Trucks with grapes still await clearance at Torkham border gate

Customs authorities at Torkham refused to clear trucks loaded with grapes on the pretext that these were not true Afghan grapes. They said that fruit importers insisted that they possessed the certificate of origin of grapes issued by the Afghan authorities. At least 25 vehicles, loaded with different…

Grapes are straying into commodity area

Prof David Hughes, emeritus professor in food marketing at Imperial College, London, is worried that table grapes are entering the dreaded terrain of commodities. He presented his take on table grapes and the world of today at the Tenth International Table Grape Symposium yesterday. Right: Mecia…

Heavy rains cause damage during harvest season in southern Australia and Victoria

Heavy rains across southern Australia coincide with the peak of the busy harvest season. Farmers recorded more than 100 mm in parts of western Victoria and South Australia; much of that came down in a matter of minutes. According to Cherry Growers of Australia acting president and Adelaide Hills cherry…

Photos: Bradley Urion

Long-awaited international table grape symposium kicks off

The tenth international table grape symposium was opened by the Western Cape's deputy director-general of provincial agriculture Ilse Trautmann, herself a table grape researcher. Over five hundred delegates have gathered in Somerset West or virtually for presentations elaborating the symposium's topic:…

First week of Northern Cape grape harvest

Nice and hot – 36°C yesterday – just the way grape farmers in the Northern Cape like it.“No rain is predicted for the next two weeks and we expect the grapes will ripen earlier,” says a manager in the Northern Cape grape industry who asks not to be named.“We started packing on Monday with Prime and Early…

"Grape season will be slow until end of December"

The grape season in India has kicked off. Samir Singh, business promoter for Indian grape exporter Mersel Foods, states that the current grapes that are being exported are mostly not destined for the European market. “The grape season in India has already started, with limited volume available in Satana,…

Tajikistan reports bumper fruit harvest, but prices soar

In Tajikistan, the Ministry of Agriculture reveals a remarkable increase in fruit production, surpassing last year's yield by 47,000 tons. As of November 20, over 456,000 tons of various fruits have been harvested, with cherries, apricots, apples, plums, and lemons leading the surge in output. However,…

"The expectation is for a great year with very good quality fruit"

The Australian grape harvest started in mid-October in Central Queensland, these grapes are mainly for the domestic market. The harvest of the export grapes will start in January. Sunraysia is the main production region with 75% of national production but 99% of exports come from Sunraysia. "The weather…

Port International Group

"Export decline of around 20 per cent for Brazilian grapes"

The first overseas grapes from Brazil arrived at Port International in week 42. The Hamburg-based company sources the majority from its exclusive partner farm GVS. "In general, we at Port International have a similar amount of goods available as in previous years, but we are seeing a decline in exports…

Lack of winter chill worries farmers in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

As per India Meteorological Data (IMD), there could be gradual decline in the minimum temperature over the next one week in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The minimum temperature could reach 15 degrees Celsius by November 25, a statement from the Met department said. However, in the past weeks, temperatures…

Import footprint in North America expanded with eight new licensees

Sun World International announced it has added eight importers to its panel of North American licensees. These include Canadawide Fruits, Direct Source Marketing, Flavor Farms, Fresh Latina, International Produce Group (IPG), Pandol Bros, Sbrocco International and Sun Fresh International. The…

India to ship more grape volumes to Europe than in previous two years

India has experienced favorable weather conditions ahead of their grape season. Amit Chopde, CEO of Indian fresh produce exporter Chopde Farms and Exports, is positive about the effects it’ll have on the quality: “India has made thorough preparations for a bumper grape season! We’ve been fortunate to…

Private terminal equips itself to handle more containers at Cape Town

South African private terminal operator FPT has acquired another reach stacker to boost their quayside efficiency. Reach stackers are much less sensitive to wind than straddle carriers; during peak summer, the port of Cape Town experiences winds of high speed. The new equipment will assist with the…

Packages of California grapes in cold storage down 40 percent over last year

On November 15, a total of 6,283,493 packages - bags, clamshells, plain packs, wrapped and other packages - of grapes were held in cold storage in California. It's a reduction of almost 40 percent compared to a year ago. On November 15, 2022 the number equaled 10,140,303 packages. Click here to read the…

Short supplies of grapes globally makes for early southern Peruvian start

The grape harvest has begun two weeks earlier this season out of southern Peru. “This is allowing us to meet current, and new, customer demand that is elevated due to the shortages/quality issues resulting from the California and Piura (northern Peru) circumstances,” says Ethan Williams, VP Sales and…

