Great grape standards in Namibia ( Wednesday 25 November 2009 )

At the third Namibian Vineyard Block Competition in November the judges praised the standard of the blocks, which recorded scores 5% higher than last year's already high standard.

Eleven entrants entered 64 ha and the five judges had their work cut out deciding on winners for the cultivar range Flame Seedless, Thompson Seedless, Red Globe and Crimson Seedless.

Lester Hugo and Titus Matikiska from Namibia Grape Company Phase C were the winners with their Crimson Seedless block and second place was awarded to NGC's Jeremiah Kamati with a block of Flame Seedless. Third prize went to Jan du Plessis's Red Globe block. First prize was an all-expenses-paid technical trip to the USA in 2010 for senior management and N$10 000 to the production manager.

Chief competition judge Piet Geldenhuys said the positive production practices delighted the judges. However, he pointed out a few less positive practices as motivation to further improve the 2010 event. "By entering this competition, entrants provide benefits to the entire Namibian table grape industry. Unfortunately non-participating producers are denying their employees the opportunity to achieve and develop."

On behalf of the judges, Capespan Exports technical manager grapes Janneman van Zyl commented, "The winning block of Crimson Seedless, which traditionally has been a cultivar better suited to South Africa's Hex Valley climate, is as good, if not better, than any Hex Valley block. Judging criteria were number and uniformity of bunches, as well as berry size. The Crimson Seedless berries showed no unevenness and the 9 ha entered was uniform throughout. We're expecting 4 000 cartons per ha from this block - an outstanding yield for Crimson Seedless in this region.

"While the other blocks also were good, we were particularly pleased to note that colour development was excellent. This, when we were concerned about colour after the latest EU regulation reducing the residue tolerance in fruit types using Ethephon to zero."

Event sponsorship amounted to N$110 000.

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