Grapes are Ninh Thuan's key crop, accounting for about 20% of total production value

Ninh Thuan is a province with a very harsh climate, with little rain, a lot of sunshine and wind. This land is often considered "the most unique sandy grassland in Southeast…

Table grape breeder to open research laboratory this summer

Table grape breeder International Fruit Genetics LLC (IFG) will open a new breeding and research laboratory this summer that will be a part of IFG’s $19 million campus, Fruitworks| IFG Discovery Center in McFarland, California. While the campus is set to open in the spring of 2024, the laboratory will be…

"Optimistic about the current citrus season"

"The grape packing season is slowly coming to an end, and is expected to continue until week 26. Meanwhile, the apple season is in full swing," says Rene Tunker, of Looije Packing. "Foodtainers, flowpacking and repacking are currently the main services requested, but packaging solutions such as Carton…

Alluvial sands create excellent soil conditions for grapes on Yellow River plains

Recently, China's domestic fruit industry has been improving in, not only output, but also quality. One of the trends is growing domestic grape production across the country. Shandong province in the North East is proving to be an excellent region for grape production. He Heng oversees a number of new grape orchards…

Sonora grape volumes rebounding after slow start

After a delayed start to the Mexican table grape season, producers are bouncing back with normal production moving into the month of June. Production is currently coming from the northern and coastal districts of Sonora, areas that were delayed due to cooler spring weather. Grape volumes are quickly…

"Sicilian grapes off to a good start in empty market"

The market was virtually empty when the first Sicilian grapes arrived at Zoutewelle in the Netherlands two weeks ago. "The overseas season, including that of seedless grapes, was a done deal. Egypt had yet to start, so those Italian grapes arrived at just the right time," Bertus Schipper says. "Price-wise,…

Phytosanitary inspections support citrus, grape and mango producers in Brazil

The inspection work out by the Agricultural Defense Agency of Bahia (Adab) follows the flow in the Territory of Piemonte Norte do Itapicuri. The team made up of state…

Peruvian table grape exports have increased by 35%

According to data from Fresh Fruit, last week Peru exported 508 tons of grapes, i.e. 3% more than in the same week of the previous year. So far this season, the country has…

Greater trust in cooperation: the case of Consorzio Uva di Puglia Igp

"Many agricultural businesses have been applying to join the consortium lately to enjoy greater contractual guarantees or more profitable commercial opportunities. We are talking about 3-4 applications a day, so much so that we believe certified vineyards will reach 3,500 hectares next year, i.e. almost…

“Consumer preferences for Chilean table grapes changes dynamically”

The Chilean table grape season is coming to an end. The dynamic changes in consumer preferences and market demands demonstrated the importance of varietal renewal in staying competitive in the global market. Julio Ruiz-Tagle is the Asia & Americas Manager at the quality service provider D-Quality Survey.…

US senators call on USDA Secretary for disaster assistance to help NY growers

Late may frost and below freezing temperatures wreaked havoc on orchards & vineyards across New York state last week. With more frost forecast this week, senators are now…

EastFruit

Saudi Arabia leads in imports of Egyptian grapes in 2022

In 2022 Saudi Arabia became the biggest importer of grapes from Egypt, leaving behind the Netherlands, the previous year’s leader, according to EastFruit. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia showed the most active growth rates of imports from Egypt, with trade to have grown manyfold over the past years. In 2018-2022…

“Right now, everybody in the US is desperate for grapes”

Up until May 23, only 728,000 boxes of Mexican grapes were harvested compared to 2,957,000 boxes harvested by May 23 of last year, a difference of more than two million boxes. Although harvest started about ten days ago, very little volume is available at the moment. “The start of the Mexican grape…

"Egyptian table grapes will chase Indians and Chileans out of the European market"

With an early entry of Egyptian grapes on the market, exporters are delighted to see a good business opportunity, especially in Europe, and hope to recover after a difficult season last year. Mahdi Salem, technical director of Sherouk Land for Agricultural Development, comments on the situation. Mahdi explains,…

Collaboration with Spanish company allows flexibility to extend or shorten seasons

Lincolnshire grower Peloton Produce is looking towards a bright future as they lay the foundations for a 3.5 acre extension to the current premises, the extension will include a new 1000 pallet high humidity cold store complex and additional loading bays, thus doubling their current cold storage…

Consuming grapes modulates the human microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of more than 3 million genes and billions upon billions of microorganisms. These impact the overall health and well-being of humans. A new study…

