Peru
Peruvian Exports to the US Rose by 23% In 2022 (Feb 20)
From January to November 2022, Peruvian exports to the US totaled USD 7.73B, reflecting an increase of 23.4% compared to the same period in 2021 and an increase of 39.3% compared to the same period in 2020, according to Agraria, using Foreign Trade Society of Peru (ComexPeru) data. The main products exported from the non-traditional sector in 2022 were blueberries, with USD 666M, reflecting a growth of 15.2% YoY. They were followed by fresh grapes with USD 409M, up 27% YoY.
Shipments of Table Grapes From Peru Grew 1% In Volume Until W6 of the 2022/23 Campaign (Feb 22)
From W31 to W6 of the 2022/23 campaign, Peruvian table grape exports reached 61.124M boxes (8.2kg), showing an increase of 1% compared to the 60.449M boxes dispatched in the same period of the previous campaign. The Association of Table Grape Producers of Peru (Provid) pointed out that the White Seedless grape has been the most shipped during this period, representing 48.85% of what was exported (29.858M boxes), followed by the Red Seedless grape with 27.85% (17.025M boxes), Red Globe with 18.80% (11.492M boxes), and Black Seedless with 4.46% (2.725M boxes). The main destinations were: the US, where 29.16M boxes (47.7%) went, the Netherlands with 7.565M boxes (12.4%), and China with 4.597M boxes (7.5%).
The Quality Challenges Left by the Table Grape Campaign in Piura, Peru (Feb 24)
Although the 2022/23 campaign was within the normal range in terms of volumes, many fields faced problems in reaching the Brix degrees required for the new table grape varieties. According to businessmen and advisers, a lot of fruit was exported with just 14° Brix instead of 17° or 18°, due to problems with the rise in fertilizer prices that forced many to adjust their nutritional plans, added to the low temperatures in 2022. Those farms that did not adjust their management to the lower temperatures present in the 2022/23 campaign and that cut budgets due to the higher costs of fertilizers had problems reaching the Brix degrees and the maturity necessary to export. In addition, the cycle was lengthened between 7 to 15 days.
ADEX Urges Authorities to Work Together to Maintain the Picso Boom (Feb 24)
The export of Pisco in 2022 (USD 10.49M) grew by 45%, and to maintain this rate it is necessary to guarantee the cultivation of pisco grapes in areas with Denomination of Origin. Therefore, it is important to carry out a census and at the same time consolidate the work with the authorities, stated the president of the Pisco Committee of the Association of Exporters (ADEX), Carmen Robatty de Moquillaza. Executing a census will allow establishing the number of hectares planted with pisco grapes, which will help refine the work of the government and of the members of the chain, who in difficult times knew how to resist and move forward. He said that the private sector continues to work not only on the training of producers but also on the identification of more buyers.
Chile
Chilean Table Grape Exports for the 2022/23 Season Drop 5% Until W5 (Feb 20)
Table grape exports from Chile up to W5 (Feb 5, 2023) reached 8.9M boxes of 8.2 kg, 5% less than the previous season on the same date. Exports to the main market, the US, are 8% lower than the previous season. The boxes exported to China also decreased by 42%. This confirms the latest and fifth estimate of table grapes released by the Table Grape Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (Asoex), which indicated that their exports will be 9.7% lower than last season.
Late Table Grape Season From Chile Raises High Expectations (Feb 24)
The Chilean table grape season is currently in its W6, with early harvests showing stable volumes for the traditional white varieties. However, industry sources say that a strong presence of Peruvian grapes is dominating the US market with faster shipments, due to the geographical proximity between the two countries. According to the analysis of Manuel Alcaíno, president of Decofrut, the fact that Chilean grapes are still in the process of obtaining the Systems Approach, which allows them to be exported to the US without fumigation treatment, has influenced the fact that Peruvian table grapes stay on top. Asia, for its part, although also dominated by Peru, is performing well, with Chilean table grape shipments increasing 5% YoY through the W6. As for the second part of the season, Alcaíno foresees a much more positive result for Chilean table grapes, with red varieties such as Timco and Crimson going strong. The expert explains that the Chilean early season is characterized by a strong presence of white crops.
China
On February 19, the first air shipment of Australian long crimson grapes arrived in the Guangzhou market for sale. With good quality upon arrival, and quickly sold out, with a selling price of USD 84.41-87.32/9.5kg (RMB 580-600/9.5kg).
On February 21, 2023, the first South African black grapes shipment for the season arrived in the Shanghai wholesale market. The first batch was only available in one container, and no South African grapes were sold that day. The selling price was USD 18.87/4.5kg (RMB 130/4.5kg) size XL.
