“Consumer preferences for Chilean table grapes changes dynamically”

The Chilean table grape season is coming to an end. The dynamic changes in consumer preferences and market demands demonstrated the importance of varietal renewal in staying competitive in the global market. Julio Ruiz-Tagle is the Asia & Americas Manager at the quality service provider D-Quality Survey.…

US senators call on USDA Secretary for disaster assistance to help NY growers

Late may frost and below freezing temperatures wreaked havoc on orchards & vineyards across New York state last week. With more frost forecast this week, senators are now…

EastFruit

Saudi Arabia leads in imports of Egyptian grapes in 2022

In 2022 Saudi Arabia became the biggest importer of grapes from Egypt, leaving behind the Netherlands, the previous year’s leader, according to EastFruit. Furthermore, Saudi Arabia showed the most active growth rates of imports from Egypt, with trade to have grown manyfold over the past years. In 2018-2022…

“Right now, everybody in the US is desperate for grapes”

Up until May 23, only 728,000 boxes of Mexican grapes were harvested compared to 2,957,000 boxes harvested by May 23 of last year, a difference of more than two million boxes. Although harvest started about ten days ago, very little volume is available at the moment. “The start of the Mexican grape…

"Egyptian table grapes will chase Indians and Chileans out of the European market"

With an early entry of Egyptian grapes on the market, exporters are delighted to see a good business opportunity, especially in Europe, and hope to recover after a difficult season last year. Mahdi Salem, technical director of Sherouk Land for Agricultural Development, comments on the situation. Mahdi explains,…

Collaboration with Spanish company allows flexibility to extend or shorten seasons

Lincolnshire grower Peloton Produce is looking towards a bright future as they lay the foundations for a 3.5 acre extension to the current premises, the extension will include a new 1000 pallet high humidity cold store complex and additional loading bays, thus doubling their current cold storage…

Consuming grapes modulates the human microbiome

The gut microbiome consists of more than 3 million genes and billions upon billions of microorganisms. These impact the overall health and well-being of humans. A new study…

Taiwan Food and Drug Administration

Japanese blueberries and grapes rejected by Taiwan for banned pesticides

Shipments of fresh blueberries and grapes from Japan were seized at Taiwan's border after they were found to contain banned pesticides. A total of 9 kilograms of blueberries were confiscated after sample testing on April 28 and detected flubendiamide, a type of synthetic petrochemical pesticide that is…

Challenges for the grape industry in Lebanon

The Lebanese table grape is becoming increasingly well known on the international markets and appreciated by consumers, boosted by several assets but also hindered by great difficulties. Mehdi Awdi, a Lebanese grapes exporter, comments on the industry's achievements and difficulties. Mehdi says: "Our family…

USDA

Production of apples, pears and table grapes estimated to decrease slightly in marketing year 2022/23

The production of apples, pears and table grapes is estimated to decrease slightly in the 2022/23 marketing year (MY), based largely on stagnated production area and a return to normal yields following record production for all three commodities. Apple and pear producing regions experienced hailstorms in…

Grape farming firms among Namibia’s fastest-growing companies in 2023

Grape packaging and farming company Achill Island Investments Pty Ltd has received the title ‘Namibia’s fastest-growing company of 2023’. The company achieved a compound…

Shift among growers in India from traditional Thompson to Crimson variety

The Indian grape season is wrapping up to a close. According to Amit Chopde, CEO of Indian fresh produce exporter Chopde Farms and Exports, the season has been quite successful, and was extended as well. “Our company had a highly successful grape season overall. We were pleased with both the volumes and…

USDA

FAS Santiago estimates table grape production to drop by 8.6 percent in MY 2022/23

In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, FAS Santiago estimates that table grape production will decrease by 8.6 percent, reaching 720,000 tons. It predicts that exports will decrease by 8.7 percent, totaling  555,000 tons. For MY 2022/23, FAS Santiago estimates apple production at 1,000,000 tons, a 2.9 percent decrease…

"The Lebanese grape season has all the ingredients for success"

Currently in its early stages, the grape table season in Lebanon is shaping up well, both in terms of production and marketing, according to Moussa Zgheib, general manager of the Lebanese grape grower Bamo Zgheib. Moussa says, "The vines are currently blooming, and we continue our farming operations…