Taiwan Food and Drug Administration

Japanese blueberries and grapes rejected by Taiwan for banned pesticides

Shipments of fresh blueberries and grapes from Japan were seized at Taiwan's border after they were found to contain banned pesticides. A total of 9 kilograms of blueberries were confiscated after sample testing on April 28 and detected flubendiamide, a type of synthetic petrochemical pesticide that is…

Challenges for the grape industry in Lebanon

The Lebanese table grape is becoming increasingly well known on the international markets and appreciated by consumers, boosted by several assets but also hindered by great difficulties. Mehdi Awdi, a Lebanese grapes exporter, comments on the industry's achievements and difficulties. Mehdi says: "Our family…

USDA

Production of apples, pears and table grapes estimated to decrease slightly in marketing year 2022/23

The production of apples, pears and table grapes is estimated to decrease slightly in the 2022/23 marketing year (MY), based largely on stagnated production area and a return to normal yields following record production for all three commodities. Apple and pear producing regions experienced hailstorms in…

Grape farming firms among Namibia’s fastest-growing companies in 2023

Grape packaging and farming company Achill Island Investments Pty Ltd has received the title ‘Namibia’s fastest-growing company of 2023’. The company achieved a compound…

Shift among growers in India from traditional Thompson to Crimson variety

The Indian grape season is wrapping up to a close. According to Amit Chopde, CEO of Indian fresh produce exporter Chopde Farms and Exports, the season has been quite successful, and was extended as well. “Our company had a highly successful grape season overall. We were pleased with both the volumes and…

USDA

FAS Santiago estimates table grape production to drop by 8.6 percent in MY 2022/23

In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, FAS Santiago estimates that table grape production will decrease by 8.6 percent, reaching 720,000 tons. It predicts that exports will decrease by 8.7 percent, totaling  555,000 tons. For MY 2022/23, FAS Santiago estimates apple production at 1,000,000 tons, a 2.9 percent decrease…

"The Lebanese grape season has all the ingredients for success"

Currently in its early stages, the grape table season in Lebanon is shaping up well, both in terms of production and marketing, according to Moussa Zgheib, general manager of the Lebanese grape grower Bamo Zgheib. Moussa says, "The vines are currently blooming, and we continue our farming operations…

Early entry of Egyptian grapes into the market

The table grape season started about ten days ago in Egypt, one month earlier than last year. This represents a commercial opportunity for Egyptian exporters, but volumes are directly impacted as well. Salem Ghonim, a consultant to the production of grapes in Egypt, comments on the situation. Ghonim explains:…

Table grape campaign is about to start in Morocco, hit by climate upsets

The table grape season is about to kick off in Morocco, with the first harvests expected by the end of May. Volumes will be impacted by the climatic abnormalities and drought that the country is experiencing, although the damage is not of the same severity depending on the region, according to Elana…

Grapes can cause subtle shifts in human microbiome

Several studies have indicated that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining and altering the gut microbiome. Gut microbial population and abundance affect the levels of…

Breeder rights for table grapes are a challenge for Lebanon

A visit to selected Lebanese exporting companies was organized this week by export coaches Ms. Hania Chahal and Mr. Piet Schotel, within the framework of the CBI Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Project Lebanon. “21 companies, both producers and exporters, are enrolled in the project and receive export coaching…

Agrícola Chapi expands avocado and table grape production

Peruvian export company Agrícola Chapi has received $130m in funding to expand its table-grape and avocado production. The funding, from Canadian private-equity firm Cordiant…

Gap between Chilean and Mexican grapes coming

It’s going to be a strong ending for Chilean grapes this season. So says Franco Pruzzo of Summit Produce Inc. who says that the import season for the U.S. market is coming to…

Chile went from exporting 110 million boxes of grapes to 60 million, while Peru went from 6 million to more than 70

According to industry figures, in the last five years, Chilean fruit exports have fallen by 3% and there have been hard falls in various species, such as kiwis, avocadoes,…

Outbound Mission program plays an important role supporting Australian grape exporters

India is a large producer of table grapes with relatively small volumes imported mostly from China. India’s lack of cold chain infrastructure inhibits table grape development.…

Here's why to focus on certified crops when it comes to grapes

In the area surrounding the Sicilian village of Canicattì, the grape farms that supply the BioPlus trading company with their fruit continue to build on some important traditions. Here, white, red and black grapes, with and without seeds, are marketed from May to the end of December - assuming the…

Nashik district exports 127,000 tons of grapes

Nashik district, despite facing adverse weather conditions in the form of unseasonal showers, has managed to export 127,000 tons of grapes in the 2022-23 grape season -…