High Demand for Peruvian Grapes in the Shanghai Wholesale Market in February 2023 (Feb 23)
Peruvian red grapes are in high demand in the Shanghai wholesale market in February 2023. The selling price ranges from USD 21.78-34.84/8.2kg (RMB 150-240/8.2kg), depending on the size and variety. Compared to red grapes, Autumn Crip's green grapes are more difficult to sell; the selling price ranges from USD 34.84-36.30/4.5kg (RMB 240–250/4.5kg) for sizes JJ and JJJ, and sales are slow.
Stable Price of Peruvian Red Globe Grapes in the Chinese Market During W8 (Feb 25)
In W8, the low quantity arrival of Peruvian red globe grapes to the Chinese market has stabilized their pricing and sales movement. On February 22, three containers of red globe grapes were sold out and stood at USD 28.75/8.2kg (RMB 200/8.2kg) plastic boxes, and USD 30.19-31.63/8.2kg (RMB 210-220/8.2/kg) wooden boxes.
South Africa
The State of South Africa’s Table Grape Industry (Feb 20)
Although the South African table grape industry is over a century old, the industry remains dynamic. The efforts of intellectual property companies and breeders, as well as growers and exporters, make the introduction of new and improved table grape varieties from local and international breeders possible. This keeps the industry at the forefront of technological advancement and international competitiveness. The South African Table Grape Industry (SATI) recently gave an update about the state of the South African table grape industry stating that the National inspection volumes for W6 amounted to 5.48M cartons (4.5kg), 7% lower than the same week in the previous season. A total of 50.16M cartons (4,5kg) were inspected for export up until W6, down 7% compared to the same period in the previous season. Vessel delays have been experienced at the Cape Town Port over the past two weeks, mostly due to factors including weather conditions, lack of equipment, and operational challenges.
Drop in the Price of Apples, Lemons, and Grapes in South Africa in W7 Due to High Supply (Feb 21)
In South Africa, by the end of W7, apples were selling at USD 0.47/kg, a drop of 6.41% WoW from USD 0.50/kg in W6. As for lemon, the price in W7 stood at USD 0.322/kg, a decline of 0.9% WoW from USD 0.325/kg in W6. Lastly, for grapes, the price in W7 stood at USD 1.00/kg, a drop of 2.29% WoW from USD 1.02/kg in W6. Being an early season for apples and lemons, the drop in prices is attributed to a steady increase in the supply of these fruits in the local market.
Spain
Spanish Table Grape Status (Feb 22)
South African shipments were dominant. Shipments from Peru and Namibia played a much smaller role. A large number of varieties were available, which also still showed inconsistent quality. Accordingly, a very wide price range established itself in some markets.
Australia
Harvesting of Australian Red Globes in W8 Is Mostly for the Indonesian Festival Season (Feb 22)
In Mildura and Robinvale, Australian Red Globe is being harvested for export, primarily to Indonesia in W8. For EXW and FOB, respectively, the price stood at USD 20.51/9kg (AUD 30/9kg) and USD 21.88/9kg (AUD 32/9kg) on February 22, 2023. The last vessel to arrive in Jakarta in time before the holiday season begins leaves Adelaide on February 27, 2023.
Indian Grape Market Is Now Stable and Should Remain So (Feb 24)
Despite a slowdown in the grape season due to delays in rains and long monsoon, the situation seems positive at the moment, says Amit Kalya, director of Indian grape exporter Kalya Exports. He stated, “we have seen a slight delay in the start of the grape season in India. However, the market is stable at the moment and since the quality of the grapes is at a good level, the season is expected to remain stable for us exporters as well." Fortunately, despite the challenges, the quality and sugar content is in line with the requirements for the export markets.
Argentina
San Juan Anticipated a Key Agreement for a Measure That Mendoza Requested (Feb 25)
The governor of San Juan Sergio Uñac announced that there will be an agreement with the province of Mendoza after the request of the Government so that grapes are not used for must this season. In addition, there was a point of agreement regarding the importation of wines.
Canada
Canadian Producers on Alert After Lanternfly Pest Sighting (Feb 24)
During W8, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) asked Canadians to watch for an invasive pest that could damage Canada’s vineyards and fruit growers. Lanternfly, a pest native to China, has been spotted in the United States since 2014. Although the bug has yet to be found alive in Canada, the CFIA is alarmed by the recent discovery of hundreds of the bugs in a residential area in Buffalo, New York, 45 km from the Canadian border. The bug feeds on sap from fruit trees and can cause severe damage to orchards and vineyards. The insect produces a sugary waste that attracts pollinators like bees and wasps and can cause fungi and mold to grow on trees. The CFIA will soon announce a preliminary response plan to allay industry concerns.
Taiwan
High Price of Fresh Grapes in the Taiwanese Market in W7 (Feb 20)
Taiwan's fruit market has been slow since the Chinese New Year holiday. In W7, the wholesale price for most varieties of green seedless grapes stood at USD 30/8kg, and Autumn Crisp with 23mm+ stood at USD 50-60/8kg. Most importers are hesitant to commit to suppliers due to high costs and a slow market.