Early entry of Egyptian grapes into the market

The table grape season started about ten days ago in Egypt, one month earlier than last year. This represents a commercial opportunity for Egyptian exporters, but volumes are directly impacted as well. Salem Ghonim, a consultant to the production of grapes in Egypt, comments on the situation. Ghonim explains:…

Table grape campaign is about to start in Morocco, hit by climate upsets

The table grape season is about to kick off in Morocco, with the first harvests expected by the end of May. Volumes will be impacted by the climatic abnormalities and drought that the country is experiencing, although the damage is not of the same severity depending on the region, according to Elana…

Grapes can cause subtle shifts in human microbiome

Several studies have indicated that diet plays a crucial role in maintaining and altering the gut microbiome. Gut microbial population and abundance affect the levels of…

Breeder rights for table grapes are a challenge for Lebanon

A visit to selected Lebanese exporting companies was organized this week by export coaches Ms. Hania Chahal and Mr. Piet Schotel, within the framework of the CBI Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Project Lebanon. “21 companies, both producers and exporters, are enrolled in the project and receive export coaching…

Agrícola Chapi expands avocado and table grape production

Peruvian export company Agrícola Chapi has received $130m in funding to expand its table-grape and avocado production. The funding, from Canadian private-equity firm Cordiant…

Gap between Chilean and Mexican grapes coming

It’s going to be a strong ending for Chilean grapes this season. So says Franco Pruzzo of Summit Produce Inc. who says that the import season for the U.S. market is coming to…

Chile went from exporting 110 million boxes of grapes to 60 million, while Peru went from 6 million to more than 70

According to industry figures, in the last five years, Chilean fruit exports have fallen by 3% and there have been hard falls in various species, such as kiwis, avocadoes,…

Outbound Mission program plays an important role supporting Australian grape exporters

India is a large producer of table grapes with relatively small volumes imported mostly from China. India’s lack of cold chain infrastructure inhibits table grape development.…

Here's why to focus on certified crops when it comes to grapes

In the area surrounding the Sicilian village of Canicattì, the grape farms that supply the BioPlus trading company with their fruit continue to build on some important traditions. Here, white, red and black grapes, with and without seeds, are marketed from May to the end of December - assuming the…

Nashik district exports 127,000 tons of grapes

Nashik district, despite facing adverse weather conditions in the form of unseasonal showers, has managed to export 127,000 tons of grapes in the 2022-23 grape season -…

An early look at the California grape season

Early signs on the upcoming California grape season show that it is tracking later than normal. “Typically we’d pack our first Flame seedless grapes the first week of July and right now, we’re about two to three weeks delayed in our cultural practices. If we get some warmer weather, that should move…

“Sharp decline in produce trade from North America to Europe has changed our business”

Back in the 1990s, fresh produce exports from North America to Europe were significant, as the USA and Mexico together were able to supply produce almost year-round, something Europe couldn’t do. Frenchman Thierry Delapre saw an opportunity and emigrated from France to California in 1993 to start an…

South African fruit exports making progress in new markets

As a whole, agriculture comprises 11% of SA exports, despite being only 2,5% of GDP. The overall agri sector is export focused, exporting roughly half its produce in value terms. The South African fruit industry is an overwhelmingly export focused industry, with fresh fruit accounting for around 35% of…

South Africa's past table grape season challenging due to unexpected weather patterns

The South African Table Grape Industry (Sati) together with the Fresh Produce Exporters' Forum (FPEF) reflected on the past 2022/2023 table grape season, which they described as a challenging one. This is due to various unpredictable factors, such as unexpected weather patterns.  AJ Griesel, the CEO of Sati :"The…

“Our Mexican table grape growing costs have increased by 35% in last two years”

The start of Agrofesa’s 2023 Mexican table grape season is up to 7 days later than last year due to colder weather during blooming and flowering. César Ortiz, CEO of Agrofesa, says despite this delayed start the overall quality of all varieties look “outstanding” and point to a good season. Afrofesa’s farm…

Four Star Fruit appoints director of imports

Four Star Fruit, a table grape grower/shipper, is pleased to announce Justin Dixon as director of imports. The company is delighted to welcome Dixon, who will play a pivotal…

