Indian grapes campaign 2021-22 kicks off

Indian has kicked off its exports for this season with initial shipments being exported to gulf countries. Following are key highlights:
- Variety: Sonaka seedless and Thompson seedless(green seedless variety from India)
- Berry size: 15mm and above
- Brix: 16-17
- Packaging being offered: 5 kg carton box (10*500 grams)
- Key markets: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain
As of preseason, freight rates have been higher than of January-March after the season starts. Current Ex-works (Mumbai) rates are hovering between USD 8-8.5 per 5 kg box as they enjoy the early arrival of Indian grape varieties in middle eastern markets. Ex-works rates remain half of this, at about USD 4-5 per 5 kg box from January to March every season.
The shipments for European Union, UK, and Russia will pick up from the first and second week of December as the required quality for these countries (Brix 18 and berry size of 17/18mm) will be achieved by then. Pre-orders and buyer engagements are at the peak right now, and India is keeping an eye on the upcoming grape season of 2021.