The seeded table grape variety Aledo is currently being harvested. According to Unió Llauradora, harvest volumes are expected to be normal, similar to recent years, and the quality is good.
© La UNIÓ
"We are confident that the Aledo grape, mainly consumed around Christmas, will perform better and be more agile in the markets compared to the early and mid-season varieties, which have faced sales difficulties and have not performed well," stated Enrique Sánchez, head of La Unió's table grape sector.
Sánchez is worried that "an increasing number of investment funds and large corporations are taking over the table grape market, concentrating supply and controlling most distribution channels in supermarkets. This trend adversely affects small companies and family farms, which are rooted in the region but face increasing difficulties in remaining active in the sector and marketing their produce."
© La UNIÓ
Another issue in the sector is plant health. The organization also questions the European Commission's restriction of active ingredients to fight pests and diseases, which are becoming increasingly common in table grapes. "Growers are spending more and more money on treatments to combat pests and diseases, but are having more and more losses. We have fewer and fewer phytosanitary products available. Meanwhile, other countries do not face these limitations and can be more competitive in the markets. This is why we are demanding reciprocity in terms of plant protection," Enrique Sánchez stated.
La Unió supports the Denomination of Origin Uva Embolsada del Vinalopó as a mark to ensure the quality and uniqueness of the grape, particularly given the manual, labor-intensive process, which protects the product from weather and promotes natural ripening.
© La UNIÓThe organization is also urging the Generalitat to launch promotional campaigns for native grape varieties, especially beginning in September when the harvest season starts in the Valencia Region. "We need more institutional support to encourage consumption. Around Christmas time, almost everyone remembers our grapes, and so, to give the season a strong start, we believe promotion should begin earlier because we are already selling grapes," Sánchez stated.
