W10 Grapes Update: Australian Table Grape Exports Surge with 28% YoY Increase, Chile's Grape Export Set to Reach 62 Million Boxes in 2023/24 Season, and Uzbekistan Achieved Record Grape Production in 2023

Chilean Grape Industry Projects 62 Million Boxes for 2023/24 Season

According to the Chilean Grape Committee, Chile's grape industry has shipped 20 million boxes globally as of W8, with an estimated total of 62 million boxes by the end of the 2023/24 season. The United States (US) will receive around 57% of the total volume, with 15 million boxes exported there. W11 and W12 are anticipated to be the peak weeks for Chilean grape shipments. Over half of the volume projected for the US market has yet to be exported, and weekly volumes will increase starting W10. The Chilean grape industry has experienced significant export growth in varieties such as Sweet Globe, Allison, Timco, and Autumn Crisp.

Peruvian Grape Producers Anticipate Strong Recovery in 2024 Production

Peruvian table grape producers anticipate a recovery in the 2024 season after a challenging year in 2023. Cyclone Yaku and higher temperatures negatively impacted grape production, leading to shorter production cycles, aggressive plagues, and lower bunch weights. The El Niño phenomenon also contributed to a 45% decrease in grape production. The Peruvian government provides financial assistance to help producers and other economic activities, including agriculture, fishing, and commerce. Heavy rain forecasts have lifted, but the producers remain hopeful for better weather during 2024.

Uzbekistan's Grape Production Reached 1.7 Million Tons in 2023

The recent report from Mar-24 indicates that Uzbekistan produced 1.7 million tons of grapes in 2023, a 1.3% year-over-year (YoY) decrease. The Samarkand region was the top contributor, accounting for 639.2 thousand tons, while the Republic of Karakalpakstan had the lowest yield at 11.6 thousand tons. The Samarkand region was the leading contributor to grape cultivation.

Australian Table Grape Exports Set to Increase in 2024/25 Despite Challenges

The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) forecasts ongoing growth in the table grape industry, attributed to rising export prices driven by decreased global supply and increased demand. The bureau predicts a 28% YoY increase in nominal fruit export values to USD 1.8 billion in 2023/24 and a 12% YoY increase to USD 2 billion in 2024/25. However, due to the high global supply, it cautions about potential impacts from extreme weather systems and declining export values for almonds and macadamias. Despite these challenges, horticultural exports are expected to increase by 11% to USD 4 billion in 2024/25, supported by favorable seasonal conditions and increased water availability.

South Africa Anticipates Exporting 75.8 Million Boxes of Grapes in 2023/24 Season

The South African grape campaign is expected to end two weeks earlier than in 2023, with 91% of the volume already inspected for export. Despite a 6% decrease in the production volume in the Hex River region due to weather conditions, the overall volume has increased by 18% YoY. South Africa aims to export 75.8 million boxes this 2023/24 season. However, logistical issues at Cape Town port have led grape exporters to explore alternative options. Despite these challenges, the European and United Kingdom (UK) markets have shown favorable prices and movement, but competition in the Middle East is increasing due to India's lower production costs.

Impact of Adverse Weather on Grape Production in Nashik District, India

Nashik district in Maharashtra, India, contributes 80% of the state's grape exports, with 127 thousand tons exported in the 2022/23 season. Adverse weather conditions have impacted grape production, challenging the region's 10 thousand farmers. Grapes thrive in temperatures of 15 to 40 degrees Celsius (°C), with optimal rainfall not exceeding 900 millimeters (mm) annually. Extreme weather fluctuations and water scarcity can lead to smaller berries and premature sweetness, while rain or hail during berry development can cause rot. Unseasonal rain during harvest can devastate crops, affecting quality and prices for farmers.