Supplies of imported grapes continue to be good as the market looks ahead to the domestic season starting up.
“Supplies of grapes are steady right now,” says Vo Hoang of Kin’s Farm Market based in Richmond, BC.
He notes that the market is still very much in the import season with supplies coming largely from Chile. “There are some South African grapes still and some from Peru as well,” he says. “But Peru and South Africa usually start earlier than Chile, so those grapes are a little bit older now. Chile will carry us right into May and that’s when Mexican grapes will start up.” The Chilean season generally starts as early as December, but strong volume comes on in January-February.
More work with varieties
“There’s a bit more volume this year, especially on certain varieties,” says Hoang. This includes the Muscat grape, which is a higher-sugar grape that’s growing in popularity with consumers. “Overall there seem to be more varieties that growers are trying, whether it’s from Chile, Peru or South Africa. And California too,” he says. “And as farmers plant more varieties, some older varieties are fading because the newer ones are better tasting, have better presentation, are bigger-sized fruit or the grower might get more yields out of that variety.”
While consumers respond well to these newer varieties, demand for grapes overall remains steady. “Though at this time of year in import grapes, the fruit is more expensive because of the transportation and that has an effect on demand,” he says. Overall, green grapes are slightly more expensive though prices on grapes are slightly higher this year than in 2018.
Muscat grapes at Kin's Farm Market.
Two-tier pricing
Pricing in general on grapes sits often in two-tier mode. “That’s just because of the quality and variety you’re promoting,” says Hoang. “There are always lower grade because of different sizes—smaller-sized fruit would get a price break while premium, larger-sized will cost more as well. Smaller sized might retail below $1.99/lb and larger, a more unique variety, might retail over $4.99/lb.”
While that two-tier pricing exists year-round, it is often more prominent with crossover seasons. “With Mexico coming on, it’ll put pressure on the import grapes. We might still see the higher price because the better grapes will come from Chile. They’re not done yet,” he says. “But once Mexico comes on with better and more fruit, it’ll put pressure on the market and price should come down by the end of May. Then Mexico will carry us up until June/July and that’s when California starts with its early grapes.”
For more information:
Vo Hoang
Kin’s Farm Market
Tel: +1 (604) 272-2551
[email protected]
https://kinsfarmmarket.com/
