The Australian grape harvest has come to a close with better results than had been expected at the start of the season.
“The harvest season started 3-4 weeks late, which in turn resulted in a number of varieties being harvested at the one time. said Jeff Scott CEO at Australian Table Grape Association. “There was a lot of rain in November and December which was a factor for the delays. Prevention of downy and powdery disease caused by the rain required growers to spray the grapes when they could access their vines, but ultimately the season turned-out better than expected.”
The wet weather didn’t affect quality or volumes but the fruit took longer to reach maturity and colour, in fact the Australian grape export volumes increased this year by 20,000 tonnes. Total grape exports for the season reached 570 million AUD.
“Much of the early fruit went to the domestic market. These grapes would normally be exported so the export statistics were pleasing. China opened up for overseas travel in January this year which meant that buyers could come the vineyards to see the fruit which boosted exports to China. China was the biggest market with 40% of our grapes going there.”
The Australian grape industry is working to improve market access and to obtain irradiation protocols into markets such as Thailand and the Philippines, they are also hoping to get new varieties into Japan very soon and a change of protocol into US.
“We are looking forward to an even better season next year as weather patterns are predicted to return to somewhat normal conditions, with cold winter nights and warm days, good spring rain and an hot, dry summer.”
For more information:
Jeff Scott
ATGA
Tel: +61 417 122 086
Email: jscott@atga.net.au