California Table Grape Industry applauds pause to Chilean Systems Approach

Applauding the recent decision by USDA to pause regulatory work on the table grape systems approach proposed by Chile, Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission said the industry is encouraging USDA Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to permanently abandon the proposal.…

Peruvian grape production forecast to reach 775,500 MT in 2023/24

Grape production in Peru is forecast to reach 775,500 metric tons (MT) in marketing year (MY) 2023/2024 (October-September), an increase of one percent compared to the previous year. Domesticconsumption of fresh grapes is forecast at 180,000 MT in MY 2023/2024, a three percent decrease from MY 2022/23.…

Peruvian grape exports have increased by 54% to date

According to data from Fresh Fruit, Peru has exported 111,521 tons of table grapes to date, i.e. 54% more than by the same date of the previous season. Last week, the country…

Late spring causes decrease in fruit production

The late arrival of spring caused a decrease in Turkey’s production and export of apples, pears, and table grapes in MY 2023/24. Table grape producers are having a difficult time fighting mildew disease, which was caused by delayed rainfall. Commercial growers continue to make on-farm investments to…

Namibia expects grape volumes similar to last year

Namibia has started its table grape export season, with the first shipments of this year's Southern African harvest en route to international markets. Fueled by favorable weather conditions and the introduction of new grape varieties, Namibia anticipates a robust export season, targeting a volume similar…

Namibian grape industry adopts conservative approach to coming season

The majority of the early grapes now harvested in Namibia and South Africa’s northern regions feed into South African retail programmes. Grape growers will be keen to start exports, with news that Peruvian grapes are in shorter supply plus a strong pull from the United States.Namibian grape exports by…

North American grape importers seek US approval of Systems Approach

With Chilean table grape season starting in November, Chilean grape importers from across the U.S. are urgently requesting the U.S. authorities accelerate the authorization of a Systems Approach that would allow the entry of Chilean grapes into the U.S. without fumigation. After 20 years of work between…

Clarity on Southern African permit requirements for EU and UK economic agreements

In the past two weeks, South Africa’s Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development (DALRRD) published two Government Gazettes outlining the procedure for exports from the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) and Mozambique to the EU and the UK, respectively, to take advantage of…

Table grape harvest in Apulia ended a month early

"As we had already announced to our customers when we witnessed the surprisingly good commercial debut, it was not going to be an easy task for consumers to find grapes on the pallets at Christmas time. Now, a few months later, we have confirmation of our prediction. We have all sold out, and very well…

Lemon, mango and grapes play significant role in boosting port's exports

From January to October, fruit exports through the container terminal (Tecon Salvador) operated by Wilson Sons in Brazil witnessed an impressive 304% growth compared to the same period the previous year, totaling 2,997 containers handled. Lemon, mango, and grapes played a prominent role in this surge,…

Deciduous fruit production is projected to remain steady year-to-year

Overall, Mexico’s market year (MY) 2023/24 deciduous fruit production is projected to remain steady year-to-year, with apple production increasing marginally, but from what is already estimated to be a large MY 2022/23 crop. Table grape production is projected to increase 1 percent. Mexico’s minimal pear…

Krasnoyarsk Territory imported more than 20.000 tons of imported fruits and vegetables

In the Krasnoyarsk Territory, more than 20 thousand tons of imported fruits and vegetables have been imported since the beginning of this year, according to specialists from…

Good years teach more important lessons than bad ones

The Sicilian grape campaign is coming to an end, so the time has come to make a few assessments with Gianni Raniolo, president of Consorzio di tutela di Mazzarrone Igp. Gianni Raniolo "Our table grape campaign ended almost one month early this year. The weather definitely contributed, as it was bad…

Hurricane Hilary devastated California’s grape crop

The vast majority of America’s table grapes are grown in the San Joaquin Valley. But this year, a freak summer storm took a big chunk out of that production. One grape grower stated that for every plump, green grape, there’s another one that’s purple and shriveled. What has caused this? Hurricane Hilary.…

Table grape production forecast to reach 1.57 million tons in MY 2023/24

In Egypt, grapes are one of the most widely grown fruit crops, second to citrus. There are many varieties of table grapes produced in Egypt. Joining the International Convention for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants in 2019, Egypt was provided better opportunities to access new varieties of…

"Prices are 15 to 20 per cent higher than last year"

The grape season for ABC Fresh from Hamburg started in week 44 with the first containers from Peru. "The season with the Peruvian goods is expected to last until week 12. The current focus is still on seedless grapes. From January, the focus will be more on grapes with seeds. Due to El Niño, around 40…

