Peru is getting ready to start its table grape harvest. In the country's northern growing region, Piura, Red Globe grape production is expected to start in two to three weeks. Harvest of green grape varieties is about a month out. While harvest is expected to start slowly, volume will gradually increase. "We are expecting high quality and good sizing this year," says Omar Farronay with Agrifruits Holdings. "Last season, the northern growing region of Piura was affected by a water crisis and some growers had to abandon the crop," he said. Fortunately, the outlook for the upcoming harvest is very favorable. "Due to excellent growing conditions, we are expecting a volume increase and an early harvest peak in the Piura region.".
Exports to the U.S.
While California is experiencing a large table grape crop this season and harvest will continue for a couple more months, the majority of Peru's early grape shipments are destined for the U.S. market. "So far, California is doing very well, but retailers are expected to make room for the Piura window, which is about to open, allowing them to carry fruit from both origins. For Peru, the U.S. is a good market that is prepared to pay for high-quality product," Farronay said. About 46 percent of Peru's table grapes will be exported to the U.S. In addition, a portion (about 8 percent) of Peru's early grapes will stay in the Latin American market, which is a growing destination. Asia is also a very good option as it is a good window for shipping premium fruit to this part of the world. However, exports to Asia are expected to be somewhat hindered by the high local production expected in the coming years. "It's not easy to fulfill the specifications for the U.S. and Asia, but we've been able to successfully manage." Outside of these markets, limited volume is expected to go to Europe initially. "At the beginning of Peru's season, South Africa, Egypt and some other countries on the European continent are still shipping, which makes the European market more complicated in terms of pricing." Nevertheless, about 24 percent of Peru's table grape exports make their way over to Europe.
© Agrifruits Holdings
World's largest grape exporter
Ica in the south is Peru's largest grape growing region. However, it is too early to comment on expected production as the region typically doesn't start harvest until November. Overall, Peru's table grape exports are expected to increase by about four to five percent compared to last year, which was a record year. During last year's campaign, 83 million boxes of grapes were shipped, which made Peru the world's largest exporter of grapes for the second year in a row.
"We feel privileged to be a strategic partner to our growers and customers, working with trust and transparency to bring their products to the world's leading markets."
© Agrifruits Holdings
For more information:
Omar Farronay
Agrifruits Holdings
[email protected]
https://agrifruits.us/