Major European Grape Producers Enter Peak Production Period

Italy, Spain and Greece, the three major producers of grapes in Europe, are in their peak production periods and exporting at full capacity to the rest of the continent. The larger supply volume in the market is reflected in the sales prices with white seedless grapes affected the most. Thompson seedless grapes from Greece were offered at the end of W35 for USD 9.00/5kg box FOT whilst Sublima from Italy traded slightly higher at USD 10.00/5kg box. The Puglia region of Italy experienced some rain which will delay the harvest until the middle of W36. However, sufficient volumes are already stored in cold chambers so the supply from Italy will not be affected and exports are expected to continue normally.

The market demand for red and black seedless grapes are high and increasing which is reflected in the price. In W35 red seedless grapes from Spain (Crimson and Sweet Celebration) were trading USD 11.50-12.00/5kg box, with Carlita, Fiametta (red seedless) and Summer Royal (black seedless) from Italy reaching the same price as their Spanish competitors. No major changes are expected on the market in W36 for red seedless grapes. However, white seedless grapes could experience some downward pressure on price due the increased volumes shipped from Greece and the quality issues experienced by Italian supply, mostly related to the heat, sunburn and dry stems.