An early look at the California grape season

Early signs on the upcoming California grape season show that it is tracking later than normal. “Typically we’d pack our first Flame seedless grapes the first week of July and right now, we’re about two to three weeks delayed in our cultural practices. If we get some warmer weather, that should move…

“Sharp decline in produce trade from North America to Europe has changed our business”

Back in the 1990s, fresh produce exports from North America to Europe were significant, as the USA and Mexico together were able to supply produce almost year-round, something Europe couldn’t do. Frenchman Thierry Delapre saw an opportunity and emigrated from France to California in 1993 to start an…

South African fruit exports making progress in new markets

As a whole, agriculture comprises 11% of SA exports, despite being only 2,5% of GDP. The overall agri sector is export focused, exporting roughly half its produce in value terms. The South African fruit industry is an overwhelmingly export focused industry, with fresh fruit accounting for around 35% of…

South Africa's past table grape season challenging due to unexpected weather patterns

The South African Table Grape Industry (Sati) together with the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF) reflected on the past 2022/2023 table grape season, which they described as a challenging one. This is due to various unpredictable factors, such as unexpected weather patterns.  AJ Griesel, the CEO of Sati :"The…

“Our Mexican table grape growing costs have increased by 35% in last two years”

The start of Agrofesa’s 2023 Mexican table grape season is up to 7 days later than last year due to colder weather during blooming and flowering. César Ortiz, CEO of Agrofesa, says despite this delayed start the overall quality of all varieties look “outstanding” and point to a good season. Afrofesa’s farm…

Four Star Fruit appoints director of imports

Four Star Fruit, a table grape grower/shipper, is pleased to announce Justin Dixon as director of imports. The company is delighted to welcome Dixon, who will play a pivotal…

“Arguably, this could be the latest start of Sonora’s grape season ever”

North America is eagerly waiting for Mexico’s Sonora region to kick off table grape harvest. With Chile, Peru and South Africa having finished early, the pipeline is empty. “On top of this, Sonora is starting late,” says Carlos Bon with Divine Flavor. Last year saw a late start, but this year will be…

High demand for summer fruits in Saudi Arabia

The beginning of summer in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures averaging 44 degrees, boosts the consumption of fresh fruit. The market is huge, and several origins are seeking a place in it. Kashif Shahzad, Head of International Supply Chain at Global Star, gives us an overview of the trends in the Saudi…

USDA

Apple utilized production in Oregon and Washington down 10 percent from 2021

In Oregon, apple utilized production totaled 136 million pounds in 2022, down 11 percent from the previous year. Value of utilized production was $40.8 million, down 16 percent from 2021. In Washington, apple utilized production totaled 5.89 billion pounds in 2022, down 10 percent from the previous year.…

Paola Barba from Chile appointed as new table grape breeder at Sun World

Sun World International has appointed Paola Barba as their new Table Grape Breeder. Jennifer Petersen, Executive Vice President and Chief Science Officer announced Barba’s…

Red Globe passes ‘mantle’ of most produced table grape in Peru to Sweet Globe

Red Globe, the mainstay table grape cultivar of Peru has finally had to pass the ‘mantle’ of most produced grape to the white seedless Sweet Globe. According to Benjamín Cilloniz, General Manager of Exportadora Safco Peru S.A, in the past 2022-2023 season: “I have been analysing the statistics of…

"It will be a tough competition on the table grape market"

The start whistle for the beginning of the table grapes campaign in Egypt is accompanied by the drumbeat of strong competition between producers. Mohamed Maatouk, CEO of the producer/exporter Egyptian-Emirati, gives an overview of the season's opening. Maatouk says: "Grapes are one of the most cultivated…

Photo Report: Toronto, Canada fresh produce retail visit

Vibrant displays of the freshest fruit and vegetables, sourced from around the world, were seen on the shelves of different retailers in Toronto, Canada last week (25-27 April 2023). During last week’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) exhibition in Toronto, a few retailers and greengrocers…

“We are making good advances on speed, we have increased the speed by 30% in the last two months"

Ripe Robotics was founded in 2019 with only 100,000 USD as start-up capital to create a robotic fruit picker. The major developments started in 2021, with a new robot called Eve, and the serious testing began. “We have to make sure that things that we do in the shed actually work out in the field,” said…

Commission proposes to extend suspension of tariffs and quotas on imports from Moldova

The Commission has proposed today to renew and expand the suspension of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports to the European Union – known as Autonomous Trade Measures…

Lozupone Import-Export

The apricot campaign is starting

The apricot campaign at Lozupone Import-Export will start in mid-May. The company, which specializes in the cultivation of table grapes in Puglia, introduced the crop a few years ago. There are multiple varieties available, both early and late. Apricot orchard (Source: Lozupone Import-Export) "In line with the medFEL forecasts…

