While there was a somewhat 'sour' grape market in the first half of 2020, the season has turned around positively with Italian grapes. "The quality, taste and size of the Italian grapes are very good this year. They are in demand, so we are in a positive flow", says Lucien de Wit of LuBa Fresh from Venlo.
Victoria Gold XXL from La Pernice 7kg
"We have had some difficult months in grapes. The Indian season has been dramatic due to the lockdown and then the Egyptian season was delayed by two weeks, so the large volume came on the market when the Spanish and Italian grapes were already there. Egypt had some quality problems," says the importer.
Victoria from Bertoli Fruit are also available again
"But Italy has revived it. We are doing much larger volumes than last year and with a kilo price for the grapes with seed, the prices are between 1.50 - 1.60 Euro and 2.20-2.50 Euro for the seedless grapes, which is an acceptable level. Sales are now in good shape, which is important after this first six months. There are a number of 'new varieties' that are at a higher price level, but availability is still limited. "
Summer Royal Seedless from La Pernice, a highly sought after black seedless grape
"All cultivation areas in Italy are now in full production. The trend towards more seedless grapes continues every year. Fifteen years ago you only had Victoria, Italia and black / red grapes with seed from Italy, now the ratio is fifty/fifty ", notes Lucien. "The new varieties in particular are all seedless. Not everyone agrees with me, but personally I think the grapes with seed are the tastiest. That's why I expect that Victoria and Italia grapes with seed will always retain a share of the market."
Red Globe from Sicily are also available again.
For more information:
Luciën de Wit
LuBa Fresh 
Tel: 0031 (0) 77-777 7715
Mob: 0031 (0) 6-41273443
L.deWit@LuBaFresh.com
www.LuBaFresh.com