“Arguably, this could be the latest start of Sonora’s grape season ever”

North America is eagerly waiting for Mexico’s Sonora region to kick off table grape harvest. With Chile, Peru and South Africa having finished early, the pipeline is empty. “On top of this, Sonora is starting late,” says Carlos Bon with Divine Flavor. Last year saw a late start, but this year will be…

High demand for summer fruits in Saudi Arabia

The beginning of summer in Saudi Arabia, with temperatures averaging 44 degrees, boosts the consumption of fresh fruit. The market is huge, and several origins are seeking a place in it. Kashif Shahzad, Head of International Supply Chain at Global Star, gives us an overview of the trends in the Saudi…

USDA

Apple utilized production in Oregon and Washington down 10 percent from 2021

In Oregon, apple utilized production totaled 136 million pounds in 2022, down 11 percent from the previous year. Value of utilized production was $40.8 million, down 16 percent from 2021. In Washington, apple utilized production totaled 5.89 billion pounds in 2022, down 10 percent from the previous year.…

Paola Barba from Chile appointed as new table grape breeder at Sun World

Sun World International has appointed Paola Barba as their new Table Grape Breeder. Jennifer Petersen, Executive Vice President and Chief Science Officer announced Barba’s…

Red Globe passes ‘mantle’ of most produced table grape in Peru to Sweet Globe

Red Globe, the mainstay table grape cultivar of Peru has finally had to pass the ‘mantle’ of most produced grape to the white seedless Sweet Globe. According to Benjamín Cilloniz, General Manager of Exportadora Safco Peru S.A, in the past 2022-2023 season: “I have been analysing the statistics of…

"It will be a tough competition on the table grape market"

The start whistle for the beginning of the table grapes campaign in Egypt is accompanied by the drumbeat of strong competition between producers. Mohamed Maatouk, CEO of the producer/exporter Egyptian-Emirati, gives an overview of the season's opening. Maatouk says: "Grapes are one of the most cultivated…

Photo Report: Toronto, Canada fresh produce retail visit

Vibrant displays of the freshest fruit and vegetables, sourced from around the world, were seen on the shelves of different retailers in Toronto, Canada last week (25-27 April 2023). During last week’s Canadian Produce Marketing Association (CPMA) exhibition in Toronto, a few retailers and greengrocers…

“We are making good advances on speed, we have increased the speed by 30% in the last two months"

Ripe Robotics was founded in 2019 with only 100,000 USD as start-up capital to create a robotic fruit picker. The major developments started in 2021, with a new robot called Eve, and the serious testing began. “We have to make sure that things that we do in the shed actually work out in the field,” said…

Commission proposes to extend suspension of tariffs and quotas on imports from Moldova

The Commission has proposed today to renew and expand the suspension of import duties and quotas on Moldovan exports to the European Union – known as Autonomous Trade Measures…

Lozupone Import-Export

The apricot campaign is starting

The apricot campaign at Lozupone Import-Export will start in mid-May. The company, which specializes in the cultivation of table grapes in Puglia, introduced the crop a few years ago. There are multiple varieties available, both early and late. Apricot orchard (Source: Lozupone Import-Export) "In line with the medFEL forecasts…

Pandol Bros., Inc. mourns the loss of one of its own

It is with great sadness that the family of Matt Steve Pandol, Jr. announces his unexpected passing at his home in Delano, California on April 21, 2023. Matt was only 60 years…

New president and CEO for California Table Grape Commission in 2025

Ian LeMay, president of the California Fresh Fruit Association, will become president & CEO of the California Table Grape Commission in the spring of 2025. LeMay will succeed Kathleen Nave who has served in the lead staff role since January 1999 when she succeeded Bruce Obbink. Nave joined the commission…

USDA

Australian total grape exports reached a record 153,000 tons

Australia’s table grape sector has made great strides during the last 10 years, raising production by more than a third and exports by 50 percent. Despite two years of declining production and exports due to COVID-19 constraints, investments in vineyards prior to and during the pandemic have set the…

Table grapes campaign is about to start in Egypt

The table grape season is about to start in Egypt, amidst concerns about weather conditions, to which grapes are particularly vulnerable. Fatimah Elzhraa Tarek Elhadary, export sales executive at Alsolimania, said: "We will have the varieties Superior Seedless and Flames Seedless available at the…

"Not an easy year to predict and that seems to be the trend – stability is hard to find!"

