Classification
Product TypeRaw Material
Product FormFresh
Industry PositionPrimary Agricultural Product
Raw Material
Market
Fresh Red Globe table grapes (red, seeded) are commercially available in Guatemala primarily through imports marketed by local importers/distributors as year-round supply. UN Comtrade data (via WITS) indicates Guatemala is a net importer of fresh grapes (HS 080610), with 2024 imports led by Peru, the United States, and Chile. Market access is highly dependent on MAGA/VISAR phytosanitary import permitting and document correctness (including phytosanitary certification from the origin country with required additional declarations). Because table grapes are quality-sensitive, disciplined cold-chain handling and minimizing clearance delays are central to maintaining marketable condition. Domestic viticulture exists in Guatemala but this record does not identify a verifiable, significant domestic Red Globe production base relative to imports.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleConsumer market supplied mainly by imports; domestic viticulture exists but scale/structure for Red Globe is not verified in this record
Market GrowthGrowing (recent trade trend (2023–2024))import expansion (HS 080610) from 2023 to 2024
SeasonalityYear-round availability is marketed through multi-origin imports spanning Northern and Southern Hemisphere suppliers.
Specification
Primary VarietyRed Globe
Physical Attributes- Large berry size and red color emphasized for visual appeal
- Seeded (with seeds)
Compositional Metrics- Importer marketing highlights a balance between sweetness (sugar) and acidity
Packaging- Boxes of 18/19/24 lb (bagged or bulk depending on season)
- 3 lb clamshell packs
Supply Chain
Value Chain- Origin country farm/packing → refrigerated transport (reefer) → Guatemala customs declaration (SAT DUCA) → MAGA/VISAR phytosanitary import permit and checks → importer/distributor warehousing → wholesale/retail distribution
Temperature- Recommended storage temperature for table grapes is approximately -1.0 to 0°C (30–32°F) with high relative humidity (90–95%) to limit dehydration and quality loss.
Atmosphere Control- Table grapes are not very sensitive to ethylene, but exposure can contribute to shatter; benefits of controlled atmospheres are described as slight in UC Davis postharvest guidance.
Shelf Life- Quality and market life are strongly affected by temperature management, humidity control, and gentle handling to reduce shatter and dehydration.
Freight IntensityMedium
Transport ModeMultimodal
Risks
Regulatory Compliance HighFresh Red Globe grapes are import-dependent in Guatemala, and MAGA’s phytosanitary import-permit workflow requires specific documentation (including a phytosanitary certificate from the origin NPPO with required additional declarations for quarantine pests); missing or incorrect paperwork can delay or block entry.Pre-validate MAGA/VISAR (SIGIE) requirements for the specific origin and ensure the phytosanitary certificate includes all required additional declarations; align customs broker and importer document checklists before shipping.
Food Safety MediumTable grapes are highly sensitive to time/temperature and humidity control; deviations from recommended cold-chain conditions increase dehydration, shatter, and decay risk, reducing saleable yield after import clearance.Use reefer transport with temperature logging, maintain high-RH cold storage near -1 to 0°C, and minimize dwell time at ports/warehouses.
Logistics MediumCustoms and SPS clearance steps (DUCA processing plus MAGA/VISAR permitting/inspection) can create bottlenecks; for perishable reefer fruit, delays translate directly into reduced market life and higher shrink.Use experienced customs brokerage, submit complete digitalized support documents early where applicable, and coordinate inspection windows and cold-storage availability ahead of arrival.
FAQ
Which documents are typically required to import fresh table grapes into Guatemala?MAGA’s phytosanitary import-permit procedure lists key documents including the phytosanitary export/re-export certificate from the origin country’s plant protection authority (with required additional declarations), and supporting documents such as the commercial invoice and (when required) a quarantine treatment certificate. In practice, importers also prepare standard import documents like the SAT customs declaration (DUCA), transport document (B/L, AWB, or carta de porte), packing list, and a certificate of origin when applicable.
Where does Guatemala source most of its fresh grape imports from?UN Comtrade data accessed via the World Bank’s WITS tool shows that in 2024 Guatemala’s top fresh-grape (HS 080610) suppliers by import value included Peru, the United States, and Chile (followed by Mexico and Spain).
What cold-chain conditions are recommended to maintain table-grape quality after import arrival?UC Davis postharvest guidance recommends storing table grapes at about -1.0 to 0°C (30–32°F) with high relative humidity (90–95%) to reduce dehydration and quality loss; it also notes quality is strongly affected by temperature management and gentle handling to reduce shatter.