1. Weekly News

Afghanistan

Faryab Farmers Struggle with Low Prices Despite Record Grape Harvest

Farmers in northern Faryab province, Afghanistan, have reported a record grape harvest exceeding 330 thousand metric tons (mt) this season. The increase in production led to a drop in grape prices by over 50%, reducing them from USD 4.50 to 5.26 per 7 kilograms (AFN 300 to 350/7 kg) last year to just USD 1.50 to 2.25/7kg (AFN 100–150/7 kg). The price decrease, limited market opportunities, and a lack of cold storage facilities have left many farmers struggling to cover their costs. Initiatives to construct raisin houses and cold storage units are in progress to help stabilize the agricultural industry. However, some locals welcome the lower prices, making grapes more affordable for low-income families.

Australia

Australia's Table Grape Production to Surge by 18% YoY in 2024/25 Due to Favorable Weather

Australia's table grape production is expected to rise to 230 thousand mt in the 2024/25 marketing year (MY), a notable increase from the 195 thousand mt estimated in 2023/24. This surge due to favorable weather conditions is anticipated to result in the second-largest production on record. Optimal cold chill hours and warm temperatures led to the strongest bud burst in years, ensuring high-quality grapes. Moreover, grape exports are forecasted to reach 135 thousand mt, the third-highest in Australia's history, with China as a primary market. Local consumption in Australia is also projected to grow by 10%, though more premium-quality grapes will be allocated for export.

Egypt

Egypt Seeks to Expand Grape Exports to New Zealand

Egypt is working to open the New Zealand market to its grape exports following the successful entry of Egyptian citrus fruits in recent years. A delegation from New Zealand, including the ambassador to Cairo and agricultural advisor for the Eastern Mediterranean, met with Egyptian agricultural officials to discuss cooperation. New Zealand praised Egypt's agricultural quarantine systems and reviewed the technical file for Egyptian grapes, preparing for their potential market entry. This initiative is part of Egypt's broader efforts to expand agricultural exports to New Zealand.

Georgia

Georgia’s 2024 Grape Harvest Reaches Record 300 Thousand Tons

According to the National Wine Agency, Georgia's grape harvest surpassed 300 thousand tons in 2024, marking a 1.4-fold increase from 2023. Nearly 99% of the grapes came from the Kakheti region, contributing to a total income of USD 165 million. With support from the Georgian government, including subsidies covering up to 50% of grape costs in certain regions, the harvest involved over 20 thousand winegrowers and 486 wineries. This surge is expected to further enhance Georgia's viticulture sector, which earned USD 260 million in wine export revenues in 2023.

Moldova

Heavy Rains Damage Moldova's Grape Crop as Premium Prices Hold Steady Despite Quality Concerns

Heavy rains in Moldova during Sep-24 and early Oct-24 severely affected the quality of the country's main export grape variety, Moldova. Non-irrigated vineyards in the southern and central zones saw significant berry cracking due to the rainfall, delaying the harvest and damaging crops. Producers faced challenges in managing quality and removing cracked and rotting berries in the field and during processing. Despite the weather issues, premium grapes from irrigated vineyards initially sold for USD 0.85 to 1.02/kg (MDL 15 to 18/kg), with prices rising to USD 1.14/kg (MDL 20/kg). Prices for lower-quality grapes dropped, though premium prices are expected to stabilize or rise as stored grapes enter the market.

Peru

Peru and Ecuador Sign Agreement to Resume Table Grape Exports

Peru's National Agricultural Health Service (SENASA) and Ecuador's Plant and Animal Health Control Agency (AGROCALIDAD) agreed to resume Peruvian table grape exports to Ecuador. Finalized during a meeting in Tumbes, the agreement sets new plant quarantine requirements for fresh grapes, revitalizing trade between the two nations and benefiting Peru's agricultural export sector. Peru, the world's leading grape producer, will now have access to Ecuador's 18 million potential consumers following the suspension of exports after the 2015/16 season. Both countries also plan to hold additional technical meetings to discuss the possible export of fresh Peruvian onions to Ecuador.