USDA

Chinese apple acreage forecast to further decrease to 1.94 million hectares in MY 2023/24

Experts estimate China’s production of apples, pears, and table grapes to increase to 45 MMT, 19.6 MMT, and 13.5 MMT, respectively, in MY 2023/24. Apple imports will likely decline by 20 percent due to reduced supplies and higher prices in major exporting countries. Table grape imports will further…

Many moving parts to a promising start to South African grapes

Markets in Europe are looking very positive but the main thing, notes Danny Pienaar, Schoonbee Landgoed sales and marketing specialist, will be to keep up the sales tempo after a number of containers have arrived.Schoonbee has a handful of containers with Early Sweet on the way to Europe. Large-scale…

USDA

Grape production will increase by an estimated 13.6 percent in MY 2023/24

In marketing year (MY) 2023/24, FAS Santiago estimates table grape production will increase by 13.6 percent, totaling 740,000 metric tons (MT) due to abundant rainfall and high yields. Table grape export volume will increase by 13.5 percent, totaling 564,000 metric tons. In MY 2023/24, it is projected…

USDA

Canadian pear production forecast to grow slightly on large volumes from Ontario and British Columbia

Canadian apple production is forecast to decline three percent in MY 2023/24 on adverse weather events across the main growing provinces. Pear production is forecast to grow slightly on large volume fruit in Ontario and a good crop in British Columbia. FAS/Ottawa forecasts production of table grapes to…

SA exports of deciduous fruit in MY 2023/24 to increase due to higher production

Despite industry consolidation resulting in limited expansion, deciduous fruit production is expected to grow marginally as plantings come into production. The production of apples, pears and table grapes is forecast to grow by 7 percent, 2 percent, and 8 percent respectively in MY 2023/24 based on…

Total of 298,781 packages of Autumn Royal grapes in California cold storage - 31 October 2023

On 31 October 2023, there was a total of 298,781 packages - bags, clamshells, plain packs, wrapped and other packages - of Autumn Royal grapes in cold storage in California.…

New analysis reveals the reliability of South Africa's citrus and grapes estimates

At the end of September the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) released its first crop estimate of 73.0 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) for the 2023/24 season. Buyers use these types of estimates to plan their orders to keep shelves stocked at all times, as well as marketing campaigns to move…

Weather and strong domestic demand impact exports of California grapes

The export season for California grapes could soon be wrapping up. “So far, we’ve been able to get what we need but our volume is significantly down. We’re not out looking for as much fruit as we’ve had in the past,” says Brandon Ruppert of Cohen Produce Marketing. This season Cohen Produce is shipping…

Peru's grapes arrive in Japan for the first time

The Peruvian Promotion Commission for Export and Tourism (PROMPERÚ) has reported that Peru's first shipment of grapes to Japan -which consisted of a container with 2,000 boxes…

Helping growers worldwide prepare for table grape harvest during El Niño 2023

BLOOM FRESH™ is taking proactive measures to safeguard table grape production as El Niño threatens vineyards across the globe. El Niño's effects vary, bringing extreme heat to some regions while inundating others with heavy rainfall, making it essential to adapt growing tactics accordingly. "El Niño…

The Region of Murcia had a positive table grape campaign with "reasonable" prices

According to Joaquín Gómez, the executive president of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruit and Table Grapes of Murcia (Apoexpa), Murcia's campaign has been…

Dehaat joins hands with Freshtrop Fruits Ltd to strengthen grape and other fruit exports from India

DeHaat, the prominent Indian AgTech platform providing agricultural services for farmers, is entering into a strategic partnership with Freshtrop Fruits Ltd. to enhance the…

Globally branded table grape goes viral after New York City food festival tastings

Earlier this month, Sun World International took to New York City to officially debut its Autumncrisp® brand grapes’ global consumer marketing campaign. "The result was overwhelming enthusiasm and the birth of a viral grape sensation!" said Jennifer Sanchez, Sun World’s vice president of marketing. The…

South African table grapes sector focuses on growing China market

According to Market Development and Communications manager Mecia Petersen from the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI), the industry has always committed itself to…

Grundhöfer GmbH

"We are expanding the Götterfrucht brand to include products such as persimmons, grapes and our entire lemon range"

The Götterfrucht brand, whose rights holder has been Grundhöfer GmbH based in Frankfurt since the end of 2022, was previously known for oranges. Starting this year, clementines and other products will also operate under this label: "We are expanding the Götterfrucht brand to include persimmons, grapes…

