Grape supply is transitioning from the end of California's season to Peru. "It's happening at about the same time it usually does. California does seem to be wrapping up pretty quickly," says Tom Selfridge of Paramount Export Co., adding that in the last few weeks it finished with its export shipments on the state's grapes, though domestic distribution is likely to continue leading into the holiday season.
© Paramount Export Co.
In Peru, there are two growing regions for grapes. Like California's structure, Peru starts with its northern season which is similar to Coachella in California. "It has recently been hit with a lot of rain so that has affected a lot of that supply," says Selfridge.
In turn, that's leaving a slight gap between California and Peruvian supply. However by early December, production in Peru should be moving into the southern region on grapes. "We have started a little bit in the southern region of Peru, but the volumes are still really light and it won't really start picking up until probably early December," he notes.
Varietal notes
In varieties, the export industry continues to see more and more emphasis on meeting green grape demand. That means in California, the company is finishing up with the Autumncrisp® variety as well as Autumn King. Meanwhile Peru is starting with Sweet Globes in the southern region and then it will move into Autumncrisp by mid-December. "The volume is probably expanding in Peru generally–they just continue to plant more so I think we'll continue to see growth," says Selfridge, noting he anticipates increased volumes from Peru this season.
© Paramount Export Co.
Peru will continue to export well into March with Autumncrisp shipments which leads to mid to late April arrivals in the U.S. Then production switches to Chile, Mexico and then back to domestic production, starting with Coachella in May.
As for demand, it continues to be strong for grapes generally. "There's a lot of interest in green seedless grapes and Peru is probably 80 percent green seedless and with that gap, demand is pretty good," Selfridge says.
This is all leaving California pricing stronger right now and Peruvian pricing is similar to last year if not a bit lower. Peruvian pricing also tends to be fairly steady so it's expected to stay steady with pricing. If price strengthening is expected, it will likely be on domestic pricing for California product.
For more information:
Tom Selfridge
Paramount Export Co.
Tel: +1 (510) 839-0150
https://www.paramountexport.net/
