Importer C. Gottmann from Barendrecht is expecting the first Brazilian grapes at the end of the week. "They have been harvesting grapes in Brazil since May/June, but these grapes are mainly for the domestic market. But in this period there is a peak in supply and this is when export destinations like the United States and Europe become interesting," says Roberto Latorre.
"The productions look good. The pre-season has been good, with dry weather conditions. La Niña has been bothering people for a number of years, but it looks like the weather in Brazil has become more stable. This has resulted in a healthy, strong product with a good production per hectare."
"Although the domestic marking in Brazil is becoming stronger, we expect a volume of grapes comparable to that of last year. Last year the grapes arrived right when the European market was starting to empty, but this year the start will be different, as there are enough grapes from Greece and Italy available at the moment," says the trader. "In the end the product will find its way. Some buyers expect to switch to Brazilian grapes in a week or two. Other expect to last the whole of October with European grapes, but we shall have to wait and see whether the product is strong enough for this."
Gottmann is the exclusive distributor for Vale do Sol (VDS) in Holland. Over the next period the importer will have the varieties Thompson, Sugraone, Crimson and Midnight Beauty. "The infrastructure and automation of the packaging lines has been heavily invested in. The packaging process is much faster now and this means we can offer larger programmes. In recent years there has been a certain pressure on this, as more was packaged by hand," says Roberto.
For more information:
C. Gottmann BV
Zuideinde 61
2991 LJ Barendrecht
Tel. 0031 180 62 07 22
Fax 0031 180 62 14 24
roberto@gottmann.nl
www.gottmann.nl