Italy's season shows contrasting dynamics, with Sicily ending strongly on Victoria and seedless varieties, while Apulia faces price pressure despite demand for Italia. In Germany, Italian grapes dominated alongside imports from Spain, France, Greece, and Turkey, while local production remained a niche.
Spain's table grape season began two weeks late in Murcia with slow sales and smaller fruit due to summer heat, though total production is forecast at 320,000 tons. The Netherlands reports a strong season, with Spain and Greece supplying less, and September and October are expected to be the best months for Italian grapes. In North America, California is harvesting a large, high-quality crop, with demand strengthening as the season peaks and prices staying moderate.
© Martijn van Nijnatten | FreshPlaza.com
South Africa achieved record exports of 78.2 million cartons, with Europe and the UK leading, while growth to the U.S. faces new tariffs, and exports to Asia declined. Egypt closed its season with higher yields but faced quality and logistics challenges, while prices remained stable and Crimson held its leading position.
India expects a 15–20% fall in exports due to weather, though quality remains high and exporters are targeting new markets. Chile projects 66 million boxes in 2025/26, steady with last year, but tariffs and competition from Peru are pushing diversification to Europe and Asia.
Brazil remains reliant on Europe despite tariffs, while producers expand efforts in China, Asia, and the Middle East with new varieties and traceability. Peru forecasts 86.1 million boxes in 2025/26, a 4% rise, supported by licensed premium varieties and expansion into the U.S., Europe, Asia, and China.
Italy: Sicilian season ends strong as Apulia faces price pressure
The Italian table grape market is marked by complex and evolving dynamics. In Sicily, the season for the seeded Victoria variety is ending on a positive note, with high-quality grapes achieving good commercial results both in Italy and abroad. The harvest proceeded smoothly, and grapes reached the markets in optimal condition. Field purchase prices rose by 20–30% compared to last year, creating confidence among growers. Meanwhile, the harvest of seedless grapes, both white and black, continues with positive sales and consumption figures, reinforcing new market trends.
The early arrival of Sicilian grapes initially provided a competitive advantage, but the entry of Apulian grapes on July 15 slowed sales until mid-August. A dynamic recovery followed in week 34. Attention is now on the seeded Italia variety, whose harvest began on August 25. Yields are expected to reach 30–35 tons per hectare, exceeding last season's figures. However, overall volumes may not be sufficient to cover consumption needs through November.
In Apulia, prices are declining across the supply chain. Production levels are higher than last year, which was relatively poor, but ripening is delayed by at least 15 days. According to the Italian Table Grape Commission (CUT), volumes in Apulia are normal this year. When Apulian grapes entered the market, Egyptian and Sicilian grapes were still available; now, Spain has also joined. Although Spain is supplying slightly less than last year, its presence is still contributing to lower prices. Current prices are about €1/kg below last year's, and a "bloody September" is anticipated due to the expected price war.
An Apulian grower reports that the Red Globe variety is performing well. For the Italia variety, which is nearing harvest, there is already strong demand and satisfactory prices, though lower than last year. Apulia began harvesting Cotton Candy grapes in the first week of August, with initial figures pointing to a potential record season. Commercial demand is growing strongly across EU countries, while the Middle East and Arabian Peninsula continue to represent promising markets.
A clear trend toward planting new hectares of Italian table grapes is emerging, with forecasts suggesting a 20% increase in cultivated area over the next three years. According to YouGov data, seven out of ten Italian households purchase table grapes. There is considerable overlap between fixed- and variable-weight purchases: fixed-weight buyers take home about 800 grams per purchase, while variable-weight buyers purchase over 1.1 kilograms. Organic grapes continue to present an opportunity. Fixed-weight organic grapes remain limited, but variable-weight organic grapes are showing encouraging growth, with the buying base surpassing 10%.
Spain: Delayed season faces slow sales
The Spanish table grape season began in the Region of Murcia, the country's largest production area, at the end of June, with a delay of almost two weeks compared to the previous year. After a very good off-season campaign with strong demand for imported varieties, the national harvest started with a relatively empty market. However, from the end of July, sales slowed significantly. Demand remains stagnant, particularly in the Spanish market, compared to August last year, which was unusually strong. While Greek grapes do not yet pose competition for Spanish exports, Italian grapes increasingly do, as Italy continues shifting production from seeded to seedless varieties. Growers and traders expect sales to recover from the second week of September, coinciding with the return to school after the summer break.
The repeated heatwaves this summer have reduced coloring in red varieties and resulted in generally smaller fruit sizes compared to a normal season. High temperatures have also affected brix levels in some areas and certain varieties.
