"UK grape market "a total loss"

The grape market in the UK at the moment has been referred to by one importer as a "total loss". Prices are so low fruit is being dumped as there are no buyers. The quality of some grapes, particularly from Argentina is said to be poor.

The market is full due to increased volumes of Flame from Peru, which sent 50% more this season than last, South African and Argentinian volumes were also up. Due to a poor US market more Flame from Chile was also sent.

But on the plus side the Chilean grape season is looking very good. The dry warm weather has given the Crimson variety good sugar levels and a nice firmness to see it through the transportation. The UK trader expects Crimson volumes from Chile to fall in the future because of high production costs, due to the labour intensive properties of Crimson producers will switch to lower maintenance varieties. As for this season US demand will increase very soon.

The retailers are also seeing the problems with the Flame variety, they still have the standard two for one offers, but low prices are being paid and the supermarkets are just increasing their margins according to the trader.

He expects the market to empty soon leaving a good platform for the start of the Egyptian season at the end of April - beginning of May.

Arrivals of Indian grapes are expected to be down again this year, continuing the trend of the last couple of years.