Australia’s table grape production is expected to increase to 210,000 MT in marketing year (MY) 2022/23, from an estimated 180,000 metric tons (MT) in MY 2021/22. This is with the expectation of slightly improved harvest labor availability and better seasonal conditions at harvest. Despite expanded vine plantings in recent years now coming into fruiting, production has been hindered by challenges. For MY 2021/22 in particular, reduced labor availability caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with overcast and humid conditions at harvest, not only impacted production but also reduced the volume of export-quality table grapes. Exports are forecast to rise to 130,000 MT in MY 2022/23, mainly due to higher production, from 109,000 MT in MY 2021/22.
Table grapes
The majority of table grapes in Australia are grown in the Sunraysia and Murray Valley regions in northern Victoria, accounting for around 78 percent of production. Adding to this are two Riverina region areas in southern New South Wales, accounting for around 10 percent of production. The key characteristics of these regions are that they are a temperate climate with free draining sandy loam soil types and low annual rainfall of around 300 mm, most of which is between May and October and essentially outside the harvest period of November to May. Although winters are mild there is an adequate cold chill period for the vines.
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Source: apps.fas.usda.gov