Spain: Shortages and high prices expected in table grape market

Murcia's table grape campaign has arrived 15 days in advance with a decline in production volumes of between 20 and 30% compared to a normal harvest, due to a change of the production cycle in the vineyards; the same that brought about a 30% greater volume last year.

However, these shortages in supply have not yet affected prices, which have remained low due to strong competition from Egypt.

"By arriving two weeks earlier, our harvest has clashed with the Egyptian campaign, which in turn has been longer than usual with increased supply volumes," explains Cristina Gutierrez, head of marketing for the Murcian company El Ciruelo.

In any case, Cristina is optimistic about the coming weeks. "Unlike last season, when prices gradually dropped due to the excessive Sugraone production, this year it appears the opposite will happen. With Egypt's campaign already finished and sales of the Sugraone coming to a close, big shortages are expected. Therefore, we believe that prices will soon increase," she affirms.

At the moment, El Ciruelo is marketing white seedless grapes, the Sugraone and Mistery varieties, and it will soon start with the Timpson, the Magenta (red seedless) and the Midnight Beauty (black seedless). "In the coming weeks we will start supplying Sweet Celebration, and later Crimson, Allison, Scarlotta and Timpco, as well as Sable, Melody and Autumn Royal when it comes to black varieties, as soon as we finish with the Midnight Beauty. Almost our entire production consists of seedless varieties; our speciality, due to market preferences, mainly in Germany, the UK and Scandinavia," says Cristina.

El Ciruelo is also currently exporting to distant destinations such as South Africa, Asia and the Middle East; markets which continue to grow year after year.

Lastly, it is worth noting that this year's grapes are of a really good quality. "The fact that production volumes are smaller has resulted in higher sugar levels. The spring's warm temperatures and low rainfall have been the key factors for a good settling of the fruit, and consequently a very uniform quality," concludes Cristina.

For more information:
Cristina Gutiérrez
Grupo El Ciruelo
Ctra. Alhama-Cartagena, Km 2,5.
ALHAMA - MURCIA - Spain
T: +34 968 630 645
M: +34 629 253 150
cristina@elciruelo.com
www.elciruelo.com