Export volumes of Uzbek grapes continue to decline

In October 2023, the volume of exports of fresh table grapes from Uzbekistan is expected to be approximately 30% lower than in the previous month and up to 3 times lower…

Volumes of French table grapes slightly lower than expected

Star of the autumn season, French table grapes, whose production is mainly concentrated in southeastern France (the Vaucluse department accounts for 65% of the national production), ended up with volumes “slightly lower than initially forecast, due to the hot summer,” explains Alexandra Lacoste, director…

"Europe will get 30% less Peruvian grape volume"

Belgian company Van Dijk Foods is preparing to switch to the new overseas season. The last Italian shipments will arrive at the importer in the next few weeks. There seems to be a nice overlap with Peruvian supply, says Henk Vlaeminck. "Italian seedless grapes, mainly red varieties, are available now,…

Kern county's grape and almond crops may have suffered $930 million in damages after August rains

Kern county farmers may have suffered almost $1 billion in crop losses due to the unseasonable rains hitting local vineyards and almond orchards in August. Based on grower…

New varieties account for 63 percent of Chile’s table grape exports

The Table Grape Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has released its first estimate for the 2023-24 season, projecting five percent growth in exports. This is based on information provided by the Committee's member companies, which represent 82 percent of Chile’s total table…

Naute Irrigation Scheme still without power after two weeks

The Naute Irrigation Scheme in the //Kharas region is still without power after electricity was cut two weeks ago by the Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower), regarding a debt…

The Republic of Kazakhstan has become one of the main importers of Stavropol grapes

Since the beginning of 2023, the North Caucasus Interregional Department of the Rosselkhoznadzor has monitored the shipment of 84,069 tons of grapes for export from the…

USDA

Table grape production expected to increase to record 220,000 tons in MY 2023/2024

Australia’s table grape production is expected to increase to a record 220,000 MT in marketing year (MY) 2023/24 from an estimated 210,000 metric tons (MT) in MY 2022/23. This growth is mainly a result of excellent seasonal conditions so far and the anticipation of continued favorable seasonal conditions…

Peruvian grapes arrive in Japan for first time

Last week, Peru's Ambassador to Japan, Roberto Seminario, welcomed the first shipment of Peruvian grapes imported by Fresh del Monte Japan. The company plans to acquire 60…

South Korean Intellectual Property High Court rules that Sweet Sapphire™ is a trademark

BLOOM FRESH, a fruit-breeding company created by the merger of Special New Fruit Licensing and International Fruit Genetics, LLC, is pleased to announce that the South Korean Intellectual Property High Court has ruled that the company’s grape variety brands Sweet Sapphire™ and Black Sapphire™ are valid…

São Francisco Valley company wants to double area planted with grapes

Tropical Vitivinícola is a company that operates in the São Francisco Valley. It has raised R$26.5 million (€5 mln) with the issuance of an Agribusiness Receivables…

Total of 198,117 packages of Autumn Royal grapes in California cold storage - 15 October 2023

On 15 October 2023, there was a total of 198,117 packages - bags, clamshells, plain packs, wrapped and other packages - of Autumn Royal grapes in cold storage in California.…

Peru table grapes see greater early demand from US and Latam markets

The Peruvian table grapes industry is seeing greater early demand from Latam and the US market following low storage levels in that market. According to Alejandro Carvajal, general manager of Fegurri Sac, “We have already started harvesting, from seeded to Red Globe grapes. We are seeing greater demand…

Seedless grapes continue to grow

Seedless grapes continue to gain market share. “It is a new consumer trend that is becoming more and more pronounced in France, driving Banagrumes to further develop its range in this direction. After launching the exclusive Mr Phil brand last year, which embodies this transformation of the grape market, the wholesaler has…

"We are looking forward to the Peruvian season, despite the challenges"

US supplier and importer of organic fruit, Awe Sum Organics is looking forward to the start of the Peruvian import season. Awe Sum Organic blueberries are arriving this week and Awe Sum Organic seedless grapes will be begin arriving in early December. The weather in Peru has made for very challenging growing…

Grapes affected by russeting? It means the flavor is excellent

Unusually hot weather followed by a rainy spring season determined a lower production. Quality-wise, however, the organoleptic quality of table grapes had not been this good in at least five years. The Brix level exceeds expectations with over 24° in some cases, an exceptional fact that actually has its…

The state of the global grape market

Vanguard International reports that the global grape market is currently experiencing significant shifts due to a series of unexpected weather events in key producing regions. These events have led to notable losses in some areas, impacting the overall supply and subsequently affecting market prices.…

