EU: Grape shortage likely due to less Chilean volumes
It is mostly Crimson and Autumn Royal which are still on the UK market from South Africa, the new arrivals from Chile are said to be of very good quality, some of the best in years.
It is generally thought throughout the industry that there will be less volumes this season from Chile, partly due to the storm damage which has affected Crimson and Red Globe which would have come to the UK later in the season, but there is also more going to the US and the Far East.
An increase in price is expected due to lack of volumes as the season goes on.
Volumes from India were also limited this year due to storm damage there which meant that later fruit was destroyed on the vine and less came late in the season.
The UK domestic market seems to be good at the moment with a very good demand for coloured fruit, which has been slightly in front of green varieties, but for both the demand is good and as this increases and supply drops as the season progresses we may see prices go up.
Demand is expected to stay strong through summer especially if supply is down, and only if it gets to the point where the prices are too high will consumers go looking for an alternative.
At the moment on the wholesale markets best quality Chilean Thompson grapes are selling in the Wholesale Markets at around £12 - £15 per 4.5 Kg, this differs obviously with the size and quality of the fruit.