Seedless grapes continue to gain popularity, although some growers remain focused on seeded grapes, particularly in the Vinalopó area in Alicante province, where they are valued in Spain, France, and Italy. This year, harvests in Vinalopó began at the end of August, rather than the beginning of the month, due to delayed ripening caused by the heat. Despite this delay, higher volumes are expected. Spain forecasts a total harvest of around 320,000 tons this year.
Germany: Market dominated by Italian grapes
Italian grapes once again dominated the market, with Victoria and Michele as the main varieties. Palieri also held a strong position, while Red Globe gained some ground, and Arra varieties completed the product range. Supplies of Sultana from Turkey increased, while the first Crimson Seedless grapes arrived in Berlin. Shipments from France, Spain, and Greece further supplemented the offer. In Frankfurt, both light and dark grapes from Germany were available, selling at around €3/kg. Demand was present but easily met. In some markets, a wide price range developed due to inconsistent quality. Overall, prices largely remained at the previous week's level.
Parallel to the wine grape harvest, the first table grapes were also harvested in Germany's established wine-growing regions. Favorable weather conditions have so far resulted in both satisfactory quantities and quality. A producer noted that the available fruit is predominantly large-sized. However, the disappearance of some specialized farms in recent years has left German table grape cultivation as a niche market. From the producers' perspective, cultivation is costly and only feasible in protected systems, given climate change and the rise in extreme weather events.
Netherlands: Positive outlook as Italian supply strengthens
The outlook for this grape season is positive. "It's simply a very good grape year. This was already the case for grapes from India and Egypt, and Italy has continued that trend nicely," says a Dutch importer. "The season started well in Sicily, and now the campaign from Puglia is in full swing for both seedless and seeded grapes. Additionally, the overall grape supply is not too high."
"The trend in recent years is that Greece has been sending fewer grapes to this part of Europe, focusing more on the Balkan markets. Spain's supply is lower than in previous years due to the heat, creating good opportunities for Italy."
"August is traditionally a quiet month for grapes. By the end of the month, holidays end, and the overall summer fruit supply decreases, after which September and October usually become the strongest months for Italian grapes. If the weather remains stable, Italian grapes could be available until the end of November, though much can still change."
Belgium: The grape market picks up again with strong Italian varieties
The grape market is picking up again as the holiday season comes to an end. According to a Belgian trader, sales were slow over the summer, but improvements are expected in September, partly due to the arrival of better varieties such as Sweet Globe and Autumncrisp. "The Italian grape season started at the end of June for the Flemish importer. It seems to be starting earlier each year, and I'm not sure that's necessarily a good development. Due to the hot and dry weather in Italy, quality was somewhat lower this year. The early varieties in particular turned out a bit smaller as a result. But the first impression for consumers is very important. Sometimes I wonder whether it's better to start two weeks later with optimal quality than two weeks earlier with lower quality."
The quieter period didn't cause any issues in terms of pricing. "Prices were actually quite good. Especially for seedless grapes, prices were even relatively high. Sales may have been disappointing, but the supply was also limited due to the weather. That may give a somewhat skewed picture, but prices remained fairly strong. I don't see that changing in the near future. On the contrary, the better varieties will likely remain relatively expensive, but consumers are willing to pay for good quality. Moreover, some summer fruits are starting to disappear from the market, so to be honest, I'm expecting a good season in the weeks ahead."
North America: Demand rising as California season peaks
California is reporting a large, high-quality table grape crop with good yields this season from the San Joaquin Valley. Favorable growing conditions contributed to this outcome, with the absence of extreme heat that has affected past summers. Growers are, however, monitoring the effects of a current heat wave and recent rainfall.
The season began close to its historical timing. The transition from other growing regions was somewhat uneven, as grape consumption had been lower during the import season and leading into California's campaign. This trend was not limited to grapes; other summer fruits, such as cherries, also produced large, high-quality crops, giving consumers abundant choices at retail.
Demand is now strengthening as consumers respond to the large and good-quality California crop. The season has entered its peak period, traditionally considered the best time of year for consumers to buy grapes.
Pricing remains moderate.
South Africa: Record export season and shifting markets
The 2024/25 grape season marked a milestone for the South African industry, with exports reaching 78.2 million 4.5kg cartons, the highest volume ever, and a 5% increase on the previous year. Of this total, 58% was shipped to Europe, which remains the dominant market, and 18% to the United Kingdom.
Exports to the United States grew by 20% compared to the five-year average, with a year-on-year increase of 65% in 2024/25. However, this growth will be challenged by the introduction of a 30% tariff in that market. Exports to the Middle East rose by 26%.
Expectations had been high when China opened its market to South African grapes in 2016, but China's own rising grape production has changed the outlook. China is now the largest grape producer in the world, followed by Peru, Chile, and then South Africa. As a result, exports to China and Hong Kong halved last season, while shipments to Southeast Asia fell by 32%.
