Wine businesses will have to rethink their strategy to remain financially viable. This was the message of Rico Basson, chief executive officer of South Africa Wine at the South Africa Wine Summit, titled ‘Blend and Bond’ this year and held recently in Cape Town.
Basson said the industry had transformed over the past 30 years; the area under production was similar at 87 848ha in 2024 compared to 84 030ha in 1994 but production had increased from 1 020 337t to 1 099 055t.
Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Palomino and Cape Reisling accounted for 66% of production in 1994 whereas Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinotage, Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay only accounted for 8%. Today, Chenin Blanc, Colombar, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinotage and Shiraz are the top five cultivars produced.
Exports over this time increased from 50 million litres to 306 million litres whereas domestic sales increased from 365 million litres to 474 million litres. In 1994, KWV had to remove a surplus of 210 million litres.
The industry’s contribution to gross domestic product increased form R10 billion in 1994 to R56 billion in 2024 and job creation increased from 211 874 to 270 364 people over this time.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