The grape business has been a tricky one for the past few months. Between the different Southern Hemisphere growing countries there have been weather issues, port strikes, civil unrest and vessel delays to deal with. Arrivals from South Africa were sometimes delayed by 2-3 weeks leaving importers short…

Nashik district: Rains damage crops on 43,000 hectares

The Nashik district administration has said that untimely rain and hailstorms in two phases in the first week of April damaged crops on over 43,000 hectares, affecting 79,000…

Cold front across northern China leads to concern about fruit crops

A cold front has caused temperatures to plunge across northern China, sparking concern about damage to fruit and vegetable crops and driving investors to bet on production…

Peruvian table grape export volume will increase by 9% to 11%

2022 was a good year for the Peruvian grapes. The country exported 573,006 tons for US $1.403 billion, achieving a 10% increase in volume and value, with a stable price of US…

Mazzarrone grapes: the crisis leads to seedless varieties

Sicily's table grape segment is starting to get ready for the next season, and so is the area protected by the PGI mark. Fruits are growing and millerandage has started. However, after a terrible 2022 season, how is the next campaign looking? FreshPlaza has talked about it with Gianni Raniolo, the president…

Potential gap ahead in grapes from Mexico

Grape production is underway from Mexico already though sizeable volume may not be seen until late May. Miguel Suarez with MAS Melons & Grapes says supplies are coming in currently from Jalisco, Mexico. “It’s a small deal still compared to northern Mexico with the state of Sonora. There are a few…

“Unseasonal rain and hailstorm did not affect the Indian grape volume in large”

Despite the challenges with the weather in March, the grape season in India has been pretty positive overall, Sagar Deore, director for Indian produce exporter Janki Freshyard Private Limited says: “The Indian table grape season has ended now, as almost every packer has been winding up the packings. This…

Early grapes will become available on the Moldovan market later than usual

According to experts from Moldovan organizations of viticulturists, early varieties of table grapes will become available on the market later than usual. There are two reasons…

New marketing managers join California Table Grape Commission

The California Table Grape Commission welcomes two marketing managers, Darlene Avila and Stephanie Soto, to the marketing team. Avila joins the commission as the digital marketing manager and will focus on developing and implementing digital promotions in partnership with retail marketing teams and…

“We’ll be fiercely protective of the brand”

Yesterday, Frutura announced it has signed a licensing agreement with The Coca-Cola Company. “They approached us with this idea mid-last year. We’ve taken some time to collaborate and negotiate, and we are humbled to be working together with such an amazing brand,” says David Krause, Frutura’s CEO.…

Table grapes lead Peru's main fresh produce exports up to April 2023

Table grapes from Peru is leading the export charge with $720 million in sales up to the end of week 13 of April 2023. In the year 2022, agricultural exports were close to $10 billion dollars, with blueberries leading the charge of the eight main crops accounting for 60% of the total states Noe Gutierrez…

Brazilian table grape producers excited about pending China market access

Brazilian table grape producers are excited to soon have access to the lucrative China market. This comes as the president of Abrafrutas, Guilherme Coelho, went to Beijing to participate in the "Brazil-China Economic Forum" and “brought back in his luggage the promise of opening the Chinese market for…

Plentiful arrivals bring down grape prices in Navi Mumbai

The arrival of plenty of grapes at the wholesale market has brought down its retail price. Now, the grape is available between Rs 30 to Rs 50 per kg in retail. Traders say the…

Who has seen the star-shaped grapes from Japan?