Pandol Bros., Inc. mourns the loss of one of its own

It is with great sadness that the family of Matt Steve Pandol, Jr. announces his unexpected passing at his home in Delano, California on April 21, 2023. Matt was only 60 years…

New president and CEO for California Table Grape Commission in 2025

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president & CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025. LeMay will succeed Kathleen Nave who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink. Nave joined the commission…

USDA

Australian total grape exports reached a record 153,000 tons

Australia’s table grape sector has made great strides during the last 10 years, raising production by more than a third and exports by 50 percent. Despite two years of declining production and exports due to COVID-19 constraints, investments in vineyards prior to and during the pandemic have set the…

Table grapes campaign is about to start in Egypt

The table grape season is about to start in Egypt, amidst concerns about weather conditions, to which grapes are particularly vulnerable. Fatimah Elzhraa Tarek Elhadary, export sales executive at Alsolimania, said: "We will have the varieties Superior Seedless and Flames Seedless available at the…

"Not an easy year to predict and that seems to be the trend – stability is hard to find!"

The grape business has been a tricky one for the past few months. Between the different Southern Hemisphere growing countries there have been weather issues, port strikes, civil unrest and vessel delays to deal with. Arrivals from South Africa were sometimes delayed by 2-3 weeks leaving importers short…

Nashik district: Rains damage crops on 43,000 hectares

The Nashik district administration has said that untimely rain and hailstorms in two phases in the first week of April damaged crops on over 43,000 hectares, affecting 79,000…

Cold front across northern China leads to concern about fruit crops

A cold front has caused temperatures to plunge across northern China, sparking concern about damage to fruit and vegetable crops and driving investors to bet on production…

Peruvian table grape export volume will increase by 9% to 11%

2022 was a good year for the Peruvian grapes. The country exported 573,006 tons for US $1.403 billion, achieving a 10% increase in volume and value, with a stable price of US…

Mazzarrone grapes: the crisis leads to seedless varieties

Sicily's table grape segment is starting to get ready for the next season, and so is the area protected by the PGI mark. Fruits are growing and millerandage has started. However, after a terrible 2022 season, how is the next campaign looking? FreshPlaza has talked about it with Gianni Raniolo, the president…

Potential gap ahead in grapes from Mexico

Grape production is underway from Mexico already though sizeable volume may not be seen until late May. Miguel Suarez with MAS Melons & Grapes says supplies are coming in currently from Jalisco, Mexico. “It’s a small deal still compared to northern Mexico with the state of Sonora. There are a few…

“Unseasonal rain and hailstorm did not affect the Indian grape volume in large”

Despite the challenges with the weather in March, the grape season in India has been pretty positive overall, Sagar Deore, director for Indian produce exporter Janki Freshyard Private Limited says: “The Indian table grape season has ended now, as almost every packer has been winding up the packings. This…

Early grapes will become available on the Moldovan market later than usual

According to experts from Moldovan organizations of viticulturists, early varieties of table grapes will become available on the market later than usual. There are two reasons…

New marketing managers join California Table Grape Commission

The California Table Grape Commission welcomes two marketing managers, Darlene Avila and Stephanie Soto, to the marketing team. Avila joins the commission as the digital marketing manager and will focus on developing and implementing digital promotions in partnership with retail marketing teams and…

“We’ll be fiercely protective of the brand”

Yesterday, Frutura announced it has signed a licensing agreement with The Coca-Cola Company. “They approached us with this idea mid-last year. We’ve taken some time to collaborate and negotiate, and we are humbled to be working together with such an amazing brand,” says David Krause, Frutura’s CEO.…

Table grapes lead Peru's main fresh produce exports up to April 2023

Table grapes from Peru is leading the export charge with $720 million in sales up to the end of week 13 of April 2023. In the year 2022, agricultural exports were close to $10 billion dollars, with blueberries leading the charge of the eight main crops accounting for 60% of the total states Noe Gutierrez…

Brazilian table grape producers excited about pending China market access

Brazilian table grape producers are excited to soon have access to the lucrative China market. This comes as the president of Abrafrutas, Guilherme Coelho, went to Beijing to participate in the "Brazil-China Economic Forum" and “brought back in his luggage the promise of opening the Chinese market for…

Plentiful arrivals bring down grape prices in Navi Mumbai

The arrival of plenty of grapes at the wholesale market has brought down its retail price. Now, the grape is available between Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kg in retail. Traders say the…

Who has seen the star-shaped grapes from Japan?

