CAPE ARGUS
File image – De Doorns farm workers return home after work. A large number of Western Cape farmworkers were back at work on Thursday, on the first day after strike action was suspended. Photo: Henk Kruger
Durban – The news from De Doorns and surrounds has forced many to think beyond the liquid in our glasses to the workers and the processes involved in producing South Africa’s world-class wines.
The issues playing out are complex and everyone hopes for a peaceful and satisfactory solution that will work across the board.
Maybe then, the news that the industry, after suffering several tough years, is looking upwards will bring a sense that working together is mutually beneficial.
Wines of South Africa chief executive Su Birch recently confirmed exports for 2012 reached 417 million litres – exceeding the previous record by 10 million litres.
The levels are due to a more favourable currency and the global shortage stemming from significantly lower harvests in Europe, Latin America, Australia and New Zealand.
Indications are this year’s harvest will be the third-largest in recorded history.
The anticipated crop size comes despite a decrease in total plantings, but thanks to among the best winter seasons the Western Cape had seen in years. The South African Wine Industry and Information Systems has estimated the crop at around 1.38 million tons.
While bulk wine exports accounted for 59 percent of last year’s volume, Birch says this is in line with a growing global trend.
Birch acknowledges an accent on packaged wines was preferable from a Brand South Africa perspective, for its ability to retain employment in the packaging industry and to maintain sustainable profit margins. However, local producers are facing the global reality of a world in recession.
On the other hand, exports of packaged wines have grown in the North American, Japanese, Chinese and African markets, regions in which South Africa is increasing its marketing investment.
What cannot be forgotten amid the unrest is that the wine industry has made substantial strides in ensuring decent working conditions on the farms. South Africa now has the highest number of Fairtrade-accredited wineries globally, with 65 percent of Fairtrade wines sold originating here.
A growing number of producers also subscribe to the Wine and Agricultural Industry Ethical Trade Association, the ethical seal of which became a world-first for guaranteeing fair labour practices when launched last year. Let us hope the good can trump the bad. – The Mercury
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