1. Weekly News

Iraq

Dust Storm Hits Grape Production in Kurdistan Region

A severe two-day dust storm in Iraq's Kurdistan Region, particularly in Dohuk Province and Barebhar Village, has severely disrupted grape cultivation by halting vine growth and damaging spring vegetation. Described as one of the most destructive storms in recent years, it affected multiple provinces and compounded ongoing agricultural challenges tied to erratic rainfall and rising temperatures. Although recent rains had offered hope for improved vegetation and grape yields, the storm's intensity effectively canceled out these gains, leaving farmers increasingly worried about crop recovery and the long-term sustainability of their livelihoods.

Peru

Peruvian Grape Exports Surge in Spain, Raising Concerns Among Domestic Growers

Peru emerged as Spain’s third-largest supplier of fruits and vegetables in 2024, with grape exports showing a sharp increase. Spain imported USD 28.49 million (EUR 25.15 million) worth of Peruvian grapes in Jan-25 alone, nearly three times more than the same month in 2023. This growth is largely due to Peru’s capacity to produce grapes year-round at lower costs, making it an increasingly competitive player in the global market. Spanish growers, especially in Murcia, the country’s leading table grape region, are watching the trend closely. While current Peruvian imports mainly fill the supply gap after Spain’s season ends in November, there is growing concern that if shipments begin overlapping with Spain’s harvest months, it could drive down prices and threaten the long-term viability of local production.

South Africa

Southern Africa’s Grape Industry Eyes Growth Through New Varieties

Namibia and South Africa, two leading early-season table grape producers in Southern Africa, jointly exported approximately 40 million cartons of grapes during the 2024/25 season, with major contributions from Namibia, the Orange River, and northern South Africa. Despite weather-related challenges such as a poor winter and warm winds during flowering, growers achieved strong results, especially with mid- to late-season varieties. Notable performers included Arra Sweeties, Arra Honey Pop, Arra Fire Crunch, and Cherry Crush, all of which delivered good yields, vibrant color, and strong market appeal. Backed by improved logistics and close collaboration with international breeding programs, producers are now exploring new varieties for future investment to diversify their portfolios and enhance their competitiveness in global markets.

Spain

Spain Extends Vineyard Aid Deadline to Support Grape Industry Stability

Spain has extended the application deadline for green harvest aid, vineyard restructuring, and conversion from April 29 to May 5, following technical issues caused by a power outage. Part of the Wine Sector Intervention (VSI) under the CAP Strategic Plan 2023/27 and funded by the European Agricultural Guarantee Fund (EAGF), these support measures are designed to reduce grape oversupply and promote more sustainable, competitive wine grape production. Green harvesting, which involves removing unripe grape bunches before July 15, offers payments of USD 1,132.51 to USD 1359.01/ha (EUR 1,000/ha to EUR 1,200/ha) along with 50% income compensation based on recent yields. Meanwhile, restructuring aid supports vineyard improvements such as varietal changes, relocation, replanting due to health concerns, and enhanced management practices.

Severe Hailstorm Devastates Vineyards in Spain’s Ciudad Real Province

A powerful hailstorm recently hit several towns in Spain’s Ciudad Real province, including Malagón, Fuente el Fresno, and Daimiel, causing severe damage to grape production. The storm, which lasted 10 to 15 minutes and had hailstones as large as pigeon eggs, destroyed vineyards that had already started forming visible grape clusters. As a result, farmers in the affected areas are predicting a harvest reduction of up to 80%, with concerns about crop diseases impacting next year’s yield. While some vineyards were insured, many olive and cereal crops were not, exposing local growers to significant financial risk from extreme weather events.

