"This year's Greek grape season has its issues," says Jan Marc Schulz of SFI Rotterdam in the Netherlands. "It was scorching in Greece, resulting in a smaller harvest. Also, the grapes were of poorer quality at the beginning of the season. That's a thing of the past now. And the season is rapidly drawing to a close. So, it's a short season. Higher prices aren't making up for the failed crops either."
Greek Crimson
"We should be able to offer white Greek grapes until mid-October. The red grape season will run a little longer, with mainly the Crimson Seedless variety. The overseas season is also starting up again. The first supply of Brazilian grapes will arrive in week 41/42," says Jan Marc.
"But those are still in a different price range. There's always demand for the new crop. European grapes' shelf life is improving and retailers largely determine the moment of switching. That's what overseas producers have to wait for anyway."
Brazilian grapes
"Greek white grapes bottom prices were too low. It was €7 or €8 per punnet. But those are now on the rise toward €10 and €11," explains the importer.
Most of the new Greek varieties are red grapes, like Jack Salute. But, says Jan Marc, inroads are not being made as radically as in other countries. "For smaller growers in Greece, it's not as easy to switch as in, say, Peru or South Africa."
Jack Salute
A logistics imbalance has caused a huge packaging shortage overseas. According to Jan Marc, that is a current development. "That doesn't make exporting from overseas any easier. I don't think that will compromise volumes right away. But you are far less flexible, packaging-wise," he concludes.
Greek Thompson
For more information:
Jan Marc Schulz
SFI Rotterdam
12B Mercuriusweg
3113 AR, Schiedam, NL
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.sfifruit.com
