Peru
Peru Diverts the Destination of Grape Exports to Closer Markets Due to Protests (Feb 17)
Peru diverts the destination of grape exports to closer markets due to protests, informed the general manager of the Association of Table Grape Producers of Peru (Provid), Alejandro Cabrera. He explained that, although exporters and producers in the industry are struggling to recover from two weeks of blockades and protests, some fruit is being diverted from the Asian continent to closer markets, such as Central America, to guarantee that the grapes arrive intact.
Peruvian Grape Improves After Recovering Free Access to Ica (Feb 19)
After the flow of fresh Peruvian grapes stopped due to the seizure of highways in Ica, in the last week, with free passage, its traffic recovered exponentially. During W6, a total of 41.21K MT were exported, which was 72% higher than the same week last season. This made the accumulated of the current campaign reach 550.23K MT, 11% higher than the previous campaign. Once again, Peruvian grapes managed to leave through the ports of Lima and Pisco. The main port was Callao, with shipments of 38.35K MT, up 96% compared to the previous week. Similarly, the southern port of Pisco made shipments for 1.88K MT, which was a great advance, since last week it did not register any. The recovery of the port of Callao affected the port of Paita, which suffered a 72% drop, with an exported amount of 1.88K MT, and which during the blockade week had been the main source of the alternative movement.
Chile
Chilean Exports of Table Grapes Would Reach 67.1M Boxes (Feb 14)
According to the fifth estimate of the Table Grape Committee of the Association of Fruit Exporters of Chile AG (ASOEX), the projected volumes of exports are maintained. "As we promised, we are making a new estimate, in which shipments are projected to reach 67.1M boxes (of 8.2kg each box), a figure that shows a reduction of 9.7% compared to the 2021/22 campaign, and a slight decrease of 0.9% compared to the fourth estimate of the Committee”, specified the president of ASOEX, Iván Marambio. Thus, of the 67.127M boxes that are expected to be exported according to this new estimate, 36.021M boxes will be of new varieties; 19.477M boxes of traditional varieties, and 11.630M boxes of Red Globe.
Chilean Grape Exports Project Millions of Boxes for the Season 2023, Including New Varieties (Feb 16)
In 2023, projected grape exports will exceed millions of boxes of different grape varieties from Chile. Exports forecasts reach approximately 6.31M of boxes of the black grape variety, 22.99M boxes of white grapes, and 26.18M of red grapes (excluding Red Globe). The new red grape varieties, including Timco, Allison, Sweet Celebration, Scarlotta Seedless, Arra 29, Jack Salute, Candy Hearts, and Ralli Seedless, are expected to reach export volumes of approximately 18.44M boxes. Meanwhile, new white grape varieties, such as Arra 15, Timpson, Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, Blanc Seedless, and Cotton Candy, are predicted to reach export volumes of around 13.60M boxes. Regarding new black grape varieties, around 4.40M boxes are expected to be exported from Chile, with Sweet Flavors, Sable Seedless, Sapphire, Maylen, and Midnight Beauty being the most notable. These estimates may vary based on external factors (weather conditions, freight, labor availability, and other logistics variables) that could affect the volume, availability, dates, and destinations.
Chilean Grape Export Down 5% Through W5 (Feb 17)
Chilean grape exports in 2022/23 through W5 totaled 8.9M (8.2 kg) cartons. That is 5% less than in the same period last season. Exports to the US, the main market for Chilean grapes, are 8% lower and to China 42% lower than last season. The figures come from the latest and fifth export estimates of the Grape Committee of Asoex, the Chilean association of fruit exporters, which estimate final exports at 9.7% lower than last season.
Spain
Table Grapes Market Situation (Feb 15)
The supply was mainly composed of inflows from Namibia, South Africa, and Peru. Goods from Brazil and Ecuador completed the scene.
Moldova
Since the Beginning of 2023, Moldova Has Exported 6K MT of Table Grapes (Feb 16)
Increasing the yield and quality of table grapes, the need to introduce advanced growing technologies, diversifying sales markets, and obtaining higher incomes are the main topics discussed within the framework of the Advisory Council with the participation of industry producers and the leadership of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Moldova. According to the president of the Moldovan Table Grape Producers and Exporters Association, Gheorghe Gaber, about 3K MT of table grapes are currently stored in refrigerated warehouses. In 2022, about 76K MT were exported, and since the beginning of 2023, about 6K MT have been supplied to the markets of the European Union and the CIS.
Donor Project to Support Technical Modernization of Vineyards in Moldova (Feb 17)
Experts from the recently launched PCRR/USAID Rural Competitiveness and Sustainability Project in Moldova say that it will assist table grape growers to equip intensive vineyards such as Pergola and Gables with rain protection and underground irrigation systems. Already this year, it is planned to organize several demonstration plots, protected by anti-rain film, in vineyards of this type. According to PCRR/USAID experts, the protection systems will make it possible to somewhat delay the harvesting period, i.e. prolong the period of optimal product freshness. Also, an anti-rain film will help protect the berries from cracking due to excess moisture (harvesting table grapes of late varieties in Moldova is often accompanied by precipitation).
United Kingdom
Downward Sales Trend on Grapes in the UK Market Due to Rising Living Cost (Feb 17)
The UK market is disrupted at the moment, with many sectors striking and the cost of living increasing. Downward sales trends on several commodities, including grapes, have been observed in W7. As a result, a major supermarket in the UK has reduced imports from Peru this season. Customers are cash-strapped and retailers have switched from packing fruit in 500g to 400g packaging. As a result, the market seems to be oversupplied, and it is difficult for retailers to manage longer storage times. Therefore suppliers must ensure 100% quality when the fruit is packed, to account for logistical delays and travel time.