The Philippines is expected to receive its first South African grapes in the upcoming season. Harvests from Namibia and South Africa's northern regions are set to begin in early November.
Egypt: Season ends with stable prices despite challenges
The Egyptian table grape season is coming to an end, with exports to the Middle East and African countries closing the campaign. Weather conditions were challenging and affected the quality of certain crops, particularly seedless red grapes such as Flame. Yields per hectare increased compared to last year, but this was accompanied by quality issues in the bunches, including irregular berries and splits. Logistics also posed difficulties, with shipping delays of 10 to 15 days disrupting export programs to the EU. However, these delays helped prevent market oversupply and the resulting dumping effect.
The EU and the UK remained the main markets for Egyptian grapes, with stable programs. Demand from Asia was weaker than last year at the start of the campaign in May and June, but improved towards July and August. Average prices in 2025 stayed stable, with no decline, particularly at the end of the season. One exporter noted, "Exporters achieved higher returns than last season for bicolor and early arrivals, and prices remained stable throughout the season, at the same level or slightly higher than the previous season."
On varietal performance, the exporter added, "Early white grapes, Prime and Early Sweet, performed better than Seedless Flame. However, they could not withstand long transport times due to weather conditions, unlike last year. For growers who still produce Sugarone, production increased significantly compared to last year, and it remains important for supplying Europe during the third week until Sweet Globe becomes available. We have seen an increase in demand for Starlight red grapes due to their quality and their ability to withstand transport and storage.
As for the Flame variety, Egypt had a difficult season due to quality issues, particularly split berries. The Fire Star variety, on the other hand, performed very well in Germany with no quality or storage issues. We had our first commercial experience with Timco for the EU and South Africa this season, and it was very promising in terms of quality and storage. By the end of the Egyptian season, Crimson remains the market leader, though growers continue to push for earlier harvests each year. Next year, we will harvest and commercially package the Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe, Timco, Ivory, and Allison varieties."
India: Quality focus as exports face weather-driven decline
Indian grape growers in Maharashtra, led by Nashik district, are preparing for the upcoming export season under challenging weather conditions. The main grape-producing areas in Nashik include Niphad, Pimpalgaon, and Dindori, while other key districts such as Ahmednagar, Pune, Sangli, and Solapur have also been affected. Continuous rainfall during critical growth stages, including foundation pruning, disrupted fruit bud formation and photosynthesis, resulting in 25–30% leaf damage.
Growers have responded by adopting protective crop covers, nets, and improved drainage systems to reduce weather-related risks. Disease management and fertilizer applications are ongoing to sustain vineyard health and productivity. The 2024/25 season is projected to see a 15–20% decline in export volumes due to a shorter season and weather-related yield losses. Despite the reduction in volume, grape quality is expected to remain high, particularly for colored and seedless varieties such as Crimson, Red Globe, and Sharad. Limited availability is also likely to push domestic and export prices to historic highs.
Exporters are targeting new markets, including Taiwan, Thailand, and Canada, while growers are testing premium, climate-resilient grape varieties aimed at improving yield, resilience, and flavor in line with global demand.
Chile: Stable exports amid tariff and competition pressures
Chile expects to export around 66 million boxes of grapes in 2025/26, maintaining volumes similar to the previous season. The United States will remain the main destination, though competition from Peru and price pressures are intensifying. The 10% tariffs introduced in April 2025 present an additional challenge, encouraging exporters to diversify towards Europe and Asia.
Varietal replacement continues to progress, with new white grape varieties leading production. The Systems Approach is facilitating entry into the U.S. without fumigation, enhancing perceived quality and competitiveness.
Brazil: Exports constrained by tariffs, new markets targeted
The São Francisco Valley continues to position Europe as the main destination for Brazilian grapes, absorbing more than 80% of exports. However, European tariffs of 14.5% during peak season and 11.5% in the off-season reduce competitiveness compared to Peru and South Africa. The U.S. has lost importance due to tariffs of up to 50% on certain varieties, redirecting part of production toward Latin American markets.
To sustain growth, Brazilian producers are focusing on China, Asia, and the Middle East, while adopting digital traceability systems, introducing new varieties, and pursuing differentiation through flavor and quality.
Peru: Export growth driven by varietal shift
Peru projects exports of 86.1 million boxes of grapes in the 2025/26 season, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. Growth is being supported by an accelerated varietal transition, with licensed varieties now accounting for 78% of the cultivated area and aligning with global demand for premium fruit.
The United States will be the primary focus of promotional campaigns, while efforts are also directed at strengthening consumption in Europe and Asia. China is emerging as a strategic destination, with planning measures aimed at avoiding market oversupply and port congestion.
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