The grape market is currently fairly empty because of less supply from Brazil in Peru, and that is resulting in high prices. “Punnets of white grapes are being sold for 19.50 euro, and the expectation is that prices will increase even further in coming weeks. Air freight from South Africa should yield about 23 or 24 euro. Now we just have to hope people keep eating grapes, because we can also use good sales when Namibia and South Africa enter the market with large volumes,” says Randolf Aaldijk from Origin Fruit Direct.
The importer has just returned from South Africa, and he indicates a good harvest is forthcoming. “The first grapes from Namibia and Orange River have been packaged last week, and the first air freight has already arrived in the UK. From week 49/50 volumes will get into their stride. Until a month ago, the expectation was that there would be fewer grapes, but the first estimates indicate that volumes will be similar to last year’s volumes.”
“The white seedless strains Prime and Early Sweet are looking well. Lower volumes are expected of Thompson, and Sugraone in particular is not doing as well. But these losses are absorbed by the new plants that are coming into production,” Aaldijk continues. “All in all, the harvest is looking good, there will not be significant shortages, and I expect supply will be slightly more regulated.”
For more information:
Origin Fruit Direct
Keilestraat 9c
3029 BP Rotterdam