Organic grape varieties make debut in Anaheim

Another year has come and gone and it’s already time for the Pretty Lady Vineyards team to be back at the Global Produce & Floral Show. The grower-shipper is excited to finally be a part of the organic produce industry and offer its new organic grape varieties as well as a new red grape variety. “We are…

“The grape campaign for varieties such as Italia, Red Globe and Doña María is practically finished”

This year, the weather has been a determining factor for table grapes in Alicante, as it has been for many other Spanish agricultural campaigns. "The 2023 grape season kicked off in mid-July. We were then facing a campaign marked by great weather and socioeconomic adversities, which entailed enormous…

MSC is offering Pisco Port - Key gateway for Peru’s grape exporters

MSC has announced a new direct port call at Pisco Port (PEPIO), in Peru on its NWC-US-SAWC service, located in the Ica area, the grape capital of the country. The first MSC…

"Despite early Peruvian imported grape start, we expect lower overall volumes"

The new Brazilian and Peruvian grape seasons began a while ago, and the first shipments are arriving on the European market. "It's particularly noticeable that the grapes from Peru are much earlier than last year, by as much as two to three weeks," says Corné van de Klundert. "The statistics show a…

Flagship shelf-life extension product registered in Peru

Hazel Technologies has registered its flagship product, Hazel 100, in Peru. This strategic expansion comes at a pivotal time in the industry, driven by increased demand for Peruvian table grapes in the United States following the impact of Hurricane Hillary in California. Peru's export of table grapes…

More concise California citrus season expected

While the seasons of some fruit varieties are winding down in California, others are still going or are about to start up. “We are getting ready for our citrus season,” says Krista Beckstead with Mountain View Fruit Sales. The company brings to market clementines, Page and Tango mandarins as well as…

Table grapes: good sales for both extra and medium-quality produce

Operators seem optimistic both in the vineyards and in warehouses. As confirmed by Domenic Pernice, export manager at Pernice Srl, a company from south-east Bari specializing in the production and commercialization of table grapes, the current campaign in Puglia seems very different than 2022 despite the…

Namibian farm without power, risking produce worth millions

The Naute Irrigation Scheme in the //Kharas region in Namibia has been without electricity for the past week, exposing date produce worth millions to the risk of rotting in…

Vertically integrated importer expands show footprint

Vertically integrated fruit importer, exporter and distributor since 1937, William H. Kopke Jr., Inc. has expanded its footprint during this year's International Fresh Produce…

Taiwan rejects 250 kg of Japanese grapes after detection of banned pesticides

At Taiwan's border, a shipment of grapes from Japan was seized after they were found to contain banned pesticides, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said…

A preview of the Peruvian grape season

Supply and demand: a simple economic term, but one that will be central to the grape season this year. Climate impacts on global markets have been well reported on, but as it relates to grapes it is having a big impact. Like a giant game of dominoes, every weather event releases another tile and its…

Northeastern hinterland of Brazil is one of the largest grape producers

The northeastern hinterland of Brazil is one of the largest grape producers in the country. A lot of the cultivation is focused around Petrolina, a city located in the…

Grape scales in the fields: 20% increase in purchases during harvesting season

The peak of sales for Karmen field scales, designed to weigh and pack grapes directly in the fields, is now over, as table grape harvesting has begun in the production areas, and for many has even ended. "It was a satisfactory year for orders," says Giuseppe Rescina. Compared to the previous year, we saw an…

World’s first branded table grapes take a bite of the Big Apple

This October 13 to 15, Sun World International will be hosting an experiential sampling station for its Autumncrisp® brand grapes at one of the nation’s largest premier wine…

Murcia hosting stone fruit event in November

The stone fruit event will be hosted again by the capital of the Spanish Region of Murcia next November. The fifth edition of the National Stone Fruit Congress was presented at the latest edition of Fruit Attraction as the biennial event for the sector. It will serve to showcase the latest advances in…

Ten years of helping South Africans keep the wolf from the door

With a Gini coefficient of 0.65, South Africa is hard-pressed to put food on people's tables, to mitigate inequality. Statistics South Africa reports that about 2.1 million South African households experienced hunger in 2021, mostly due to unemployment, the rising cost of food, and the prevailing energy…

"Should we consider this year an exception?"