Apparently, doctored pictures that appear to show star-shaped grapes have circulated online for months. This has caused some netizens to believe they are a genuine fruit from…

All-Australian grape juice launched into the Japanese market this week

A Victorian table grape grower is launching a new grape juice in Japan this week that uses different-grade grapes to help minimize waste across his production season. Budou Farms co-owner Enrique Rossi says the juice called 'RE:BUDO' also includes loose berries, as this fruit is always edible and has…

Oxford’s Eden research gains Polish authorisation for Mevalone

According to Oxford-based sustainable biopesticide firm Eden Research, its flagship biofungicide, Mevalone, has obtained regulatory authorization in Poland. This will mean…

Philippines to receive more quality Australian grapes

Australia is looking forward to delivering more high-quality grapes to the Philippines and introducing more varieties of the fruit in the coming years. Australian Trade and…

ASOEX and US representatives analyze Systems Approach advances for Chilean table grapes

The Chilean table grape sector continues to eagerly wait for the US to approve the implementation of the Systems Approach for table grape exports, especially in the north of the country, which is in a position to opt for this system. The president of ASOEX, Ivan Marambio, and the general manager of the…

Rain and hail destroys 42,000 hectares of crops in Maharashtra

In the first week of April, unseasonal rain and hailstorms have destroyed crops on some 42,000 hectares in Maharashtra. Horticultural crops such as grape, pomegranate, cashew,…

Growers opt for mass picking due to unseasonal rainfall in Pune

In the Indapur administrative district unseasonal rain has led to growers to pick unripe grapes. At the Agriculture Produce Market Committee market in Indapur, one grower sold…

Tamil Nadu grapes get Geographical Indication tag

This is Tamil Nadu’s famous Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum grapes. The Cumbum grapes recently earned the Geographical Indication tag or GI tag. The Cumbum…

Table grape marketer forms collaboration agreement with breeding company

Grupo Alta announced that Divine Flavor and Sun World International executed an enhanced collaboration agreement for premium table grapes. Table grape breeder and licenser Sun World International LLC and Divine Flavor, a produce brand representing grape growing operations in Mexico, have reached a…

Indian grape exports soar due to European demand and few unseasonal rains

Despite initial concerns about global freight bottlenecks and two spells of unseasonal rains, Indian grape exports to Europe for the 2022-23 season (December to April)…

How fruit breeding adapts to climate change

Fruit breeding has a long generation time as it takes years to develop a new table grape or cherry variety. As a result, global warming is a significant concern to factor in and one that impacts all regions in the world. “Due to the long propagation time, we need to predict 10 to 20 years in the future,”…

Indian govt allows five private firms for cluster farming on 50,000 ha

The Indian government has allowed five private firms to undertake cluster farming of specific horticulture crops in about 50,000 hectares on a pilot basis. Banana, apple,…

"All the orchards are under nets and over the years every hailstorm taught us valuable lessons"

Adverse weather is one of the biggest headaches for growers around the world and a hail storm can destroy a grower’s crop in a matter of minutes, this is why more and more growers are investing in hail nets to protect their crops. Hans Meiring a Fruit Production Consultant in South Africa said that the…

Heavy rains threaten table grape and mango campaigns in northern Peru

The high humidity and the continuous rains since the end of February in Tumbes and Piura, in the north of the country, have increased the presence of Mildiu on table grape…

230 mm of rain can't stop Peru's double harvest of table grapes

‘If it sees a cloud it bursts’ was the saying for some of the older generation table grape cultivars. Nowadays in Peru, despite over 230 mm of rain, a good double harvest (second harvest) is made possible through the use of specially designed plastic covers. The tailor-made plastic film, designed and…

TopFruit focus on unlocking the potential of fruit which they market to the Southern African market and beyond

TopFruit recognises the fundamental value in the intellectual property of varieties and brands and have for over 40 years striven to assist with the building and protection thereof. Their focus is on unlocking the potential of all fruit which they market to the Southern African market and beyond.…

Asia accounted for 16.7% of total Peruvian table grape exports in 2022

In 2022, Peruvian grape exports reached US$1,362,740,000 for 554,730 tons, showing an increase of +9% in value and +8.1% in volume compared to US$1,249,800,000 for 513,060…

Peru overtakes Chile as top grape exporter in South America

The Peruvian grape season is wrapping up. “Harvest at our farms in the Ica area was completed about three weeks ago,” says Dirk Winkelmann with Vanguard International. While the production period is complete, the marketing season will continue for another few months. “We have product continuing to arrive…