Temporary rise in grape price expected
Long storage time affects the quality
Large grape harvests in other countries have provided full warehouses in Europe. Importers were satisfied with the quality of the goods. The German importer reports: “In general you have to say, the quality of the current grape season is a good one.” But he also says: “However, if the goods are remaining in storage for such a long time, the quality will decrease.” According to the importer: Currently there is a good quality with Thompson from Namibia. For other varieties it does not look so good. He says, “Unfortunately with ‘Early Sweet’ and ‘Prime’ you will have problems right now. Also, with ‘Sugraone’ grapes from Peru. These varieties have been in stores for weeks.” The exporter explains the oversupply of grapes on the European market: “First markets for our goods are countries like China, Japan and Dubai but these are full at the moment, leaving more fruit on the European market.”
The recovery of short duration
The German importer believes that a reduction of stock in Europe will improve the market condition only for a short time. He says, “From next week – I think the market price will improve. This will continue until the beginning or mid-February and then the consumption will decrease again. At this time people will consume more beer or sausages. Unfortunately during this time, we are going to expect a big amount of grapes from South Africa.” The importer hopes, that at the start of April the advertising campaign for grapes will be intensified again: “If this happens – at the end of April we will have a good market for grapes again.”