Apparently, doctored pictures that appear to show star-shaped grapes have circulated online for months. This has caused some netizens to believe they are a genuine fruit from…

All-Australian grape juice launched into the Japanese market this week

A Victorian table grape grower is launching a new grape juice in Japan this week that uses different-grade grapes to help minimize waste across his production season. Budou Farms co-owner Enrique Rossi says the juice called 'RE:BUDO' also includes loose berries, as this fruit is always edible and has…

Oxford’s Eden research gains Polish authorisation for Mevalone

According to Oxford-based sustainable biopesticide firm Eden Research, its flagship biofungicide, Mevalone, has obtained regulatory authorization in Poland. This will mean…

Philippines to receive more quality Australian grapes

Australia is looking forward to delivering more high-quality grapes to the Philippines and introducing more varieties of the fruit in the coming years. Australian Trade and…

ASOEX and US representatives analyze Systems Approach advances for Chilean table grapes

The Chilean table grape sector continues to eagerly wait for the US to approve the implementation of the Systems Approach for table grape exports, especially in the north of the country, which is in a position to opt for this system. The president of ASOEX, Ivan Marambio, and the general manager of the…

Rain and hail destroys 42,000 hectares of crops in Maharashtra

In the first week of April, unseasonal rain and hailstorms have destroyed crops on some 42,000 hectares in Maharashtra. Horticultural crops such as grape, pomegranate, cashew,…

Growers opt for mass picking due to unseasonal rainfall in Pune

In the Indapur administrative district unseasonal rain has led to growers to pick unripe grapes. At the Agriculture Produce Market Committee market in Indapur, one grower sold…

Tamil Nadu grapes get Geographical Indication tag

This is Tamil Nadu’s famous Cumbum Panneer Thratchai, also known as Cumbum grapes. The Cumbum grapes recently earned the Geographical Indication tag or GI tag. The Cumbum…

Table grape marketer forms collaboration agreement with breeding company

Grupo Alta announced that Divine Flavor and Sun World International executed an enhanced collaboration agreement for premium table grapes. Table grape breeder and licenser Sun World International LLC and Divine Flavor, a produce brand representing grape growing operations in Mexico, have reached a…

Indian grape exports soar due to European demand and few unseasonal rains

Despite initial concerns about global freight bottlenecks and two spells of unseasonal rains, Indian grape exports to Europe for the 2022-23 season (December to April)…

How fruit breeding adapts to climate change

Fruit breeding has a long generation time as it takes years to develop a new table grape or cherry variety. As a result, global warming is a significant concern to factor in and one that impacts all regions in the world. “Due to the long propagation time, we need to predict 10 to 20 years in the future,”…

Indian govt allows five private firms for cluster farming on 50,000 ha

The Indian government has allowed five private firms to undertake cluster farming of specific horticulture crops in about 50,000 hectares on a pilot basis. Banana, apple,…

"All the orchards are under nets and over the years every hailstorm taught us valuable lessons"

Adverse weather is one of the biggest headaches for growers around the world and a hail storm can destroy a grower’s crop in a matter of minutes, this is why more and more growers are investing in hail nets to protect their crops. Hans Meiring a Fruit Production Consultant in South Africa said that the…

Heavy rains threaten table grape and mango campaigns in northern Peru

The high humidity and the continuous rains since the end of February in Tumbes and Piura, in the north of the country, have increased the presence of Mildiu on table grape…

230 mm of rain can't stop Peru's double harvest of table grapes

‘If it sees a cloud it bursts’ was the saying for some of the older generation table grape cultivars. Nowadays in Peru, despite over 230 mm of rain, a good double harvest (second harvest) is made possible through the use of specially designed plastic covers. The tailor-made plastic film, designed and…

TopFruit focus on unlocking the potential of fruit which they market to the Southern African market and beyond

TopFruit recognises the fundamental value in the intellectual property of varieties and brands and have for over 40 years striven to assist with the building and protection thereof. Their focus is on unlocking the potential of all fruit which they market to the Southern African market and beyond.…

Asia accounted for 16.7% of total Peruvian table grape exports in 2022

In 2022, Peruvian grape exports reached US$1,362,740,000 for 554,730 tons, showing an increase of +9% in value and +8.1% in volume compared to US$1,249,800,000 for 513,060…

Peru overtakes Chile as top grape exporter in South America

The Peruvian grape season is wrapping up. “Harvest at our farms in the Ica area was completed about three weeks ago,” says Dirk Winkelmann with Vanguard International. While the production period is complete, the marketing season will continue for another few months. “We have product continuing to arrive…

Telangana state doubles down on grape cultivation

Grapes used to be grown on around 10,000 acres across Telangana state in the 1990s. However, the area under grape cultivation had come down to just 5,000 acres in 2008 and…

