1. Weekly News

Brazil

Brazil Prepares First Grape Exports to China as Global Demand Grows

Brazil is expected to export table grapes to China for the first time, with initial shipments expected by the end of the year following recent trade agreements between the two countries. This has opened the door to a large new market and supports Brazil’s ambition for a year-round supply. A trade mission of Brazilian officials and exporters is currently in Beijing and Shanghai to finalize export protocols, product specifications, packaging, and shipment schedules. Grapes will be exported from the Port of Salvador with a transit time of around 30 days, considered efficient for preserving fruit quality. At the same time, Brazil is positioning itself for growth in the European market, pending the ratification of the European Union (EU)-Mercosur trade agreement, which would eliminate existing import tariffs of 8 to 14%. These developments highlight Brazil’s strategic push to strengthen its global grape export footprint amid rising demand from Asia and Europe.

Spain

Lanzarote Grape Prices Surge Due to Increasing Wine Popularity

Grape prices in Lanzarote have been rising in recent years, driven by the growing popularity of local wines. The price of the volcanic Malvasia variety, in particular, has doubled to over USD 2.25 per kilogram (kg) in just three years. The most recent harvest yielded just over 1 million kg of Malvasia grapes, generating between USD 4.4 million (EUR 3.9 million) and USD 4.5 million (EUR 4 million) in revenue. Similarly, the Listán Negro variety experienced a sharp price increase, reaching USD 3.72 to 3.95/kg in 2024, up from under USD 2.25/kg in 2021, and contributing nearly USD 567 thousand (EUR 500 thousand) to growers. Other local varieties such as Diego, Listán Blanca, and Muscatel also play a role in production, though at smaller but still meaningful volumes.

Severe Hailstorm Causes Major Damage to Jumilla Vineyards in Spain

A recent hailstorm caused severe damage to over 4.7 thousand hectares (ha) of vineyards and 20 thousand ha of farmland in Spain’s Jumilla Protected Designation of Origin (PDO) region, particularly impacting the municipalities of Hellín (Albacete) and Jumilla (Murcia). Around 65% of vineyard plots were affected, with estimated production losses reaching USD 39.6 million (EUR 35 million). The storm’s impact ranged from partial foliage loss to complete shoot destruction, especially in the southern areas of the PDO, placing the upcoming grape harvest at serious risk. Beyond crop damage, the hail also led to broken infrastructure and soil erosion, including topsoil loss. Local authorities are now processing disaster area status to enable support and recovery measures for affected farmers.

Mexico

Mexico Expands Premium Table Grape Production Through Strategic Partnership

Mexico’s table grape industry is expected to experience strong growth through a new partnership between grower-exporter UVEX and United States (US)-based marketer Dayka & Hackett, aimed at developing over 500 ha of premium grape varieties from Sun World International®, Grapa, and Bloom Fresh. These varieties are expected to boost Mexico’s global competitiveness by meeting rising consumer demand for high-quality grapes. As part of the initiative, a state-of-the-art indoor packing and cooling facility will be established to ensure efficient handling and strict quality control of clamshell, bi-color, and tri-color assortments, highlighting Mexico’s ongoing investment in innovation and excellence in grape exports.

United States

Early Grape Harvest Begins in Coachella, California

Grape harvesting in Coachella, California, began in W20 with early white varieties like Sugrafiftytwo, followed by red Flame grapes later in May and Ruby Rush after Memorial Day. Mild weather has supported healthy growth, though early Flame and Sugraone crops experienced some setbacks, leading to a projected 30% reduction in yield for select varieties. As Mexican grape production increasingly overlaps with Coachella’s season, local production has declined, with only a few growers remaining. In response, growers are shifting toward specialty varieties, including Cotton Candy grapes expected in 2026, and expanding white grape offerings. Retail demand for white grapes now exceeds that of reds, and prices are anticipated to rise slightly to around USD 25 per case, reflecting higher labor, packaging, and production costs. The harvest will transition to California’s San Joaquin Valley by July to ensure a continuous market supply.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Grape Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Grape Pricing Important Exporters (W20 2024 to W20 2025) 

