Market
Fresh (table) grapes in Ireland are primarily supplied through imports rather than domestic production. In 2023, Ireland imported about USD 60.5 million (≈20.5 million kg) of fresh grapes (HS 080610), with key origins including Spain, South Africa, Germany, Brazil, and Chile. Ireland’s supply is shaped by EU-seasonal availability and counter-seasonal Southern Hemisphere shipments, supporting year-round retail availability. Market access is driven by EU marketing standards for table grapes and EU plant-health import procedures (phytosanitary certification and TRACES pre-notification for regulated imports).
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market (net importer)
Domestic RoleRetail and foodservice consumption market supplied mainly by imports
SeasonalityYear-round availability through imports; EU/nearby supply is more prominent in the European summer window, while imports cover off-season gaps.
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFor imports into Ireland from non-EU origins, plant-health non-compliance (e.g., missing/incorrect phytosanitary certification, missing CHED-PP/TRACES pre-notification where required, or document/identity mismatches) can lead to detention, delays, or refusal at entry, disrupting a market that depends on imported supply.Confirm whether the consignment is regulated; obtain an original NPPO-issued phytosanitary certificate with any required additional declarations; complete CHED-PP in TRACES NT and submit required data/documents per DAFM import guidance before arrival.
Food Safety MediumPesticide residue compliance is actively monitored on the EU market for both imported and EU-produced food; MRL exceedances can trigger rejection and follow-on scrutiny, creating commercial and continuity risk for imported grapes.Use residue management programs aligned to EU MRLs; conduct pre-shipment residue testing for higher-risk origins/lots and keep auditable records for importer/customer review.
Quality MediumEU marketing standards for table grapes (quality, class, and maturity requirements) can lead to enforcement actions or customer claims if product arrives with defects, insufficient maturity, or poor presentation.Pack and label to EU class requirements; verify maturity and defect tolerances per the applicable standard and maintain packhouse QC records.
Logistics MediumCold-chain failures during multimodal refrigerated transport can cause rapid quality deterioration (e.g., stem dehydration and berry shatter), increasing shrink and claim risk for imported grapes in Ireland.Run strict reefer set-point and monitoring (temperature/RH), validate pre-cooling, and use data loggers with clear acceptance thresholds agreed with the buyer.
Sustainability- Water stewardship and climate exposure in origin regions can affect continuity of supply for an import-dependent market.
- Packaging waste reduction pressure (retail and policy) can affect preferred formats and supplier compliance expectations.
Labor & Social- Because Ireland is import-dependent for fresh grapes, social and labor due diligence risks are concentrated upstream in origin-country harvesting and packing operations rather than domestic farming.
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. Integrated Farm Assurance (IFA) for fruit and vegetables
FAQ
Is Ireland a net importer of fresh grapes?Yes. Ireland’s fresh grapes market is import-dependent: in 2023 Ireland imported about USD 60.5 million (around 20.5 million kg) of fresh grapes (HS 080610), with major origins including Spain and South Africa.
What are common compliance steps to import fresh grapes into Ireland from non-EU countries?Ireland’s Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) guidance describes operator registration (where applicable) and phytosanitary certification for plant products entering the EU. For regulated consignments, importers typically complete CHED-PP Part I in TRACES NT and submit required consignment details and document copies in advance as instructed by DAFM.
What cold-chain conditions are commonly recommended for storing table grapes?UC Davis postharvest guidance recommends storing table grapes around -1 to 0°C with high relative humidity (commonly 90–95% RH) to maintain freshness and reduce quality loss.