Ibacem company successful as a sustainable producer of mangoes and grapes

With annual exports of more than 16 million tons of mangoes and two million tons of grapes, Ibacem is a true success story. The family business founded in 1986, in the city of…

“There will be no ramifications for the grape industry in the long run”

One of the grape growing regions in India, Nashik, has been hit with rains and hailstorms, resulting in a lot of damage. According to Samir Singh, business promoter for Indian grape exporter Mersel Foods, the rains came on the most unfortunate moment: “The unseasonal rains and hail storms have heavily…

Expansion of export market demand for California table grapes

The California Table Grape Commission is positioned to expand international demand for California table grapes in 16 target markets with its 2023 export marketing campaign.The…

Experts ask to renew old vineyards of Italia grapes

"Considering our productive and commercial experience, we are hoping that old vineyards will not be replanted with new varieties, but rather renewed with traditional ones. The Italia grapes can in fact still lead to great satisfaction, provided that the quality levels respect the tradition of this…

Grapevine-killing bacteria found in Humboldt for the first time

Grape leaf samples taken by the Humboldt County Department of Agriculture have tested positive for Pierce’s disease (PD). In late September, the Humboldt County Department of…

New Chilean exporter sees higher fruit demand in Europe

A normal trading year does not exist just yet for Matias Gonzalez Rojas, CEO and owner of WHM Fresh in Chile, who started this exporting company during the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown period. He used his over a decade of fruit export experience and currently exports table grapes, blueberries and…

Abrafrutas celebrated advances in grape exports in China

The president of the Brazilian Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Derivatives (ABRAFRUTAS), Guilherme Coelho, celebrates good news for Brazilian grape…

South African Table Grape Industry celebrates 2022/2023 China Campaign launch

On Friday, March 24, the South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) celebrated a successful 2022/2023 China Market Development Campaign launch at Guangzhou’s Jiangnonghui wholesale fruit market. Joining hands at the event were representatives of the South African Embassy in China, South Africa’s Western…

Germany issues an alert after detecting chlorothalonil in melons imported from Costa Rica via the Netherlands

German health authorities notified the Rapid Alert System for Food and Feed (RASFF) that they detected the presence of chlorothalonil, a fungicide that is considered…

"The rain loosened the natural protective layer, making the grapes more vulnerable to progressive defects"

The unseasonal rains seem to have a large impact on the grape industry in India. Darshan Patil, Director and CEO of Fresh Survey Pvt. Ltd. has written a report, which he shared on LinkedIn. According to the report, 40 per cent of the grapes will be rejected due to the damages, where normally no more than…

Dozens of hectares of Italia grape variety is being uprooted in Apulia

After an unsatisfactory season, it usually happens. However, this time the phenomenon we are dealing with is different and rather dramatic. In recent weeks, in the Italian region of Apulia (and beyond), dozens of hectares of seed-bearing grapes are being uprooted, first of all of the Italia variety, a…

Peruvian table grape shipments to Asia fall

The general manager of the Association of Table Grape Producers of Peru (Provid), Alejandro Cabrera, stated that Peru had exported 68.9 million boxes of table grapes (of 8.2…

A two-speed season for South African grapes

The South African grape season is coming to an end. This year's campaign took place in two phases. “The northern regions and Orange River came into production first, with a significant volume deficit. At the beginning of the campaign, exports were clearly lower than in previous years at the same period…

"Fewer than expected Indian grapes being shipped"

The first white grapes arrived from India at LuBaFresh in the Netherlands on February 9. They now have enough for some availability outside programs. "The market's good enough. Prices could be slightly higher, but at least the sales are there," says Lucien de Wit. Luuk and Lucien de Wit "The grapes we're…

India: Grapes get cheaper due to excess arrivals

Prices of Indian grapes have gone down by 30-40% in the domestic markets compared to last month. In the wholesale market, one kg of quality grapes is available at Rs2S-30. In…

US market flooded with grapes

There are a lot of grapes in the U.S. right now. “The U.S. is currently flooded with grapes. In Chile, we’re around 80 percent done with harvest and most of the fruit for us has been loaded. There’s a lot of fruit on the water and a lot of fruit arriving to the U.S. market mainly,” says Nicolas Damm of Rio Blanco.   There are a few reasons…

