The Indian grape season is in full swing. "We are now entering the final packing week, but with the Suez Canal still closed, arrivals will continue until mid-May," says Jaap den Boer of Olympic Fruit. He is positively surprised by the Indian season. "Last year, growers and exporters in India had a tough time, and prices were well below average, especially in the second half of the season. This year, exports to Europe are about 25% lower, and we're back to 2023 levels. I think we should all be pleased with that, as a more stable market benefits everyone."
Indian Thompson grapes
"The quality of the grapes is also good. Since shipments are still detouring via Africa, transit times now average around five weeks, but last year we saw six to seven weeks, so that's definitely an improvement. The delays are now mainly occurring at the port of Rotterdam. Prices are at a satisfactory level and have even risen slightly over the past two to three weeks. All in all, the market is healthy," Jaap observes.
An Indian packing station
"Red grapes are still arriving from South Africa's Hex Valley, mainly Crimson Seedless. This will continue for the next two weeks, after which the season transitions to grapes from Chile and Brazil. In recent years, we've consistently seen strong demand for red grapes between mid-April and mid-May."
Left: Thompson from India. Right: Crimson in the Hex Valley
In India, he also sees breeders gaining ground with new varieties. "Traditionally, India has focused on Thompson and Flame Seedless, but in recent years, Arra has introduced several new white and red varieties, and Bloom Fresh is also cautiously entering the market. This is quite a challenge for India, as the industry is more fragmented than in other countries, with many small-scale growers. I'm curious to see where this momentum will lead. Not every new variety has been a success, but some standout varieties have emerged in recent years. India is still the world's second-largest grape producer, and the big question is what impact these new varieties will have on market windows for countries like South Africa and Chile."
Crimson in South Africa's Hex Valley
The Egyptian grape season is also about to begin at Olympic Fruit. Growers are expected to start harvesting around the end of week 19 or the beginning of week 20. Regarding the recently announced U.S. import tariffs, the importer says the impact on the market has been minimal so far. "But the real question is what effect this will have on exports from Peru and Brazil to the U.S. That could become a significant factor, but we'll have to wait and see," Jaap concludes.
Packing station in Matroosberg (South Africa)
For more information:
Jaap den Boer
Olympic Fruit
Handelscentrum ZHZ 40a
2991 LD Barendrecht
Tel: +31 (0) 180 646 210
[email protected]
www.olympicfruit.com