Excellent Namibian grape season expected

This season's first Namibian grapes from Solar Grapes for HillFresh are making their way to the Dutch company by sea.

This is according to a report by FreshPlaza, an online news source for companies operating in the global fruit and vegetable sector.

"The season began early again, which is good news in the current market," says Jan-Willem Lagendijk from HillFresh.

Solar Grapes is located at the end of the Aussenkehr valley. It is slightly warmer there, and the fruit ripens earlier. So this Namibian company usually starts harvesting about ten days earlier than other producers, according to Fresh Plaza.

"I recently visited Solar Grapes, and they are expecting a harvest of not less than 750 000 boxes. That will increase to a million boxes over the next two years. We will continue loading from Namibia until week 51 and then switch to South Africa. Growers there, especially in the early region in Groblersdal, Limpopo, are experiencing delays due to recent hail. Sales, thus, seem guaranteed, at least until Christmas."



Strong growth

Hillfresh recently extended its exclusive agreement with Solar Grapes for another five years, minimum.

Hillfresh can, therefore, keep coordinating all of Solar Grapes' marketing and sales of its more than 200 hectares of grapes.

"New plantings and varieties are driving this wonderful project's growth. They use solar panels to generate all the power they need. Our partner's vision means quality and sustainability have gone hand in hand there for years," explains Lagendijk.

"Market prices for Brazilian grapes are unusually high at present. The Brazilian export season started very apprehensively and also ended quickly."

According to Lagendijk, that was partly because of a strong local market.

"Peru has, so far, loaded 40% less to Europe and is largely focused on exports to the United States. The dollar-euro exchange rate plays a big role there. There are still some late Italian grapes on the market, but most retailers have switched to overseas grapes."



Confidence

He said that this is not an easy market for growers as costs have increased sharply on all fronts and freight rates remain very high.

"That, and the already mentioned dollar exchange rate, are hugely challenging. So, we are happy that our partner in Namibia has good prospects."

Lagendijk said that, as always, they will do their utmost to unburden and support their retail customers with volume and excellent quality.

"We are confident about the upcoming season."



‘Tis the season

Furthermore, FreshPlaza reported that the international company Kolla Group, from Germany, visited producers in Brazil, Peru, South Africa and Namibia.

During the trips visiting producers, they could see a clear trend for the upcoming season; due to the numerous challenges of the last two years (logistical planning due to the pandemic, increased transport costs, unsatisfactory qualities, very unsteady weather), this season will be of crucial importance for many of their producers.

The company said that in Namibia, the harvest will start in weeks 46 to 47, with a few days' delay. The weather there is colder than usual for this time of year.