South Africa's Competition Commission launches fresh produce market inquiry

South Africa's Competition Commission has formally launched the Fresh Produce Market Inquiry (FPMI), which will officially commence on 31 March 2023. This launch follows the…

“The Chinese market is doing well for Australian grapes"

The Australian grape harvest is well underway and growers are looking at a much better harvest this year, the season started slightly late but the quality and colour is looking very good. “The Chinese market is doing well for Australian grapes,“ according to Sam Vasala from Sai World. “The main variety…

Yet more rain could spell quickened end to South African grapes

In the Hex River Valley grape growers are warily watching threatening skies, again, as yet more rain is predicted for the Western Cape.“If it rains now it’ll cause big problems and the season will pretty much be at its end,” says an exporter. They have several hundred thousand of mostly Crimson (and a…

Peru starts exporting grapes to Japan

The Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri) has reported that grape exports to Japan will start tomorrow. Vice Minister of Agrarian Development…

Will California be able to re-start grape exports to Asia?

It would be an understatement to say that 2022 was a challenging season for California table grape exports. “Inflation reared its head, but what played a bigger role is that the dollar went incredibly high, which made our product super expensive abroad,” says Nick Dulcich with Pretty Lady Vineyards.…

"Australia's grape exports start strong in Asia"

Benjamin Choy has recently joined the FreshPride team from Singapore. He comes with a background in the international fresh produce industry, including representing an Australian stone fruit company in Asia. FreshPride is a sister company of Dutch company Olympic Fruit. The company is actively supplying…

South Africa's week 10 grape intake 92% lower than last season

Rain in the late regions of South Africa led to a 92% decrease in year on year national inspection volumes for week 10 with a total of 302 536 cartons (4,5 kg equivalent).…

Online platform to aid cost effective table grape yield prediction months in advance

Table grape yield prediction can now be done months in advance, more cheaply, with less samples and labour input than has been the case for centuries. This is thanks to the online and mobile platform of Sensonomic, developed in Norway and used in Peru, Chile, Ecuador, Italy, Spain, and Portugal. According…

Grapes from Pernambuco witness best sales in Brazil

The Gross Value of Grape Production in Pernambuco is estimated at R$1.9 billion (€340 mln) for 2023, 1.2% higher than last year. The result is the best achieved by the State…

"Convenience remains highly valued, in the Peruvian season's last weeks too"

Despite the Peruvian grape season nearing its end, sales are still going well at Dijk Foods in Belgium. "We're currently working exclusively with those grapes. There's enough…

Heavy rain and flooding causes some delays in Peru’s fruit exports

Extensive flooding across many parts of the north of Peru caused damage to key bridges and roads that caused delays of getting export crops such as table grapes, mangoes, avocados and asparagus to ports. Following heavy rains and flooding, caused by cyclone “Yaku” that formed off the coast of the…

Surge in demand for Candy Hearts table grapes

Table grape and cherry breeder sees increased demand from both consumers and growers for the table grape varietal Candy Hearts™. These red grapes, known and beloved for their sweet tropical flavor and floral aroma, are quickly becoming one of IFG’s most popular varietals. Today, Candy Hearts™ grapes are…

Berg River grape farm forgoes a packhouse for field packing

The table grape season is in its final days on Lac du Soleil in the Berg River, one of In2fruit’s table grape farms where the last Adora Seedless and Scarlotta Seedless grapes are being picked – and then packed right there in the vineyards, which is not usual practice in South Africa. “The rain luckily…

Indian government wants duty waiver on grape exports to Bangladesh

The Indian government has sought waiver of duty on the import of some fruits, especially grape, as Indian exporters face a setback due to complexity in opening letters of…

Australian grapes look forward to strong domestic and export markets

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…

ASOEX's Fruit Technology Consortium presents the first 100% Chilean red grape variety

Southern D’Light was announced last Thursday, February 16, on the Field Day of the Fruit Technological Consortium's Table Grape Genetic Improvement Program. This 100% Chilean…

Nova Scotia sets aside $15 million for fruit growers who lost crops during extreme cold

