safety. Every year, during the festive season, Drakenstein experiences an increase in visitors, including people travelling between Cape Town and other parts of South Africa. Crowded conditions often cause increases in criminal activities, drowning and bylaw contraventions as well as increased alcohol and drug abuse. The municipality, however, warned a zero-tolerance approach will be followed for offences such as drinking in public, illegal hawking, urinating in public, dumping of refuse, noise pollution and public indecency.. Vehicle checkpoints will also be set up in Drakenstein at random, and traffic authorities will check vehicles for roadworthiness, displaying current licenses, and that drivers carry a valid driving licence. Drivers will be breathalysed to apprehend drunk drivers.
14 Desember 2020 06:20 In the run-up to the 16 Days of Activism provincial and national government agreed to provide more shelters in the region. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) among the spheres of government will allow for six government-owned properties to be made available as shelters for survivors of gender-based violence. Service providers have already been appointed by the province for the shelters, each of which will manage its own daily operations. In the West Coast region two adjacent properties in the Bergriver Municipality area have been identified. These will operate as one shelter managed by Siyabonga Huis van Danksegging. In the Swartland municipal area an additional shelter will be made available to be managed by Community Cohesion.
Optimism as SAâs late table grape crop is rushed to markets Roughly 95% of South Africaâs table grape crop is exported, and as a result, the current delay experienced in harvesting has resulted in a rush to get the fruit to the markets in time for the Festive Season. This was according to Willem Bestbier, CEO of the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), who said the delay in harvesting was due to fruit ripening later after a long winter and exceptionally cool spring and early summer. âIt will put strain on the logistics [value chain], particularly [at] our ports, but these potential strains and bottlenecks are currently [being] attended to very well.â
11 Desember 2020 06:08 Wine, dine, cycle, run and have fun in the Paarl Winelands and at a penny wise price. For all of us 2020 has had its fair share of challenges, one of them being our festive seasonâs budgets. The Visitorsâ Information Centre in Paarl has put together ideas to help visitors remain penny wise and not pound foolish when exploring Paarl. There are still affordable options when visiting Paarl or as a local enjoying a staycation for the festive season. Paarl is a viable Cape Winelands destination to make summer holiday memories with options that are free or cost under R50 and R100.
11 Desember 2020 06:17 Drakenstein is well known for its hot summer days with temperatures reaching into the high 30s and beyond. As a result, the people of Drakenstein (Paarl, Wellington, Mbekweni, Saron, Gouda, Hermon and Simondium) generally flock to water sources such as swimming pools and rivers to cool off, hold picnics and enjoy the outdoors. For years people have ignored the fact that swimming is not allowed in the Berg River, and they still swim in it despite many having drowned there. “It must be reiterated that swimming in the Berg River is strictly prohibited, and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” Riana Geldenhuys of Communications and Marketing at the municipality said.