High European demand is contributing to a rise in Indian fresh grape exports with a strong start to the 2013 season.
Shipments to the European Union have almost doubled from 1,906 tonnes at this time last year to 3,755 tonnes, according to online pesticide residue traceability software system GrapeNet, which monitors fresh grape exports.
Total figures for India’s grape exports would be much higher if they included shipments to other markets such as Bangladesh and Nepal.
The president of the Maharashtra Grape Growers Association, Ashok Gaekwad, said that prices were up Rs15-20 (US$0.28-37) per kg from last year, which ranged between Rs40 and 45 (US$0.73 and 0.83) per kg.
Gaekwad recognised the efforts of growers to ensure last year’s drought in some areas of Maharashtra and Karnataka did not affect yields and exports, with producers taking care to adequately irrigate the grapevines despite the extra cost.
Should rainfall continue to be scarce, Gaekwad said growers could face significantly lower output next year. The current harvest of grapes will continue until April or May.
The Hindu Business Line reports that the Netherlands and the UK have received the majority of shipments thus far, with the former receiving 1,764 tonnes and the latter 1,302 tonnes. The Netherlands is the largest importer of Indian table grapes in value terms, while Bangladesh is the leader in volume terms.
