1. Weekly News

Dominican Republic

Dominican Republic Launches First Commercial Table Grape Exports to the US

The Dominican Republic has sent its first commercial shipment of table grapes to the United States (US). The delivery comprised 2.8 thousand boxes totaling 16 metric tons (mt) of premium Timpson and Allison seedless varieties that arrived at the Port of Philadelphia. The result of a multi-year collaboration between BLOOM FRESH and the Dominican government, this development is part of a broader strategy to establish high-quality table grape cultivation in regions such as Baní and San Juan. The Ministry of Agriculture and technical advisors have supported the initiative, which has trained local growers to meet international standards. This support has enabled the placement of their products in major US retail chains such as Walmart. The Dominican Republic is positioning itself to create a new commercial window in the global table grape market. By leveraging favorable growing conditions and strategic industry support, the country aims to become a competitive player while helping fill a seasonal supply gap.

Egypt

Egyptian Early Grape Season Starts Strong with High Demand and Prices

Egypt’s early grape season, which began in May-25, is showing strong results driven by growing international demand, improved fruit quality, and a diverse mix of traditional and new grape varieties. European markets such as the Netherlands, Germany, and Ireland are leading demand, with rising interest from Asian markets including Malaysia and Singapore. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remains steady but performed below expectations due to Ramadan and local competition. Export prices rose 3.5% year-on-year (YoY), averaging USD 2.85 thousand/mt Free On Board (FOB), while local wholesale prices increased 8% due to higher production and transport costs. Egypt’s early-season advantage and elevated Brix levels are reinforcing its position ahead of European competitors, although rising logistics expenses remain a challenge for exporters.

Italy

Sicily Begins Seedless Grape Harvest with Strong Quality and Export Potential

Sicily’s 2025 seedless grape harvest began on May 20 under excellent weather conditions, delivering high volumes of premium-quality fruit with no reports of plant disease. Early-season varieties such as Arra 30 (Sugar Drop), Arra 19, Millennium, Timco, and Autumn Crisp lead the harvest, with smaller volumes of Victoria and Red Globe also available. As one of Europe’s earliest grape suppliers, Sicily uses its seasonal head start to meet increasing consumer demand for seedless grapes, particularly in Northern Europe, where fully ripened fruit is favored. With prices currently high and 150 hectares (ha) dedicated to seedless production, the region is strengthening its market position through direct marketing and its strong reputation for early-season, high-quality grapes.

Peru

Peru’s Grape Exports Rebound in 2024 Season

Peru’s grape industry rebounded in the 2024 season following the adverse weather events of 2023, supported by improved climatic conditions and strategic investment. Proserla, based in Lambayeque, grew its exports from 170 to 305 containers due to stable temperatures and replenished water supplies during the October to December harvest. Key varieties included Autumn Crisp, Sweet Globe, Sweet Celebration, and Red Globe, which achieved higher prices due to global supply shortages. Average FOB prices reached USD 23 per 8.2-kilogram (kg) box, exceeding historical norms. With strong demand from Europe and the US, Peru benefited from a favorable marketing window and is now exploring opportunities in Asian markets while staying alert to potential trade policy changes that may influence future exports.

United States

California Opens 2025/26 Grape Season with Global Marketing Push

The 2025/26 California grape season began in mid-May-25 with harvests starting in the Coachella Valley and continuing through December in the San Joaquin Valley. To support this extended production cycle, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign across 21 export destinations and local markets. Retailers are being equipped with promotional materials such as digital assets, in-store signage, and incentive programs, while consumer engagement includes social media ads, digital coupons, shopper apps, and influencer campaigns focused on the health benefits of grapes. With global demand remaining high and a well-timed harvest, California is working to expand its international presence through a coordinated and comprehensive promotional effort.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Grape Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Grape Pricing Important Exporters (W22 2024 to W22 2025) 

Chile

In W22, Chile's grape prices increased by 3.50% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.48/kg, with a 0.68% month-on-month (MoM) rise and a 29.82% year-on-year (YoY) surge. This price increase is primarily driven by reduced production volumes caused by adverse weather conditions, including heat waves and droughts that have negatively affected yields. Besides production challenges, Chile also faces logistical difficulties, such as port delays and container shortages, which have disrupted the timely delivery of grapes to international markets. While such disruptions might typically lead to higher domestic supply and potential downward pressure on local prices, the overall effect has been a tightening of global supply, helping to support higher export prices. Furthermore, the overlap of Chile’s harvest season with that of other major exporters, such as Peru and South Africa, has intensified competition in key markets, particularly in the US and Europe. Despite these headwinds, demand for Chilean grapes remains strong due to their quality and efficient shipping to Northern Hemisphere markets, which has helped sustain elevated price levels.

Peru

Grape prices in Peru increased by 34.29% WoW to USD 0.94/kg in W22, with a 38.24% MoM rise and a 17.50% YoY increase. This significant price surge is due to reduced supply as the season nears its end, leading to tighter market availability. Additionally, strong demand from key export markets, particularly the US and Europe, has supported higher prices. The overlap of Peru's harvest season with that of other major exporters, such as Chile and South Africa, has intensified competition in key markets, further influencing price dynamics. Despite these challenges, the Peruvian grape industry remains optimistic, with expectations of a production rebound in the upcoming season.

South Africa

South African grape prices dropped significantly by 45.48% WoW to USD 1.69/kg in W22, with a 32.67% MoM decline and a 31.30% YoY decrease. This sharp fall is mainly due to the peak of the harvest season, leading to oversupply in both local and export markets. Additionally, increased competition from other major exporters like Peru and Chile has pressured prices downward. Logistical challenges and stricter quality standards in key export destinations have also limited premium market access, contributing further to the price decline.

India

India's grape prices dropped slightly by 1.01% WoW to USD 0.98/kg in W22 due to localized harvest surges increasing short-term supply. However, MoM and YoY prices both increased by 16.67%, driven by strong local demand supported by improving export opportunities, particularly to Middle Eastern markets, and favorable weather conditions boosting fruit quality and yields compared to last year.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Leverage Early-Season Advantage with Targeted Marketing

Grape producers should capitalize on early harvest windows by strengthening direct marketing efforts to premium markets. Growers in regions like Sicily, California, South Africa, and Chile can highlight unique early-season varieties such as Sugar Drop, Timco, or Autumn Crisp to meet the demand for fully ripened, seedless grapes. Producers should collaborate with exporters and retailers to promote freshness and superior quality through timed shipments and targeted campaigns focused on markets valuing early availability, like Northern Europe and North America. This approach helps secure premium prices and build loyal customer bases before competitors enter the market.

Maximize Early-Season Quality to Expand Market Reach

Grape producers should focus on promoting high Brix levels and diverse early-season varieties to capture premium markets in Europe and Asia. Exporters from regions like Egypt, South Africa, and Peru need to invest in targeted marketing that emphasizes superior sweetness and freshness, especially in demand hotspots like the Netherlands, Germany, Malaysia, and Singapore. Collaborating with logistics partners to optimize shipping and reduce costs will help maintain competitive pricing despite rising transport expenses. This strategy boosts export value by leveraging quality advantages before competitors’ seasons begin.

Sources: Tridge, Al-Omar, California Table Grape Commission, Freshplaza, Uva Brunetti