A shortage of product from Chile and competition from customers and markets elsewhere in the world are combining to push up prices for table grapes in the European market, according to one of Europe's leading importers.
Geoff Green, procurement director at Capespan International, told Fruitnet.com that grape volumes across the continent have been 'massively affected' by a decrease in Chilean product, with prices said to be 'at levels not seen for many years'.
'The Continent is feeling the shortage more than any area after such a generally disastrous season for Chilean white seedless in 2009,' Mr Green said. 'Chilean growers have found far better prospects in North America and Far East markets. Volumes could be 40 to 50 per cent down on 2009, which equates to millions of cartons.'
With volumes of early Indian table grapes also reportedly down on initial estimates due to heavy rains in November, a gap in the market – resulting from delays in Chile and the subsequent impact on the South American country's logistics network caused by last month's earthquake – may not be covered as well as previously anticipated, Mr Green added.
According to Capespan, India exported 120,000 tonnes of fresh grapes in 2009, of which 39,000 tonnes (around 3,000 containers) were shipped to Europe.
'My guess is that the volume to Europe will be 10 per cent less than last year, due to the strength of the local market and also regional markets like the Middle East,' Mr Green added.
