After last season’s weather-related production issues, the outlook for this season is more stable
The 2024/25 Peruvian table grape campaign is expected to stabilise following last season’s climatic challenges. A detailed analysis of the 2023/24 campaign by Fresh Fruit Peru shows that the country retained its position as the world’s leading grape exporter despite the difficult production situation.
The Peruvian season officially begins at the end of July and typically runs through until April.
“The 2023/24 grape campaign was atypical due to weather phenomena that seriously affected the volumes produced. This led to an advance in northern crops, inflating export figures in the first months of the season. However, as time progressed, a drop in total volumes was observed,” Fresh Fruit Peru said.
“In the current 2024/25 campaign, the weather seems to have stabilised, and shipments have begun at a more normal pace. To the end of September, shipments totalled 13,444 tonnes with a value of US$35mn, which represented a decrease of 45 per cent in volume and 44 per cent in value compared to the same period last year.”
While the preliminary results seem negative, they show a stabilisation in Piura, which is traditionally the earliest production region. By the end of the 2024/25 season, Fresh Fruit Peru anticipates a 25 per cent growth in export volumes.
The consultancy said prices are also expected to decrease due to the increased production. So far, prices have fallen by 3 per cent, and this trend is likely to continue with the start of the season in Ica.
“So far this season, Europe has been the main destination for Peruvian fresh grapes. With almost 4,255 tonnes, its share does not seem to have given way compared to previous periods. However, the price has fallen by 2 per cent, an expected response given the expectation of higher volumes in the future and a more regular campaign in Chile,” the consultancy said.
“At this stage of the campaign, there are still no reports of large shipments to the US or Mexico, which barely total about 500 tonnes shipped to each country. On the other hand, Colombia leads the list of importers on this side of the world, with 2,613 tonnes and a drop of 5 per cent. Regarding the price, this could grow by 3 per cent compared to last season.
“Regarding Asia, there are two variables to consider. The first is the entry of grapes to Japan, where they are considered a luxury product and were well received in the previous campaign. However, it remains a niche market.
“The other consideration is that the largest importer on this continent is China and due to the introduction of new varieties in its internal production, such as Shine Muscat, it is very close to having grape availability for 52 weeks a year. This could not only generate competition within the country, but throughout the region,” Fresh Fruit Peru concluded.