United States

California's North Coast Grapes Face Climate Challenge with Adaptive Solutions

In California’s North Coast, which includes Lake and Mendocino counties, the wine grape industry is increasingly threatened by climate change, with rising temperatures, drought, and wildfires posing significant challenges. To address these issues, researchers, viticulturists, and local agricultural institutions are actively working to adapt vineyards by developing drought-resistant rootstocks, refining canopy management practices, and implementing strategies to mitigate smoke taint caused by wildfire-related compounds that can impair grape quality. Studies indicate that vineyards located more than a quarter mile from prescribed burns experience much lower smoke exposure, offering a potential solution. Additionally, ongoing research focuses on frost protection and water management, aiming to sustain grape production while reducing reliance on scarce water resources. These efforts are crucial in building a more resilient grape industry in California amid growing environmental uncertainties.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Grape Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Grape Pricing Important Exporters (W18 2024 to W18 2025) 

Chile

Chile's grape prices increased by 9.56% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.49 per kilogram (kg) in W18, with a 166.07% month-on-month (MoM) surge and a 46.08% year-on-year (YoY) rise. This price escalation is due to the winding down of the Chilean and Peruvian offshore grape seasons, leading to tighter supplies and heightened market demand. Typically, Mexican-grown grapes begin to enter the market by mid- to late May, helping to stabilize supply. However, the delayed transition to Mexico’s season has created a temporary supply gap, extending reliance on Chilean grapes and intensifying demand for the remaining volumes. Additionally, earlier in the season, cooler spring temperatures caused slight harvest delays in central and southern Chile, further constraining supply. The reduced availability and strong demand from key export markets, particularly the US, have driven the significant price increases observed in W18.

Peru

Grape prices in Peru rose by 4.55% WoW to USD 0.69/kg in W18, reflecting a 13.11% MoM increase. This uptick is due to tightening supplies as the Peruvian grape export season nears its conclusion in early May, reducing availability in local and international markets. Additionally, strong demand from key export destinations, including the US and Europe, has supported higher prices, especially as competing suppliers like Chile also wind down their seasons. However, prices remain 17.86% lower YoY, primarily due to a high base in the previous season when supply constraints pushed prices up. In the current 2024/25 campaign, Peru exported over 562 thousand tons of table grapes, a 7.4% YoY increase, driven by favorable weather conditions and expanded production in regions such as Piura and Ica. While this volume growth highlights Peru’s strong export performance, it has also led to more stable price levels than last year’s elevated figures.

South Africa

In W18, grape prices in South Africa held steady WoW at USD 1.66/kg, with a 13.54% MoM and 43.73% YoY drop, driven by oversupply and currency effects. The significant YoY price drop is due to a record-breaking harvest, with the industry exporting over 76.4 million cartons, slightly more than in previous seasons. This volume growth was fueled by favorable weather conditions that enhanced yields, along with improvements in logistics that enabled smoother and faster shipments. While international demand remained stable, the surge in available supply outpaced market absorption capacity, leading to downward pressure on prices. Furthermore, the appreciation of the South African rand against major trading currencies reduced the competitiveness of South African grapes in export markets, further dampening price levels. On the MoM scale, the price drop reflects the tail end of the harvest season, where increased volumes from late-producing regions like the Hex River Valley entered the market, intensifying competition and exerting downward pressure on prices.

India

In W18, grape prices in India increased by 16.13% WoW to USD 0.72/kg, with a 7.46% MoM and 12.50% YoY rise. This upward trend is primarily due to a significant reduction in grape production, particularly in major growing regions like Nashik, where yields declined by approximately 40% owing to unseasonal rainfall and adverse weather conditions. The decreased supply coincided with robust domestic demand and a shortened export season, leading to heightened competition among buyers and driving prices upward. Additionally, the introduction of new grape varieties and increased interest from international markets have further bolstered demand, contributing to the price surge.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Adopt Smoke-Taint Mitigation and Drought-Resilient Practices

Vineyard managers in California’s North Coast should expand the planting of drought-resistant rootstocks and relocate or buffer vineyards away from high-risk fire zones to reduce exposure to smoke taint. Implementing techniques like installing windbreaks, using activated carbon sprays, or applying biofilm barriers during nearby burns can help protect grape quality. Additionally, adopting precision irrigation systems and improved canopy pruning can optimize water use and reduce stress on vines during extreme heat.

Prioritize Hail Netting and Disease Prevention

Grape growers in Ciudad Real should install hail netting to protect developing clusters and reduce future storm losses. In affected vineyards, farmers should immediately apply protective fungicides and prune damaged shoots to prevent disease spread and ensure vine recovery for the next season. These measures help stabilize yields and reduce long-term damage after extreme weather events.

Sources: Tridge, El Debate, Freshplaza, Fruitnet, Kurdistan24, Latribunadeciudadreal, Msn