Peru is approaching the midway point in the season and as with many producing regions it has not been a normal season, the impact of El Nino has been seen in the two main producing areas.
In Piura in the north the harvest started earlier resulting in a drop in yields by around 40%, the weather also affected quality.
“Peru is known for its high quality of grapes and people get used to that,” said Rob Cullum from Pacific Produce. “As well as lower yields which will affect exports to Europe, the North American market is short after California finishing early. A lot grapes are being sent there and they are getting high prices.”
In the Ica region in the south growers were also concerned about the weather, especially rain during the harvest period. “The bigger growers pruned the vineyards early to start harvest before possible rain. This has caused an overlap in supply, which will translate to less volume in the second half of the season.”
Due to the lower volumes the EU is also paying higher prices, supply has been short here as Northern Hemisphere growers also did not have a great season and average quality from Brazil is low as well.
“Retail prices will go up, quality on the shelves should be ok as the packers will do their job but we may see a shorter shelf life. We are just waiting on the first arrivals from Namibia which are imminent and will cover the Christmas demand.”
As for the consumers, Rob reckons that as long as they have a choice between red, white or black they don’t look at the notice the origin.
“Consumers mainly just go for the colour of grapes that they prefer; they are starting to notice some the special varieties such as Cotton Candy though and retailers are becoming more selective as to which varieties they put on the shelves.”
More and more growers are moving to the new IP varieties and according to Rob Peru is at the forefront of this movement.
“Peru is a relatively young producer of grapes and due to the climate have a very fast turnaround from planting to yield, they can do this in one year whereas other countries can take around three years.”
For more information:
Robert Cullum
Pacific Produce
Tel: +44 (0) 1865877801
Email: rob@pacificproduce.co.uk
www.pacificproduce.co.uk