1. Weekly News

Chile

Chile's Table Grape Sector Faces Production, Logistics, and Export Challenges

Chile’s table grape industry, which spans over 1.2 thousand kilometers (km) from Copiapó to Curicó, exported 68 million boxes during the 2024/25 season, peaking in W12. However, the industry continues to deal with serious challenges. Ongoing drought conditions, particularly in Coquimbo, and uncertainty about the actual extent of productive acreage, estimated between 25 and 43 thousand hectares (ha), remain major concerns. Additionally, logistical hurdles such as port congestion and carrier shortages have disrupted shipping schedules and volumes. Although the United States (US) remains the primary destination with 36 million boxes received, fluctuating export patterns and weather-related delays have affected overall market stability. The number of exporters has significantly declined over the past decade, consolidating market share among a few large players. The top 15 exporters are now responsible for nearly 70% of shipments, underscoring the growing concentration in the industry.

Mexico

Rainfall Threatens Mexican Grape Production and Tightens Supply Outlook

Mexico's 2025 table grape season is under pressure following heavy rains that damaged key growing areas, especially affecting the moisture-sensitive Flame variety. Losses are estimated between 50% to 70% in regions like Caborca, where harvests had barely started. While other varieties, such as Sweet Globes, Timpsons, Ivory, and Candy Snaps, are still being evaluated for damage, they were already expected to yield lower volumes. With 90% of the national grape harvest typically occurring in June, projections have been lowered from 19.5 million to potentially just 15 million boxes for the US export market. The strengthening Mexican Peso is also prompting some growers to favor local sales. Nonetheless, strong international demand and reduced supply will support favorable pricing for Mexican grapes and early-season California fruit.

Peru

Peru Expands Table Grape Production with Over 23 Thousand HA Certified for Export

Peru continues to solidify its position in the global table grape market, with 23.3 thousand ha now certified for export and a production base that includes more than 50 grape varieties. The Ica region leads national output with 11.6 thousand ha, followed by Piura with 8 thousand ha, and contributions from other areas such as Lambayeque, La Libertad, Arequipa, and Ancash. Popular export varieties include Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, Allison, Sweet Celebration, Sheegene 2 Timpson, Red Globe, Sugar Crisp, Ivory, and Timpson. This wide varietal mix and certified export infrastructure highlight Peru’s growing importance as a reliable, year-round supplier to global markets.

South Africa

South Africa Achieves Record Table Grape Exports with Growing Global Demand

South Africa reached a record-breaking 77.8 million cartons in table grape exports during the 2024/25 season, a 5% year-on-year (YoY) increase. This growth generated around USD 730 million in revenue, driven by rising global demand. The European Union (EU) bloc absorbed 58% of this volume, while the United Kingdom (UK) was the largest individual importer at 18%. Notably, shipments to North America surged by 25%, with the US alone accounting for 2.2 million cartons, benefiting from South Africa’s counter-seasonal advantage. However, the industry remains cautious about potential tariff changes that could impact its competitiveness, particularly against fellow Southern Hemisphere exporters such as Peru and Chile. As competition intensifies, South Africa is working to safeguard its current markets and explore new ones, despite the regulatory and logistical challenges involved.

United States

California Launches 2025/26 Table Grape Season with Global Promotion Push

The US has officially kicked off its 2025/26 table grape season, beginning with California’s Coachella Valley harvests in mid-May and continuing through the San Joaquin Valley into December. To support this extended production cycle, the California Table Grape Commission has launched an international marketing campaign across 21 export destinations, focusing on trade and consumer engagement. Retail initiatives include in-store promotions, digital content, sampling events, and dietitian partnerships, while consumer outreach features online advertising, social media campaigns, health messaging, and discounts. This comprehensive promotional strategy is designed to bolster demand and reinforce California’s standing as a leading global supplier of high-quality table grapes.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Grape Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Grape Pricing Important Exporters (W23 2024 to W23 2025) 

Chile

Chile’s grape prices fell 4.05% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.42 per kilogram (kg) in W23. The weekly decline stems from a temporary influx of grapes arriving as late-season harvests from regions like Valparaíso and Atacama hit the market, easing recent tightness. However, month-on-month (MoM) prices edged up by 0.71% because overall export volumes were lower than usual. Chile is shipping approximately 38 million boxes this season, about 27% fewer than last year, helping sustain price levels. Prices increased 33.96% YoY due to stronger demand from the US and Europe, an abundance of premium grape varieties, and the Systems Approach, which improved fruit quality and value per box.

Peru

In W23, Peru’s grape prices surged by 11.70% WoW to USD 1.05/kg, with a 50% MoM and 31.25% YoY increase. This sharp rise follows the seasonal close of the main export campaign (October to April), leaving a tighter market as fewer grapes are harvested, a normal supply gap that pushes prices upward. Export volumes are also still strong, with Peru on track for record shipments (over 78 million boxes this season), driven by consistently high demand from the US and Europe. Lastly, improved transport and port capacity, especially following the opening of the Chancay–Shanghai route, have helped maintain tight distribution, supporting prices even as the harvest winds down.

South Africa

South Africa's grape prices surged by 72.78% WoW to USD 2.92/kg in W23, reflecting a 105.63% MoM increase. The price surge is due to the seasonal end of the local table grape harvest, which led to a tightening supply in local markets. Additionally, higher logistics and cold storage costs, and limited availability of premium-quality grapes for export and local sale, contributed to the price hike. The recent depreciation of the South African rand may have also made exports more attractive, further limiting domestic supply and pushing prices upward.

India

In India, grape prices dropped by 18.37% WoW to USD 0.80/kg and fell 20.79% MoM in W23, driven by a heavy influx of late-season fruit from regions like Pune, Maharashtra, where growers rushed to clear excess stock following unseasonal rains in Apr-25, leading to market oversupply and lower wholesale prices. However, prices remain higher 14.29% YoY as Nashik, India’s export hub, saw strong overseas demand and stable shipments, maintaining a tighter supply relative to last year’s volumes.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Improve Resistance to Rain with Targeted Variety Selection and Protective Strategies

Grape producers should shift toward more rain-tolerant varieties and reinforce vineyard protection strategies to minimize harvest losses from unexpected weather. Growers in Mexico, Chile, India, and Southern Europe can reduce risk by prioritizing less moisture-sensitive grapes like Sweet Globe or Autumn Crisp over Flame and investing in protective coverings such as plastic canopies or hail nets. Additionally, rapid drainage systems and targeted fungicide treatments post-rainfall can limit disease spread and preserve fruit quality for export.

Strengthen Supply Chain Coordination and On-Farm Water Efficiency

Grape producers should improve supply chain coordination and invest in water-saving practices to stay competitive amid logistical disruptions and drought pressure. Growers in Chile, South Africa, and Australia can mitigate delays by aligning harvest timing with more reliable shipping partners, using refrigerated containers to preserve quality, and collaborating with consolidated exporters for smoother logistics. On the production side, producers should adopt precision irrigation, moisture sensors, and drought-tolerant rootstocks to stretch limited water resources and stabilize yields despite climate stress.

Sources: Tridge, Agraria, Fresplaza, Fresh Fruit Portal, Fruitnet, Growing Produce