"Volume of Indian grapes has mostly stabilised"

Although it may have seemed like there was an invasion of Indian grapes coming to Europe at the start of the season, the situation has now stabilised. "At one point the volumes being shipped were 30% higher, but the Indian season also started two weeks earlier. The volumes have now stabilised," says Lucien de Wit of Luba Fresh.

He expects the volumes this season to roughly reach the same level as last year, which was a record year. The difference with last year is that after an early start the season is also expected to end more quickly. "The expectation is that the Indian season will be mostly done in three weeks. That means that the season will run until mid April at the latest. Last year we continued until the end of May."

"This season India has the advantage that the European market is almost empty. South Africa doesn't have any white, seedless grapes left. Few white seedless grapes are being shipped here from Chile. I hear there are quality problems with Chilean grapes. This means the Indian grapes are well absorbed. A lot of trade is programmed and not much is left for the free market. You also see the prices in India pulling up at the moment, as other destinations outside of Europe are also demanding produce," says Lucien.

"The quality and the flavour of the Indian grapes is good. Price wise the season is also better than last year. The prices of the loose grapes are, depending on the brand and quality, between 8 and 9.50 Euro and the price of the punnets is between 1 and 1.10 Euro. There are still sufficient volumes arriving, but if you see how well the grapes are being absorbed, you will see why I'm so positive. The prospects for the Egyptian grape season, due to the early end to India, are promising," concludes the importer.

For more information:
Luciën de Wit
LuBa Fresh
Tel: 0031 (0) 77-777 7715
Mob: 0031 (0) 6-41273443
Fax: 0031 (0) 77-777 7725
L.deWit@LuBaFresh.com
www.LuBaFresh.com