As Moldova nears the end of its late table grape harvest, growers are grappling with the lingering effects of prolonged autumn rains, which have pushed a significant portion of the crop toward winemaking rather than fresh sales. In several regions, up to 50% of the "Moldova" grape crop has been redirected for processing at low prices, market sources report.
Wholesale prices for the main export variety, "Moldova," stabilized in October at 13–15 lei/kg (€0.65–0.75). However, most transactions reportedly occurred at the lower end of this range, 12–14 lei/kg, reflecting oversupply of grapes affected by berry cracking and other weather-induced defects. Premium-quality lots, fetching up to 15–16 lei/kg, remained scarce.
Weather conditions were the main culprit. Early September showers caused an initial wave of berry cracking, followed by a second, more severe episode in mid-October, linked to sustained rainfall and high humidity. This double impact damaged a large part of the late harvest, reducing the volume suitable for fresh markets.
Experts also point to structural factors. Many vineyards increased yields beyond recommended levels, up to 25–30 t/ha, compared with the standard 20–23 t/ha, to emulate high-output European models. While this boosted tonnage, it slowed sugar accumulation and delayed ripening, leaving grapes exposed to October rains.
Faced with a surplus of slightly damaged fruit, producers and traders opted to sell quickly, often at lower prices, to avoid further losses. Grapes sold for processing now command 2.8–3 lei/kg (€0.14–0.15), barely covering labor and handling costs. Meanwhile, cold storage holdings are growing, but grapes cannot be artificially ripened like apples, limiting potential price gains.
Source: logos-pres.md
