In W35 in the grape landscape, the President of Asaja Asociación Agraria de Jóvenes Agricultores (ASAJA) analyzed the grape harvest in Spain, highlighting the short grape campaign in La Mancha and its price problem. The grape harvest is coming early due to drought and high temperatures, as also seen in the olive grove sector. Due to the lack of rainwater and wells, the campaign has been reduced by 40% to 45% in many areas.
The grape harvest is expected to be completed soon in Crete Island in Greece, but the production has been reduced by 40% year-over-year (YoY) due to weather conditions and plant protection issues. Moreover, Greek grape vineyards were reportedly facing challenges in the 2023 season due to adverse weather conditions, including late flowering, heatwaves, drought, and unexpected rains. Black grapes and Thompson seedless grapes are the most affected.
Early autumn grape exports are limited due to low Brix levels and subpar berry size. The 2023 season will be rewarding for producers, as reduced production in Spain and Italy elevates prices. However, the limited availability of export-quality grapes and cautious retailers raise concerns about high prices for uncertain quality.
The table grape industry in Turkey faces significant losses due to fungal downy mildew disease caused by excessive rainfall. The disease has damaged the grape vineyards, particularly in regions such as Manisa Saruhanlı, Ahmetli, Salihli, Sarıgöl, and Denizli. Its impact includes reduced productivity, crop failures, and diminished yields. The President of the Salihli Chamber of Agriculture warns that the disease will significantly impact productivity for the next two to three years. Consequently, manufacturers are requesting compensation for their losses.
On August 26, 2023, 2 thousand packages of fresh Afghan table grapes were exported to Uzbekistan via Hairatan, then to Russia, marking the first grape exports from Afghanistan to Russia. The primary markets of Afghan fresh grapes are Pakistan and India; the total share of these two countries accounts for almost the entire volume of table grape exports from Afghanistan. According to the National Statistical and Information Authority of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (NSIA), Afghanistan exported 161.4 thousand tons of fresh grapes worth USD 47.8 million in 2022, of which 159 thousand tons were exported to Pakistan (98.5% of total exports), to India – 2.4 thousand tons (1.5%).
In the United States (US), Tropical Storm Hilary impacted California's table grape crop, bringing about strong winds and flooding along the Pacific coast. Approximately 70% of the fresh table grape crop has already been harvested, with 20% of it affected by the effects of Tropical Storm Hilary. Furthermore, the high temperatures in northern Peru, which were 3.5°C above the normal range, have led to excessive thinning of table grapes. This has resulted in significant losses of grape berries, with some fields experiencing fruit losses of up to 80%. A grape advisor in Peru suggests a solution to prevent over-thinning by cutting a vine before flowering and applying cytokinin.
