1. Weekly News

Egypt

Climate and Export Pressures Push Up Egypt’s Grape Prices

In Egypt, high temperatures have negatively impacted the productivity and quality of greenhouse-grown grapes compared to last year, leading to significant price fluctuations. Early in the season, limited supply pushed prices up to USD 2.98 per kilogram (EGP 150/kg), which later dropped to USD 1.19 to 1.29/kg (EGP 60 to 65/kg) during peak harvest before rising again to USD 1.39 to 1.49 /kg (EGP 70 to 75/kg) as volumes declined. In response, 93 grape farms across key governorates, including Menoufia, Beheira, Giza, Ismailia, Sharqia, Fayoum, Minya, and Beni Suef, have applied for export crop coding, covering 8.8 thousand acres. The Agricultural Quarantine Authority urges farmers and packing stations to complete the process promptly to ensure readiness for the upcoming export season.

Egypt Strengthens Global Grape Exports with Early Market Entry and Premium Quality

The table grape season in Egypt began on May-25 with early varieties such as Early Sweet, Superior, and Flame Seedless, as growers capitalized on market opportunities by aligning varietal choices with consumer preferences for seedless, firm, and sweet grapes. Despite climatic challenges, advanced farming practices like controlled climate production and optimal irrigation have improved yield and fruit quality. As the season progresses, late varieties like Crimson Seedless, Red Globe, King Ruby, and Black Magic will take the spotlight, particularly from reclaimed desert lands known for producing grapes with enhanced firmness and sweetness. By focusing on quality and entering the market early during a seasonal supply gap in the Northern Hemisphere, Egypt continues to strengthen its role as a key global table grape exporter.

Mexico

Chihuahua Emerges as a Growing Grape Production Region in Mexico

Mexico’s state of Chihuahua is emerging as a promising grape-producing region, with 418.16 hectares (ha) currently under cultivation and expanding by 2 to 3 ha each year. The region focuses on growing 22 high-quality grape varieties suited for local use and export, with sustainability and lower water needs making grape cultivation an increasingly attractive option. Supported by 51 vineyards and 24 wineries, Chihuahua’s viticulture sector is steadily growing despite broader industry challenges, positioning the state as a rising force in Mexico’s grape and wine landscape.

Moldova

Moldova’s Grape Exports in Apr-25 Driven by Low Demand and Modest Prices

Moldova exported around 1 thousand metric tons (mt) of table grapes in Apr-25, with more than one-third going to Romania, mainly for processing by wineries rather than for fresh consumption. The average wholesale price stood at approximately USD 0.87/kg, which is considered economically unviable due to the added costs of storage and sorting. Industry representatives viewed these exports as a last resort, following weak demand and declining prices that hindered sales in Feb-25 and Mar-25. Experts believe Moldova could achieve better returns by focusing on fall exports, when market demand for fresh table grapes is stronger and storage costs are significantly lower.

United States

Coachella Started Early Grape Harvest with New Varieties and Strong Demand for Green Grapes

Starting with green varieties like Sugrafiftytwo, harvesting in Coachella, California, is expected to begin in W20, about five days earlier than usual. Red varieties such as Flame and Ruby Rush will follow later in late May-25. Favorable growing conditions have supported a solid overall crop, though early varieties like Sugraone may see yields about 30% lower. While Coachella’s grape production has declined over the years, the region remains active by adopting newer varieties like Sweet Globes, Honey Pop, and Cotton Candy. Rising demand for green grapes, attributed to their perceived superior taste and freshness, has reversed previous preferences for red grapes. Although fewer growers remain in Coachella, rising production costs will slightly increase the prices this season. The early harvest in Coachella is supported by upcoming supply from California’s San Joaquin Valley in July, ensuring a continuous flow of domestic grapes.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Grape Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Grape Pricing Important Exporters (W19 2024 to W19 2025) 

Chile

In Chile, grape prices dropped by 1.34% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.47/kg in W19 due to the easing of tight supply conditions as the peak season for Chilean and Peruvian grapes ended. As a result, supply began to stabilize, leading to a slight price dip. However, prices surged by 51.55% month-on-month (MoM) and 27.83% year-on-year (YoY) due to a combination of factors. The transition to Mexico’s grape season has been slower than expected, leaving a gap in the market that kept demand high for Chilean grapes. Furthermore, logistical challenges in the early part of the season, including delays in harvest due to cooler temperatures, further limited the available volumes. These factors, paired with strong demand from key export markets, particularly the United States (US), contributed to the significant price rise in W19.

Peru

Peruvian table grape prices declined by 1.45% WoW to USD 0.68/kg in W19, reflecting an 18.07% YoY decline. This drop is due to a 12% decrease in export volumes compared to the previous season, influenced by adverse weather conditions such as heavy rains and high temperatures, which affected fruit quality and yields. However, MoM prices rose by 13.33%, driven by increased demand as the season nears its end, tightening supply, and supporting higher prices.

South Africa

South Africa's grape prices surged by 51.20% WoW and 58.86% MoM to USD 2.51/kg in W19. This significant rise is due to the nearing conclusion of the South African grape export season, leading to reduced supply and heightened demand in key markets. The strong export performance, with volumes exceeding initial forecasts, has intensified competition among buyers, driving prices upward.

India

Grape prices in India rose by 16.67% WoW to USD 0.84/kg, reflecting a 29.23% MoM increase and a 21.74% YoY rise. This upward trend is 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 strong local 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

Shift to Climate-Resilient Varieties to Protect Yield Stability

Grape producers should adopt climate-resilient varieties that maintain productivity and fruit quality under high temperatures. Varieties like Autumn King, Arra 15, or Sugraone have shown better tolerance to heat stress and sunburn, making them suitable for regions with increasing temperature volatility, such as Egypt, India, and southern Spain. Producers can also adjust canopy management techniques, like increasing leaf cover or using shade nets, to protect clusters during peak heat. These adaptations help avoid severe mid-season drops in yield and marketable quality, stabilizing income even under erratic weather conditions.

Prioritize Peak-Season Exports to Maximize Returns

Grape producers should focus export efforts during peak-demand months, such as the fall, when prices are stronger and storage costs are lower. Shifting shipments away from low-demand periods helps avoid price slumps and reduces reliance on markets that use grapes for processing at discounted rates. Producers can align harvest timing with fall export windows by adjusting pruning schedules or using growth regulators. For example, storing late varieties like Crimson Seedless for staggered release or targeting fresh grape demand in key European markets can help secure higher margins and reduce losses.

Sources: Tridge, Agronometrics Stories, Almal news, Freshplaza, Logos-pres, Oem, Portalfruticola, SATI