India's grape export industry is gearing up for a promising phase with the introduction of several new grape varieties which could expand the country's global grape footprint, says Mr. Rajaram Sangle, Director at fresh produce exporter Sangle Agro Processing Pvt. Ltd. He highlights, "The 2024-25 export season was among the best in recent years, marked by strong demand in Europe, the Far East, the Middle East, and an encouraging entry into the African market through trials in Kenya."
"Last season, we exported more than 2,500 metric tons of grapes, spanning markets such as Europe, the UK, North America, and Asia Pacific countries, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Malaysia, and Thailand," Sangle shares. "We also made a successful debut in Africa with a well-received trial shipment to Kenya, which paves the way for future exports to neighboring countries like Ghana and Uganda."
© Sangle Agro Processing Pvt. Ltd.
While early monsoon rains in May posed some challenges, especially for growers harvesting later in the season, Sangle notes that over 80% completed their harvests beforehand, ensuring strong production quality and export volumes overall. He adds, "India's extensive grape plantations provide resilience against weather-related disruptions."
The current export focus remains on traditional varieties like Thompson Seedless and the elongated Sonaka grapes, popular particularly in the Far East and China, says Sangle. "The red Flame variety continues to find markets in the Middle East and Far East, although its presence in Europe has been constrained by logistical issues. Notably, the Crimson variety, cultivated over the past six to seven years with focused research and grower training, is increasingly available and targeted at European consumers."
Sangle highlights four newer grape varieties to be introduced next season in collaboration with Bloom Fresh, an SNFL company. "Timco, Timpson, Allison, and Ivory, which are currently under trial offer advantages like weather resistance, lower production costs, and superior shelf life, factors crucial for meeting the demands of European supermarkets and global buyers," Sangle explains. "The plan for 2026 includes trial shipments of these varieties to major European supermarkets interested in extending their grape selections."
© Sangle Agro Processing Pvt. Ltd.
From a competitive standpoint, Sangle emphasizes that India's lower production costs as compared to South Africa and Chile will offer importers better pricing and quality. "Our ability to plan and control harvest schedules due to favorable Indian weather conditions will enable us to supply grapes from December through June, opening extended export windows."
Looking ahead, Sangle anticipates export volume growth to 3,500 metric tons in the coming season, driven by supermarket demand and varietal introductions. "New markets like North America, particularly Canada, are also on our radar as these longer shelf-life grape varieties would be apt for transit times of up to 60 days. With varietal innovations and well-planned export strategies will aim to supply quality grapes year-round," concludes Sangle.
Sangle Agro Processing will be exhibiting at Asia Fruit Logistica in Hong Kong. You can find them in Hall 5B, booth 5A37.
For more information:
Rajaram Sangle
Sangle Agro Processing Pvt. Ltd
Tel: +91 94 22 245 020
Email: [email protected]
www.farmfreshexports.com