"We expect to start harvesting the first Victoria table grapes (with seeds) in the second week of July, with normal volumes compared to the previous year, when there was a drop in production. The weather has been favourable so far. For now, we have not had any rain or hail and heat waves, unlike with other products, are not taking a toll on table grapes," explains Miriam Cutillas, Marketing Manager at Uvasdoce.
"We hope the current conditions remain stable, since that would entail a very positive campaign. It is very rare for no unexpected adversities to take place, so we remain cautious," she adds.
Large calibres are consequently expected, with good colour and high sugar levels, according to Miriam Cutillas.
When the grapes from the Vinalopó Valley hit the market they will be guaranteed smooth sales and good prices, due in part to the lower volumes available of Sugraone grapes from Egypt and the expected 30% drop in the Italian production, which also recently hit the market. At the moment, Spain is harvesting its first grapes in Murcia and continues importing from Morocco.
"We will start marketing our grapes in the domestic market, since production volumes for the early varieties (with seeds) are smaller. This year, we will work with new supermarket chains in Spain; therefore, we'll begin exporting as soon as we start harvesting the seedless varieties," explains Miriam. "We are specialising more and more in seedless grapes, and although there will always be a market for traditional grapes, it appears that the trend in Spain is to consume more and more seedless varieties," he points out.
This year, Uvasdoce will harvest its first commercial crop of new white and red seedless varieties under the GRAPA and SNFL license.
Miriam Cutillas (Marketing Manager)
UVASDOCE
Ctra. Monforte-Agost km. 6,9
Partida de las Norias n.º 188