Grape and other fruit growers whose crops were affected by the extreme cold weather in February will soon receive additional support to help them recover as Agriculture…

Cornell University professor says apples, grapes won’t be affected too badly

The average temperature for winter, in this case from December 1, 2022 to February 28, 2023, was the fourth warmest on record, with an average temperature of 30 degrees…

Unseasonal rains affect 13,728 ha of crops in eight districts of Maharashtra

The unseasonal rains and hailstorms over the last few days have affected 13,728 hectares of crop in eight districts in Maharashtra, deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis…

Vineyards in Moldova survived winter well

According to the specialists of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Grapes of Moldova, “the state of the plantations of table grapes at the end of winter is…

India: Grape exports up on good yields and strong demand from Europe

India's fresh grape exports for the fiscal year 2022-23 increased in both volume and value due to strong demand from Europe, the largest buyer, and ample supplies. This is…

Kleinberg facility offers table grape growers a vine maturation service

The Kleinberg Mature Vines facility in the Hex River Valley held its official opening on 16 February. It offers table grape growers a vine maturation service within the establishment process, in the period between when vines leave the nursery where they have been cultivated and when they are planted by…

Peru strengthens Forex position with 2022 record exports

Peruvian exports have grown steadily over the last two decades thanks to the joint and coordinated work of the public and private sectors. In 2022, Peru achieved a record US…

India: Fresh grape exports higher this year on good demand and higher supplies

India’s grape exports during 2021-22 stood at $305.7 million, a 2.6 per cent decline over the previous year’s $314 million. The top ten export destinations of grapes during…

According to the latest estimate, Chilean grape exports will decrease by 13.2% this season

As a result of the lower volume of table grapes available in the central area of the country, the Table Grape Committee of the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile AG…

Chilean stone fruit and grapes front and center at SEPC

The Chilean Fresh Fruit Association will showcase Chilean grapes and stone fruit at Booth #721 at Southern Exposure. Visitors are welcome to stop by and see the new marketing tools available for the season and discuss what is happening in table grapes and stone fruit. In grapes, the Chilean Fruit…

Murray Valley region grape harvest affected by rain and downy mildew

Currently, many growers have fallen victim to the dreaded downy mildew disease that is inflicted extensive damage to vineyards in the Murray Valley region. Downy mildew is…

Peruvian table grape exports up but Ica region down 12%, losing $90 million

The export of table grapes in Peru from the northern zone (Piura) and south (Ica) in a comparison with the previous campaign shows an increase in container volumes. In the north of the country we have a volume increase of 23% close to 16 000 containers compared to 13 thousand containers the previous…

South African table grape crop estimate revised down to 63.6 million cartons

South Africa's table grape crop estimate has been adjusted downwards to 63.6 million cartons (4.5 kg equivalent) that will be inspected for export. It is mainly due to a decrease in the estimate for the Hex River region. This can be ascribed to a lower yield on cultivars packed, and an expected lower…

“Autumn Crisp is a recent, but very promising variety”

Although preparations for the new Portuguese grape season are already underway, looking back at the previous season there were lots of challenges to deal with, says Susana Ferreira, marketing director of Vale da Rosa. “In Portugal, our season starts at the end of June and runs until October/November. For…

Peru has exported more than 61 million boxes of table grapes this season

According to data shared by the Peruvian Association of Table Grape Producers (Provid), from week 34 of 2022 to week 6 of 2023, Peru has exported 61,124,095 standardized 8.2…

Red Globe still brings in good business for Peruvian table grape producer

The rapid shift to new generation cultivars means that all indications  point to the fact that the table grape industry work horse cultivar of Red Globe is fast becoming a niche product in the grape sector. One producer and exporter J&L Agroexportaciones based in Lima, Peru, with 100% Red Globe variety planted,…

Fruit from Chile arrives in Changsha

A cargo plane carrying grapes and plums from Chile landed at Changsha Huanghua International Airport in Changsha, Hunan province, on Saturday. It was the first time the…

Fewer new orchards and vineyards to be planted in Moldova in 2023

Over the past five years, the rate of laying new perennial plantations in Moldova has dropped sharply: on average, from 4 000-5 000 to 1 500-2 000 ha annually. The planting of…