Grapes are experiencing a vibrant moment, but also one that is leaving Italian producers in a state of limbo. Prices for both seeded and seedless grapes are high, but at least 30 percent of the product is missing. The consumption of traditional seeded grapes has increased compared to the past. Is this a…

Fruit breeder unveiled new corporate identity in Madrid

BLOOM FRESH™ unveiled its new corporate identity at Fruit Attraction Madrid 2023, reaffirming its commitment to breeding tasty, healthy and sustainable table grape and cherry varieties across 24 countries. This new corporate identity follows the merger of Special New Fruit Licensing (SNFL) Group and…

Grape consumption benefits eye health in human study of older adults

In a recent randomized, controlled human study, consuming grapes for 16 weeks improved key markers of eye health in older adults. The study, published in the scientific…

What determines the prices for “Moldova” grapes in Moldova?

“Moldova” grapes have been present on the Moldovan fruit market for the third week, but still in relatively small quantities. The range of wholesale prices for grapes of this…

Lebanese exporters seek to attract European buyers

Lebanese fruit exports have continued to improve since 2021, despite a difficult market configuration. Growers are benefiting from good production conditions and a quality "clearly superior to the competition", but are held back by higher production costs and geopolitical constraints. This forces…

"The weather has been very kind to us and volumes have been good"

The main grape harvest in Australia is yet to start, but the first harvest at Romeo's Best started on 10th July with the ARRA SweetiesTM variety. Back in July the harvest was looking good and according to Francesca LaSpina, Executive General Manager at Romeo’s Best it has remained so and it is plentiful.…

"Peru's low grape production along with strong US demand makes for high prices on the European market"

Van der Lans International's commercial director, Thijs Terwindt, recently visited this Dutch company's fruit suppliers in Peru. He saw that El Niño had considerably affected production. "That's going to make various products' availability challenging," he says. The importer's tour included the northern province…

Preparing Lebanese fruit and vegetable companies for the European market

According to Greek mythology, one day, a Phoenician princess was playing with her friends on the beach of Sidon. Zeus noticed her elegance and immediately fell in love. He descended from Olympus in the guise of a beautiful, gentle, white bull, persuaded the girl to climb on his back, and tricked her by…

German importer expands exclusive partner programme

Just a few months after the official launch of its Exclusive Partner Programme, Port International is pleased to announce a strong increase in partners, a development which takes its producer andlogistics network to a new level. BananaGoldCorp Known as a pioneer of the industry, Port International has…

California still has good organic grapes to ship

Organic grapes in California will see an early end to their season following this summer’s notable rainfalls. “We probably lost 30-40 percent of our grape crop that we had left to go. So for our supplies, we will be packing through October but we’re not sure how far into November we’ll go because of…

Lebanese horticulture’s future lies in top quality and niche products

A chamber of commerce registers new companies and gives business owners information and advice. In Lebanon, growers can call on the knowledge and experience of people like Dr. Rola Arouni and Elie Massoud. We spoke to both, touching on several topics, including the Lebanese sector’s sticking points and…

El Niño will affect Peru's table grape production

According to the president of the Association of Agricultural Producers Guilds of Peru (AGAP), Gabriel Amaro, Peru's grape production for the coming months will be impacted by…

South Africa estimates 12% table grape crop increase for 2023/24 season

The South African table grape industry expects 2023/2024 season volumes inspected for export to increase by approximately 12% in comparison to the actual inspected volumes of…

Using airborne science instruments to detect grapevine leafroll disease

Early tests of using airborne science instruments to detect grapevine leafroll disease in grapes show a promising future. Researchers at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in…

UF/IFAS researchers make muscadine grapes more palatable by freeze-drying them

Florida’s native grape, the muscadine, is known to be Juicy and sweet. However, due to its leathery, thick skin and bitter seeds, the grape is typically reserved for specialty…

Strong demand could lead to earlier end of Lebanese grape season

Lebanese grapes would do much better if markets like South Africa would be open to them. Ghassan Awdi, Vice President of Lebanese grape exporter ETS Awdi Enterprise, sees strong demand for their grapes, despite not many markets being available to the company for export: “This season there has been a lot…

"We're very optimistic about the near future, in which there will be a great revolution in the world of grapes"

It's the end of September... That means that Uvasdoce Fresh is getting ready for the Fruit Attraction 2023 fair, one of the fruit and vegetable sector's most important fairs. For the past 15 years, Uvasdoce Fresh has presented at this fair in October all the news for New Year's Eve and its next campaign.…

The vineyard of the future: planning with 3D visors

"A few days ago, in California, we presented a 3D visor that will change the way in which we design and set up protective structures. We have named it the vineyard of the future," reports Claudio Creatore, sales manager at Serroplast, a company from Rutigliano (BA) that supplies plastic film covers for…

