Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh red globe grape in Colombia is an import-dependent consumer market with limited domestic vineyard production concentrated in Valle del Cauca and Boyacá. The north of Valle del Cauca remains the main table-grape zone, where Red Globe is one of the main cultivars and tropical conditions allow year-round production. Retail supply is supplemented by imports, mainly from Peru and Chile, to keep availability steady in major urban markets.
Market RoleImport-dependent consumer market with limited domestic production
Domestic RoleFresh fruit for household and retail consumption; local production is secondary to imported supply.
Market GrowthGrowing (2024 y/y import trend)Fresh grape imports increased 11.9% in 2024 versus 2023.
SeasonalityColombian viticultural zones can produce grapes year-round, while imported supply complements local output across the year.
Specification
Primary VarietyRed Globe
Physical Attributes- Large red berries
- Firm clusters with uniform color
- Low berry splitting, bruising and stem browning are preferred by buyers
Compositional Metrics- Soluble solids content and sugar/acid balance are key maturity indicators
- Red and black varieties require minimum color development for market acceptance
Grades- Buyer specification classes based on color, firmness and defect tolerance
Packaging- Ventilated cardboard cartons
- Palletized shipping containers
- Packing materials that keep bunches protected without blocking airflow
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Foreign farm and packhouse -> refrigerated maritime or land freight -> ICA/INVIMA entry inspection -> wholesale distribution -> retail sale
- Domestic vineyard harvest -> field packing -> local market distribution
Temperature- UC Davis recommends storage between -1.0 and 0°C
- High temperature exposure quickly reduces stem freshness and shelf life
Atmosphere Control- High humidity and adequate airflow are important during storage
- Controlled-atmosphere storage is generally not recommended for table grapes
Shelf Life- Stem turgor and cooling speed are critical quality factors
- Botrytis gray mold can develop even at near-freezing temperatures if management is weak
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Logistics HighFresh grapes are highly perishable; any delay in refrigerated transit or border clearance can quickly cause stem browning, berry shatter or gray mold and make the fruit unsaleable.Pre-cool to target temperature, book refrigerated capacity early and minimize dwell time at ports or border posts.
Regulatory Compliance MediumFresh grapes require prior ICA DRFI handling and the shipment must match the exporting-country phytosanitary certificate; mismatches can delay or block entry.Validate the DRFI, origin certificate and lot details before loading.
Food Safety MediumBotrytis cinerea gray mold can develop even at cold storage temperatures if cooling, humidity and bunch handling are not controlled.Use rapid precooling, maintain high-humidity cold chain conditions and inspect bunches for decay before release.
Market Price Volatility MediumRetail supply depends heavily on Peru and Chile, so seasonal harvest timing and freight conditions can move Colombian landed prices quickly.Diversify origins and lock seasonal supply programs where possible.
Sustainability and Labor LowTropical vineyard production uses manual labor and crop-protection inputs, so worker safety and responsible pesticide handling remain important.Use BPA training, protective equipment and documented spray and harvest protocols.
Sustainability- Pesticide management and drainage are important in tropical vineyards to limit fungal pressure.
- Cold-chain energy use matters because imported grapes must stay near 0°C to preserve quality.
Labor & Social- Manual harvest and packing require worker-safety controls, especially around pesticide application and bunch handling.
FAQ
Is Colombia mainly a grape producer or an import market?It is an import-dependent consumer market. Colombia has vineyard areas in Valle del Cauca and Boyacá, but DANE shows fresh grapes are one of the main imported fruits and Peru and Chile are the leading suppliers.
Which Colombian areas produce red table grapes?The ICA points to the north of Valle del Cauca, especially Roldanillo, La Unión and Toro, as the main table-grape zone, and also identifies Boyacá as a grape-growing department. Red Globe is one of the main cultivars in that northern Valle zone.
What does an importer need before bringing fresh grapes into Colombia?A DRFI from ICA is required before import, and the shipment must arrive with the phytosanitary certificate from the exporting country. ICA and INVIMA also inspect fresh fruit when it enters the country.
How should fresh table grapes be stored after arrival?They should be kept close to 0°C with high humidity and careful airflow. Poor cooling shortens shelf life and increases gray mold risk.