Global shifts mean changes in grape sales

High demand and changes in the market are presenting new challenges and opportunities for grape wholesalers. Interest in the sweet fruit has grown in Asia, while policy changes in the Middle East have created new competition.

“With an increase in foreign investors inside traditional supply states, we're seeing a big shift toward new export markets,” says Alex Castellanos, commercial director of Agrosol. “This in addition to new competitors -- such as Israel with its renewed focus on agricultural exports and Iran's recent entrance into Western markets, marked by the recent trade deal -- all bring new challenges to the marketplace.”

With these new suppliers has come a new year-round demand for table grapes in Asia, especially China, Castellanos says, where high-value fresh commodities, such as table grapes and avocados, are seeing a surge in popularity.

Despite these changes, a recent price drop in Red Globe grapes seems to have levelled out, and Castellanos sees the season ending strongly, with supply consistent from Peru and Brazil and consumers buying at steady rates.

“We've seen suppliers -- with restored confidence in the market -- return to steadily clearing their stock,” Castellanos says.

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Alex Castellanos