The overseas grape season is about to get started again. The first Brazilian grapes arrived at Origin Fruit Direct in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, over the weekend. According to Robert van Melle, a buyer at this company, the prospects for the European market look favorable. It should be a good start to the overseas season. "There has been a lot of rain in Italy and Greece. The availability of white seedless grapes will soon decline sharply", he says.
"All in all, we expect a similar start for the overseas grapes as last year. Then, the European cultivation areas were also plagued by rain. Last year, we also saw the demand for Brazilian grapes start earlier. Usually, we start the season in Europe in mid to end-October. We are hoping to start at the beginning of October now. Just like last year", says Robert. "Prices still need to settle in the market. We do, however, expect to maintain the same price level achieved in the same period last year."
"Last year, the cold weather in Brazil caused delays in the packing plants at the beginning of the season. It also resulted in quality issues. However, the market was so hot then that the sales kept moving. This year, we are expecting the quality to be a lot better", Robert continues. Origin Fruit Direct will receive a wide range of varieties during the season. These range from the classic varieties such as Crimson en Thompson, to new types like the white, seedless Arra 15, Sweet Globe, or Sugar Crisp, and the red seedless Sweet Celebration, Timco, and Allison.
The Brazilian season lasted all the way to Christmas in Europe last year. This year, it is expected to end sooner. This is because Peru's volumes are back to normal after the flooding experienced in this country's Piura region last year. It is expected that the season will be running at full production again. Most of the volumes will come to market from November onward. This is why there will be pressure on the Brazilian grapes at this time. Traditionally, in the autumn, Brazil has import rights of 14,1% until 1 November and 11,5% after that.
"The expectations from South Africa are also good. The first prediction is that about 70 million boxes will be harvested. Last year, it was 59 million boxes. This is early speculation, and a lot can still happen", concludes Robert.
For more information:
Robert van Melle
Origin Fruit Direct
Tel: +31 (0) 882 449 357
robert@originfruitdirect.nl
www.originfruitdirect.nl