The Australian grape growers are looking forward to a good season after a couple of challenging ones. The current harvest started 2-3 weeks late but the fruit is looking very good and it is starting to catch up now.
In the main growing region of Sunraysia, where 75% of the country’s grapes are grown, and 98% of exports, the weather is very good and the harvest is underway.
The crop hasn’t been affected by the weather according to Jeff Scott CEO at the Australian Table Grape Association.
“There has been some rain which affected a few growers but the majority have been unaffected. We expect an average year in terms of volume, some varieties will be slightly light but our main variety, Crimson is looking very good.”
Most of Australia’s grapes are exported to Asia, with the majority going into China.
“Now that China have lifted the travel ban, we have Chinese importers back walking the orchards and seeing the fruit first-hand. We also have importers from other Asian countries including Thailand, Korea, The Philippines and Vietnam. Australia increased grape exports to Vietnam by 100% last year. The domestic market is also strong, retailers paid good prices for early season grapes which is why we haven’t exported big volumes yet, but exports did double last week so they are moving now.”
Jeff said that the last couple of years have been challenging but they are now seeing good quality grapes. The main varieties are Crimson, and Thompson and the growing area of these varieties remains steady, but growers are expanding and planting many additional crops of new IP varieties which are very popular and sought after by importers.
“We are working to get additional varieties into Japan, we hope to do so next season. There is also the possibility of getting the protocol in the US changed so we can ship to that market next year as well.”
For more information:
Jeff Scott
ATGA
Tel: +61 417 122 086
Email: jscott@atga.net.au