Chile

In W20, Chile's grape prices dropped by 4.08% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.41/kg, due to an oversupply in key export markets such as the US and Europe. This oversupply reduced demand for Chilean grapes as these markets faced increased availability from multiple sources, including delayed shipments, increased Chilean harvest volumes, and overlapping supply from Peru. The intensified competition exerted downward pressure on prices. However, month-on-month (MoM) and year-on-year (YoY) prices rose by 3.68% and 23.68%, respectively. This increase was driven by strong early-season demand for premium grape varieties such as Autumn Crisp and Sweet Globe, which commanded higher prices during the initial weeks of the season despite short-term weekly fluctuations.

Peru

Peru's grape prices increased by 2.94% WoW to USD 0.70/kg in W20, with a 6.06% MoM rise, supported by recovering production in key regions like Piura and Ica after previous climatic challenges. Strong demand in key export markets such as the US and Europe helped absorb this increased supply. The introduction of high-yield, seedless varieties like Sweet Globe and Autumn Crisp, known for their premium quality and consumer appeal, contributed to an increased supply that better met international demand. However, year-on-year (YoY) prices dropped significantly by 17.65% due to a substantial increase in overall production volume, which led to oversupply and price pressure in these markets over a longer time horizon.

South Africa

South Africa's grape prices dropped by 43.43% WoW to USD 1.42/kg in W20, reflecting a 14.46% MoM decrease and a 29% YoY decrease. This significant price decline is due to an oversupply in key export markets, particularly the US and Europe. South Africa increased its grape shipments to the US by 27%, contributing to a saturated market. Additionally, logistical challenges, such as port inefficiencies in Cape Town, have led to delays and storage issues, further exacerbating the oversupply and putting downward pressure on prices.

India

Grape prices in India increased by 20.24% WoW to USD 1.01/kg in W20. This was accompanied by a 62.90% MoM increase and a 60.32% YoY rise. The price surge was due to a significant reduction in production volumes, estimated to be 15 to 20% lower than the previous season. This reduction was caused by a shorter harvest period. The local market is also facing increased local demand. This supply constraint and strong demand from domestic and international markets, particularly Europe, have driven prices upward. Additionally, the early onset of summer has intensified domestic consumption, further reducing the supply available for export and contributing to the price surge.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Invest in Hail Protection and Erosion Control

Grape producers should install anti-hail nets and adopt soil conservation practices to protect against extreme weather. Anti-hail nets can prevent direct damage to vines and shoots during storms, while grass cover between vineyard rows or mulching can reduce erosion and topsoil loss. In high-risk zones, producers can also invest in windbreaks or hedgerows to buffer against storm impact and reinforce drainage systems to prevent waterlogging and runoff damage.

Prioritize Specialty and White Grape Varieties

Grape producers should focus on expanding specialty and high-demand white grape varieties to stay competitive during overlapping harvest seasons. Growers can introduce options like Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, or Autumn Crisp to meet shifting consumer preferences and capture premium pricing. Diversifying white grape offerings also helps align with rising retail demand and supports differentiation from overlapping regions like Mexico.

Invest in High-Value Grape Varieties for Premium Wine Markets

Grape producers should prioritize planting and promoting premium varieties with strong market demand, such as Malvasia, Listán Negro, or Muscatel, to capture higher prices. Producers can partner with wineries to secure supply contracts or launch branded collaborations highlighting unique terroirs, like volcanic soil or heritage cultivation. This approach allows growers to command premium pricing and stabilize revenue amid rising consumer interest in distinctive local wines.

Sources: Tridge, Abrafrutas, Agronews, Dayka & Hackett LLC, Encastillalamancha, Diariodelanzarote, Freshlaza, Fruitnet