Idaho man breaks personal record for catching grapes while juggling

David Rush from Idaho broke his own Guinness World Record by catching 39 grapes in his mouth in one minute while juggling. Rush has broken more than 250 Guinness World…

“Serious problems affecting both volumes and quality of Peru table grapes”

As the hotter than average weather in Peru is slowing the growth and exports of blueberries, the opposite is happening with the table grape harvest, which has now speeded up the harvest to nearly a month earlier. According to Oscar Salgado, a table grapes expert, giving feedback on the early production…

Newer proprietary red grape varietal coming to an end for the season

As the end of September closes in, one California grape grower is looking towards wrapping up the season on a proprietary variety that it discovered in its fields more than 10 years ago. Mirabella Farms Inc.’s now proprietary variety, the Red Malibu Seedless grape, was discovered then but has been…

Vinalopó table grape producers complain about a reduction in sales

According to the ASAJA Alicante's table grape sector, sales have fallen by almost 30% compared to the same period last year. According to José Enrique Sánchez, president of…

Asian market has lots of potential for Portuguese grapes

The start of the Portuguese grape season has been satisfying, with possibilities to enter new markets, states Susana Ferreira, marketing director of Portuguese grape exporter Vale da Rosa: “The Portuguese grape market is running normally and as expected so far. The seeded grapes season has ended and we…

"Fewer Spanish and Greek grapes benefit sales"

The European grape market is still enjoying reasonable demand, but it is not doing all that great either, says Bertus Schipper of the Dutch company Zoutewelle. "Spain has fewer grapes available because of the heat and Greece because of the rain. That's just as well, given the market situation, because…

Australian grape consumers' acceptability up across 2023

According to retail monitoring and NielsenIQ consumer satisfaction surveys, domestic table grape consumer acceptability went up slightly in 2023, Whist consumer acceptance…

Despite a dip in exports, table grapes' popularity remains on the rise

Global table grape exports declined compared to the previous season, but appear to remain on a growth trajectory, according to a recent Rabobank report. Supplying countries grapple with various challenges while striving for efficiency improvements. Green seedless varieties are gaining popularity, with…

Spanish fruit cooperative Grupo Clasol merges with San Alfonso

Spanish fruit growers and suppliers Grupo Clasol and Cooperativa San Alfonso in Valencia have merged. This business combination creates an anticipated €120 mln revenue…

Demand for organic Lebanese apples and nuts exceeds supply

The Lebanese organic market has dropped since the latest crises, yet there are opportunities for organic growers thanks to Lebanon's proximity to a relatively large, wealthy purchasing base in the Gulf states. Agreen Organics exports a wide range of organic products, fresh or processed, plant or animal,…

Frequent storms and flooding worldwide calls for more resistant table grape varieties

There is no doubt that large scale climatic events that swing widely from drought to sudden flooding is wreaking havoc for fresh produce growers from around the world. This is especially true for table grapes that have traditionally been sensitive to even the slightest rain, with storms and floods often…

A total of 67,368 packages of Autumn Royal grapes in California cold storage - 15 September 2023

On 15 September 2023, there was a total of 67,368 packages - bags, clamshells, plain packs, wrapped and other packages - of Autumn Royal grapes in cold storage in California.…

"Demand is so high that there is no need to stock grapes"

The second phase of the PGI grapes from Mazzarrone campaign, which mainly revolves around the Italia variety, is excellent. Thanks to favorable weather, bunches are uniform with particularly aromatic grapes boasting the typical muscat aftertaste. The Brix level is very high at between 20 and 23 degrees.…

There has been a significant decrease in the prices of apples and grapes at Ukrainian supermarkets

In Ukrainian supermarkets, there is a significant decrease in prices currently. According to official information available as of September 17, the pricing strategy in…

"We are expecting some nice hot weather with cool nights which is perfect for growing grapes"

It has been a tough few years for grape growers around the globe with unpredictable and wet weather patterns, growers in Australia have not escaped this but are looking forward to a better year ahead. The Australian grape harvest will start in late October in Queensland with the main export season…

Storm Hilary hitting Tulare and Kern counties might mean low grape supplies, high prices across the US

Grape growers in Kern and Tulare counties suffered major crop losses last month when heavy rains and strong winds from Tropical Storm Hilary slammed vineyards as they neared…

"They have no added sugars or flavor enhancers, and they're not transgenic"

Cotton Candy grapes are all the rage thanks to their cotton candy flavor. Dietitian Fran Susín tried these grapes and spoke about her experience on TikTok. "Contrary to what…

