The outlook for India's upcoming grape export season is cautious, says Harish More, Vice President of Fratelli Fruits Farmer Producer Company. "The country's prime grape growing belt of Nashik experiencing prolonged rainfall since early May, has resulted in roughly 70 percent crop loss, with fruit set and quality impacted across the district. Although other districts like Sangli and Solapur have seen better recovery, overall grape availability in Maharashtra is expected to be considerably lower."
With supply constraints, More anticipates that prices in both domestic and export markets will remain firm or potentially increase. "The export season is likely to begin late December or early January and extend through March or April, subject to weather conditions and fruit quality. The success of the upcoming season will depend greatly on how the remaining growing period unfolds," he shares.
© Fratelli Fruits FPC
More reflects on the previous grape season as positive, though not without challenges. 'While overall demand and supply were fairly well balanced, regional differences were clear. Sangli experienced a crop loss of 40 to 50 percent, and Nashik and Solapur saw declines ranging from 10 to 30 percent. Prices consequently rose, with domestic and export grape prices from Nashik reaching record highs. Still, exporters did well to the demands of key international markets with good-quality fruit," he recalls.
Market preferences are evolving as well. More shares. "There is an increasing demand for red and colored seedless grape varieties in Europe and the Middle East. In the Far East, elongated berries have gained popularity, favored for their shape, firmness, and sweetness. This diversification supports India's efforts to expand beyond traditional varieties and cater to varied global markets." According to him, exports primarily comprise Thompson Seedless, Sonaka, and Super Sonaka, which continue to be well-received in India's traditional export destinations.
© Fratelli Fruits FPC
More highlights the role of breeders and new genetics in expanding India's grape portfolio. "Several breeding companies, including Bloom Fresh, have introduced promising varieties such as Allison, Timpson, Ivory, and Timco. These were planted in India last year and are now entering their first commercial export phase this season. We are also cultivating eight new varieties from ITUM, which have performed well under Indian growing conditions, offering strong yield, berry quality, and shelf life."
More concludes on a positive note, with the belief that newer grape varieties will improve market competitiveness and help create new opportunities in premium export segments. "We will prioritize varietal diversification and quality as key focus areas while navigating ongoing climatic and market challenges."
For more information:
Harish More
Fratelli Fruits FPC
Tel: +91 91 30 663 339
Email: [email protected]
www.fratellifruits.in