Ukraine

Ukraine Grape Prices Surge as War Disrupts Supply and Increases Costs

Grape prices in Ukraine surged this year, reaching USD 1.46 to 2.06/kg (UAH 60 to 85/kg), depending on variety and quality. The average market price was USD 1.82/kg (UAH 75/kg) in W41, up from USD 1.58/kg (UAH 65/kg) in 2023. The southern regions, particularly Odesa, lead the country's grape production, with Kherson and Mykolaiv focused on table grapes, while Zakarpattia specializes in wine varieties. Imported grapes from Turkey, Italy, and Spain supplement the market during the off-season. However, the war has significantly disrupted grape production in occupied areas like Kherson and Mykolaiv, leading to harvest losses and supply issues. Rising fuel costs and supply chain disruptions have further driven up prices and reduced availability, prompting some producers to downsize their vineyard areas or switch to less costly crops.

Turkey

Cappadocia Protects Local Grapes with New Export Initiatives

The Association for the Protection and Survival of Cappadocia Traditional Viticulture and Local Grapes is working to preserve its indigenous grape varieties in Turkey's Cappadocia region. During the recent harvest in Aksaray's Güzelyurt district, 15 local producers contributed grapes for processing into molasses, vinegar, and grape juice. These products, made from varieties like Kalecik Karası and Keten Gömlek, are now being exported to Germany, with further orders from the Netherlands, Denmark, and Italy. The region's volcanic soils and unique climate enhance the quality of its grapes, supporting the preservation of these traditional varieties for future generations.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Grape Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Grape Pricing Important Exporters (W41 2023 to W41 2024)

Peru

In Peru, grape prices decreased by 13.04% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1/kg in W41, with a 20% month-on-month (MoM) decline. The price drop is attributed to increased market supply as the peak harvest continues in primary growing regions. At the same time, while domestic demand remains subdued, export demand, particularly from Europe and Asia, has softened slightly, contributing to downward pressure on prices. However, year-on-year (YoY) prices increased by 38.89%, reflecting the overall stronger market position for Peruvian grapes this season, supported by a sustained appeal for premium-quality grapes from the region.

South Africa

South Africa's grape prices dropped by 11.73% WoW to USD 4.29/kg in W41, reflecting a 10.81% MoM decrease. This is due to a temporary oversupply in the market as early harvest volumes from primary regions began to increase, combined with slightly reduced demand in local and international markets. Additionally, logistical challenges and increased competition from other Southern Hemisphere exporters further contributed to downward pressure on prices. Despite the short-term decline, the ongoing improvements in vineyard management and favorable weather conditions are expected to sustain high-quality production, which could support a price recovery in the coming weeks.

India

Grape prices in India fell by 3.13% WoW to USD 0.62/kg in W41, marking a 20.51% drop MoM and a sharp 45.13% YoY decrease. The price decreases are due to the continued oversupply in the market, driven by increased production volumes that the domestic and export markets have yet to absorb fully. Unfavorable weather conditions, such as persistent heatwaves and occasional storms, further reduced grape quality, leading to diminished demand. Additionally, logistical disruptions and competition from other fruit varieties during the season added pressure on grape prices, deepening the YoY and MoM declines.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Improve Grape Quality Through Irrigation and Timely Harvesting

Grape producers in Moldova should focus on improving irrigation systems to prevent berry cracking during periods of heavy rain. Additionally, timely harvesting and effective quality control measures, including sorting and removing damaged berries, can help mitigate losses. Producers can ensure that premium quality grapes remain competitive by investing in advanced vineyard management practices such as precision irrigation systems, which use sensors to monitor soil moisture and adjust water delivery accordingly, reducing water waste and minimizing vine stress. They can also adopt canopy management techniques, such as pruning and leaf thinning, to improve air circulation and light penetration, which helps reduce disease and enhances fruit quality. Better storage techniques like controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) can extend shelf life and maintain fruit quality post-harvest. These methods help minimize storage losses and preserve the grapes' market value, allowing producers to maintain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Diversify Market Options and Value-Added Products for Indian Grape Producers

Producers should explore new export markets to address the declining grape prices in India and reduce oversupply pressure on the domestic market. Expanding into untapped regions, especially where grape demand grows, can help balance supply and stabilize prices. Additionally, producing value-added grape products such as frozen grapes, grape juice, and dried grapes can provide an alternative revenue stream and reduce waste. Improving post-harvest handling and storage techniques and expanding cold-chain logistics will help maintain grape quality during transit. Producers can enhance profitability and manage oversupply more effectively by offering premium products and exploring diverse market options.

Sources: Tridge, Agravery, Eastfruit, Foodmate, Freshplaza, Guojiguoshu, Haber7, Interfax, PAJHWOK Afghan News, Soutalomma, USDA