Lebanon has an excellent climate for apples

Small-scale farming is still dominant in Lebanon. More local and overseas investment in the professionalization of horticulture is needed and factors such as the favorable climate and fertile soil are attracting these investors. But the current model also offers opportunities, says Moussa M. Zgheib. Apple orchard in the mountains "We source our fruit, mainly grapes…

Earlier start of table grape shipments from Brazil and Peru to the US

Under normal circumstances, California’s table grape production peaks this time of year. However, volumes hitting the market are much lower this season due to the impact of Hurricane Hilary. In order to fill a void in California, table grape growing countries in South America are jumping on early.…

Investors wanted for highly profitable Lebanese grape exports

Whereas Lebanese export grapes usually find their way to the Gulf States or Asia, Natagri's Fadi Sarkis focuses steadfastly on Europe. "I often visit the trade shows in Berlin and Madrid to get better acquainted with European market requirements. My company is one of the few in Lebanon exporting grapes to that commercially exciting destination," Fadi begins proudly. Bu…

Harvest of PDO grapes kicks off

On September 7th, the Chasselas de Moissac union launched the new campaign for the famous PDO grapes, announcing a drop in production for 2023 but very high quality levels. In terms of communication, the association has decided to partner up with the Périgord walnut PDO, to target millennials, participate in events and redesign…

Late Lebanese grape varieties for an empty European market

Saudi Arabia placed an embargo on Lebanese agricultural product imports in 2021. Since then, Agrotica's 45,000 peach trees have become virtually worthless. "In two months, I'll uproot and replace them with grape vines," begins Mehydin Kazoun, manager of the cultivation and export company in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley. Mehydin sees no sales opportunities for that stone fruit. "W…

"It's a great way to create some awareness for the craft"

This Sunday, September 17, the Day of Agriculture will take place in Belgium. On that day, organized by Boerenbond and Landelijke Gilden, growers and farmers open their farms to the general public to let them see the ins and outs of running an agricultural business. "It's a great way to create some…

'Terre D'Uva,' the Italian Canicattì Grape Festival

Terre d'Uva is a special event celebrating the culture and land it represents. Over 20 Italian journalists explored the world of Italian grapes grown in Canicattì during a press tour. These grapes are a Protected Geographical Indication and were showcased in a warehouse by the Consortium of Canicattì Igp…

First German table grapes are another competitor

The Sicilian medium-late organic grape campaign is reaching its peak. These prestigious varieties come from the Sicilian hilly hinterland, where the fruits have the possibility of soaking up the sun throughout a summer season characterized by hot yet breezy days. However, the best soil and weather…

USDA commemorates 100 Years of Contributions to the grape industry

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) San Joaquin Valley Agricultural Sciences Center (SJVASC) has celebrated 100 years of cooperative research with the grape industry that has positively impacted the way the world grows, cultivates and consumes grapes. This historic…

Egypt to implement tough measures to fight IPR infringement on exported fruit

Egypt’s Central Administration for Plant Quarantine has implemented tough measures to fight IPR infringement on exported fruit such as table grapes. Authorities there will use DNA testing to stop illegal shipments at source in response to repetitive cases. Three months ago, the Customs authorities in Italy…

Peruvian grape exporter looking forward to serving new Japanese market

The Peruvian table grape industry is keen to have their first full export season to Japan since gaining full market access earlier this year. Andre Fatorre, sales manager at El Pedregal Peru: “We are going to start exporting to Japan that has just opened up for Peru in April this year.” Andre Fatorre,…

Lebanese grape cultivation is switching to seedless varieties

Almost 90% of the 59,000 tons of grapes produced in Lebanon has been exported in 2021, figures of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reveal. It’s a clear indication of the product's high quality. Nonetheless, that volume is modest compared to Greece's 270,000 tons, Spain's 300,000 tons, and Italy's 720,000 tons (USDA figures). Despite its small scale, it is well worth taking a c…

"Although still in the early stages, we are confident and assured of the quality offered by our vine growers."

After experiencing difficulties in the Italian grape sector last season, especially for seedless varieties, the growers' organization Apoc has decided to strengthen its sales network with the Uvitaly project. With a turnover of €40 million from grape sales alone, Apoc remains the largest growers'…

Demand for California crops increases

Despite the fact that significant areas of farmland were submerged this spring, prices for Valley products are rising as California's producers and soil once again show their resilience. The biggest amount of contracted planted acres since 2016 was announced by California's tomato processors, who had or…