Although there is no change in area under production of table grapes in California year on year from 83,000 acres, yields are down. As a result volumes are forecast to reach some 790,000 tonnes compared to 867,000t last season - a decline of nine per cent. These figures are five per cent up on the forecast given in July and are significant in that the harvest is now well under way. The Nass survey reports that sugar maturity tests are high and that berry size is increased due to a light berry set. The forecast volumes will bring the crop more in line with 2004 which saw a harvest of some 770,000t.
But there could be knock-on effects for the UK market, which traditionally takes increased volumes of California grapes once the Greek season finishes in October, a window now also being taken up by Brazil.
One UK importer, recently returned from Brazil, told freshinfo: “Most producers are saying they will be sending a lot more volume to the US this year. When US buyers are offering significantly more money and as it’s a closer market, it’s obviously an attractive proposition for them.
“But next season, when the Californian crop is back up to normal levels, will that market be there for them? Brazilian exporters must be wary of chasing the money and recognise that demand and supply can create an artificial picture of the international marketplace.
“Anyone who has got their programme with Brazil sorted is in a good position, because if you haven’t got it now, the values will be high and there won’t be that much money around to buy the product.”
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