According to Kantar, table grape is the fruit that has recorded the biggest growth in consumption in the last year in Spain, and it is expected to continue to grow significantly in Eastern countries and Asia.
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"We believe that this trend will continue in the coming years, as seedless grapes have changed consumption habits," says Antonio Domene, CEO of the Murcian company Moyca. "It is an easy and convenient fruit to consume. Consumers are looking for healthy snacks, and seedless grapes fit perfectly in with this concept. Promotional campaigns and innovation in varieties with differentiated flavors are also helping maintain this growth in consumption," he says.
While Spain is one of the European countries where this trend is clearer, countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands are also key markets with solid growth in seedless grape consumption, according to Domene. "In Eastern countries such as Poland, Romania, and the Czech Republic, growth started more recently, but it's also significant. They are switching from seeded varieties to seedless ones, as they are learning to appreciate their convenience and quality. There are great growth prospects there, especially in the premium segments," he says.
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Exports to Asia have grown very significantly, according to Domene, with destinations such as Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam, where Spanish premium seedless grapes are very well accepted. "Gaining access to China was a more difficult process, and while volumes are still small, we are already exporting successfully. It is a demanding market in terms of certifications and logistics, but with huge potential in the medium and long term. However, the country's own production is increasing."
"Not many years ago, off-season imports were very limited and basically focused on Chile. Today, it is common practice to guarantee the supply of grapes all year round, offering fruit from countries such as Peru, Chile, and South Africa, in our case. However, the priority is still to supply Spanish grapes for as long as possible, as that's our specialty," he says.
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Moyca currently produces around 80,000 tons of seedless table grapes a year, and the company has consolidated as one of the sector's leaders in Spain and Europe. "For 2025, our objective is to maintain our solid figures, boosting differentiation with the entry into full production of new plantations, especially in premium varieties. We continue to grow strategically, as this year we have added an additional 100 hectares to our acreage, reinforcing our commitment to varietal innovation and sustainability."
Spain has made great progress in the cultivation of seedless table grape varieties, although according to Antonio Domene, "there is still room for improvement in pest resistance, productivity, and post-harvest. Flavor and texture also keep evolving; consumers want new experiences, and this is forcing us to continue innovating with more intense and natural flavors."
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"In recent years, we have introduced varieties with very marked aromatic profiles, such as new lines of Candy and other varieties with hints of tropical flavors. We have also tried to meet the demand for unique tastes while maintaining the crunchiness and shelf life required by the market."
With regard to Egyptian and Greek competition in European markets, Domene says that Spain is still clearly ahead. "Egypt and Greece are important competitors, especially when it comes to timing and costs. Egypt has improved a lot in terms of quality and logistics, and Greece has a strong position during some commercial periods. However, Spain still has an edge in food safety, proximity, and quality consistency; aspects that are highly appreciated by European clients. There's healthy competition forcing us to be more efficient and continue to innovate."
For more information:
Moyca
Tel.: +34 968 42 38 38
www.moyca.org