3. PPECB Annual Report 2009-2010

Active stakeholder engagement resulted in PPECB contributingintensely towards actively managing the Cold Chainrequirements for the plum variety Songold; providing avalue added weekly Statement of Fact for plum exports tothe industry, assistance with the development of localstandards and requirements for stone and pome fruit andthe effective execution of the 8 weeks storage period forForelle pears. PPECB continued its partnership with the stoneand pome industry in supplying accurate and timelyinformation.Programme: Table GrapesFavourable local market conditions and initial inclement(rainy) weather conditions in the Northern Regions were thecause for a 2 week late start to the 2009/10 table grapeseason. Furthermore poor weather conditions also attributedto the outbreak of Downy Mildew in Paarl and neighbouringareas. Preventative actions were unsuccessful with continuousdownfall of rain every second day with high humidityconditions. Downy Mildew contributed to an estimatedoverall loss of 1,4 million (4,5 kg) cartons of table grapes inthe Western Cape.Despite these negative conditions, the overall condition andquality of table grapes were very good in the high volumeareas of the Orange River and the Hex River Valley. Producers,as in the previous season, yet again managed to showexcellent discipline regarding harvesting grapes with anoptimum internal quality.Market conditions during November, December and thebeginning of January were favourable due to the lack ofsupply of competing countries in the Southern Hemisphere.Market conditions became negative during mid Januarywith Chile becoming more active in the market and thestrengthening of the Rand during mid January. Good qualityand grapes with good condition were supplied up to theend of season ensuring sustainability.Notwithstanding the drop in volume caused due to DownyMildew, a total of 52 243 653 cartons were packed.The 1% below the budgeted volume of 52 972 818 cartonsfor 2009/10 budget period was restricted mainly becauseof good quality and higher volumes obtained during themonths of February and March.The review period again saw PPECB continue its partnershipwith the grape industry in support of their competitivenessby providing accurate and timely information that enabledeffective marketing decisions.50PPECB | annual report | 2009 - 2010