While winter tightens its grip across much of the United States, a taste of summer sunshine is arriving in produce aisles nationwide with the start of the South African table grape season. 

Early shipments are now reaching U.S. retailers, delivering crisp texture, vibrant color and naturally sweet flavor at a time when fresh, high-quality fruit is especially valued by consumers.

For many shoppers, grapes are a year-round staple. What is less widely understood is the role of global, counter-seasonal supply in ensuring consistent availability. 

As Northern Hemisphere grape harvests draw to a close, South Africa’s summer season is just beginning. This natural production complement makes South Africa a critical winter supplier to the U.S. market, supporting continuity and choice for retailers and consumers alike.

South Africa is one of the world’s leading table grape exporters, with more than 130 years of experience supplying discerning international markets. 

Over decades, the industry has built a reputation for reliability, innovation and a strong commitment to quality. Today, South African growers and exporters focus on delivering the latest seedless varieties that meet evolving consumer preferences for flavor, texture and visual appeal.

World of Variety from One Origin
South Africa’s strength lies in its diversity. Five major production regions, spread out across the country, each offer unique soil types, climates and harvest windows. Together, they enable a steady supply of fresh grapes from up to five months of the year.

The early season is led by producers in the northern, subtropical part of South Africa, followed by drier and winter rainfall regions in the Cape provinces on the western side of the country. This progression allows South Africa to offer consistent volumes and quality throughout the U.S. winter and into early spring. 

White, red and black seedless grapes dominate export programs, positioning South Africa as a reliable source of high-specification fruit when U.S. domestic supply is unavailable.

Season Outlook
South Africa annually produces approximately 350,000 tons of table grapes for the export market, making it a key global supplier during the Northern Hemisphere winter.

The 2025-26 season is progressing well across all major production regions, with growers reporting generally favorable vineyard conditions. Export programs are expected to continue ramping up as the season moves into its peak, supporting steady supply to key markets.

What Shoppers Can Expect This Season
One of the highlights of the South African season is the breadth of modern seedless varieties. U.S. shoppers can expect crisp green grapes with refreshing sweetness, flavorful red varieties with excellent crunch, and aromatic black seedless grapes. Across all colors, the emphasis remains on eating quality and shelf life — key attributes for both retailers and consumers.

South African producers and exporters remain focused on delivering consistent quality that aligns with U.S. market requirements. South African exporters continue to work closely with retailers and importers to ensure specifications, packaging and arrival condition meet expectations. 

Grown with Care and Responsibility
Sustainability and ethical production are integral to South Africa’s table grape industry. A cornerstone of this commitment is the Sustainability Initiative of South Africa (SIZA), a comprehensive program that supports responsible farming, ethical labor practices and environmental stewardship.

Since its establishment in 2008, SIZA has helped producers demonstrate compliance with globally recognized standards while remaining rooted in South African legislation and local realities. 

The program supports continuous improvement, traceability and risk management, while reducing audit duplication through partnerships with international platforms. In addition to a well-established ethical standard, SIZA includes a robust environmental component, ensuring producers are equipped to farm responsibly and sustainably.

Quality from Vineyard to Store
From vineyard to packhouse to store shelf, South African table grapes are handled with care to preserve quality and ensure a safe and enjoyable eating experience. Close supply chain coordination underpins the industry’s ability to deliver fruit that performs well upon arrival and throughout its shelf life.

South Africa remains firmly committed to supplying the U.S. with a premium, high-specification product, maintaining the strong reputation it has built over more than two decades as a trusted counter-seasonal supplier.

Look for South African Grapes In-Store
South African table grapes are available at major U.S. retailers throughout winter and into early spring. Shoppers can look for “Product of South Africa” labels in the produce section and enjoy a fresh reminder that great-tasting fruit knows no season.

For more information, please contact Denene Erasmus, SATI market development and communications manager, at [email protected] or Carina van Staden at [email protected]