The grape market is improving again. "The Indian season was tough. Many small farmers moved to the export front. This was after last year's good market. In other years, they produced grapes for the local market. This move meant that no less than 35% higher volumes than anticipated were sent to Europe. Logistically, this led to the expected challenges in sales," says Lucien de Wit of the Dutch company, LuBa Fresh.
"The Indian season is now over. We have started the Italian and Egyptian season with renewed vigor. Egyptian grapes are priced really high. There is good demand from the Middle East, Asia, and Russia. This high demand means a limited volume for the European market. As soon as the grapes arrive, they are gone."
"In particular, there is a shortage of red, seedless grapes. There are more of the white seedless variety. But, here too, there is not an abundant supply. The supply will, however, increase in the coming weeks," Lucien expects.
Italian grape sales also started at a high level two weeks ago. "They are of outstanding quality. I am also very positive about the season. If everything goes to plan, I expect a product of fantastic quality," says Lucien. "However, a lot can still happen. Last year in August, it rained a lot in the cultivation areas. The season was just about over by mid-September."
"But for the time being, the season is very positive. The grapes have large globes, and they taste good. The stakes are usually high with the first grapes. This is because there are no pitted grapes available on the market. Prices are, depending on the quality, at around the EUR2,75 to EUR3 per kg level."
"Now, all the Italian grapes come from greenhouses. However, by the end of next week, the supply of tunnel-grown grapes will begin. There will also be more of them. Prices will then also drop to a more acceptable level," concludes Lucien.
For more information:
Luciën de Wit
LuBa Fresh
Tel: +31 (0) 777 777 715
Mob: +31 (0) 641 273 443
Fax: +31 (0) 777 777 725
L.deWit@LuBaFresh.com
www.LuBaFresh.com