The grape market in Europe continues to be buoyant, despite much increased volumes of Indian grapes, by the end of the season between 4400 and 4700 containers are expected to have been shipped to Europe/ Russia compared to 3200 last season. Prices are higher than recent years at between €1.2 to €1.3 Euro per punnet, this is also due due to a marked improvement in quality this year.
The problems in both quality and supply of Chilean grapes have left the market open for Indian grapes. Chile looks like shipping 70,000 tonnes less of white seedless grapes into the European market than they did in 2008 (115,000 tonnes), the recent highest volume to Europe. In 2012 they shipped 71,000 tonnes but this year probably only 45,000. Although it’s too early to be sure it also looks like Crimson Seedless will also be down for the first year in 4 years by at least 25%, ie at least 10,000 tonnes and it could be much higher . Despite India’s growth in volume, the Chilean volumes will determine total grape supply to a greater extent.
So when the Egyptian season starts this collective shortfall should ensure a good demand.
Capespan have had their own offices in Egypt since October 2010, but have been importing grapes from the country since 2002 and have seen an increase in volumes every year. This year 340 containers of grapes are planned for around the world. The local office plays a very important role in developing new customers and markets worldwide and for technical support.
Khaled Dawoud: Manager of Capespan Egypt
Capespan works with 20 large producers in the country and according to Green the increases in volume from the country in the last 3 years are largely due to plantings of Early Sweet, Prime and the range of Arra varieties. "Historically most of the grapes were shipped to the European and UK markets, and to a lesser extend to the Far East and Africa, but there is now huge potential in these new markets. Egypt will need to actively seek access to more markets in future too to avoid oversupplying their core markets."
Left: Eman Fouad, Assistant Export Manager
Middle: Khaled Dawoud: Manager of Capespan Egypt
Right: Abuzeid Mabrouk: Technical Manager Capespan Egypt
There have of course been problems due to the political situation in the country, but as Green explains having a team in-situ is a great help to suppliers and customers. The ability to pack in the Cape, Outspan and Goldland brands especially for the Middle East and Asian markets has been a really important step. “Khaled Dawoud and the team in Egypt are doing a fantastic job in helping our growers find new markets and customers and supporting our existing European business”
For more information:
Geoff Green
Capespan Global Procurement
United Kingdom
Email: [email protected]
