The Namibian table grape industry is looking forward to a good export season, which is due to gather momentum with shipments through the port of Walvis Bay from week 47.
Early growers are expected to start packing next week, but exporters have said that during the first two weeks there will be relatively small volumes.
The Namibian industry is bullish about further exports through the port of Walvis Bay, after initial shipments were very successful last year.
“We will definitely increase shipments through this port this year, with six container vessels being available from week 47,” said Kobus Bothma of Capespan Namibia, one of the leading producers and exporters.
“Last year we gained 8–10 days in the logistics journey by using this port and that is very important to get our grapes in the market as early as possible,” he explained.
“This year we anticipate that the whole Namibian industry will direct around 1,250 containers through Walvis Bay.”
He noted that with NAMPORT TIN (Terminal Investment Namibia), managing quayside operations and regular vessels from MSC visiting, a smooth operation was anticipated.
From the Aussenkehr region in Southern Namibia, the journey on land runs to Windhoek in the centre of the country, and then from there directly to Walvis Bay on the West Coast.
Growers said that they have had a good bloom and set in vineyards, and with conditions remaining favourable they are expecting a quality crop.
Last year the industry shipped just over 9m cartons, and exporters anticipate this year’s crop will be at the same level.
The Namibian industry will also use the port of Cape Town, but the diversion of some fruit through Walvis Bay is expected to relieve pressure there – to the advantage of the whole Southern African grape export industry.
It is understood that exporters from the Orange River in South Africa are also planning some shipments through Walvis Bay.
If this is successful, it will give them alternatives to the delays they have become used to in Cape Town.
Namibian growers said they would this year export larger volumes of Sweet Globe and Sweet Celebration, with new plantings of Arra and Sun World varieties also making good progress.