The grape market is almost sold out which is resulting in sky high prices. Greek grapes were taken off the market three weeks early which immediately resulted in good prices for Brazilian grapes. Currently around 16/18 Euro is paid for for loose grapes of 4.5 kilo, while the price for packaged grapes is expected to be above 20 Euro.
As a result of an empty market, Brazilian grapes were able to be sold from day one. Since there were problems with the resistance of Greek grapes this season, the switch was lightning fast. There will still be grapes arriving from Peru in the coming weeks, but they will not be in significant numbers. Namibia will follow in the first week of December and by that time, Brazilian grapes will already be gone. It appears that the grape market will flourish for the next few weeks and it is important to get a steady supply from the off-loaders.
The grape market did also did well last year because South Africa was late to market. It is still unknown when these grapes will arrive this season.