Problems with fruit condition are emerging in late-season white Chilean grape.
Some UK wholesale markets have reported a struggle to source white grapes with good shelf life, as supplies of good-quality Thompson Seedless are contracting.
Traditionally, arrivals from Chile wind down during this period, but the difficulty in procuring fruit that meets buyers’ expectations is a cause for concern this season.
One importer told freshinfo: “Everyone is finishing their Chilean season as best they can and we are starting with India now. I am not saying that all the fruit is awful and it is not a case of the volume not being there from Chile; it is just that there are condition issues.
“Most of the white fruit from Chile has arrived now and what we are seeing is mostly browning berry problems, although certainly not all the fruit is affected. The Chilean season has been very good up to now and there has been plenty of white grape around.”
According to the importer, the season is running about a week later than last year, which might explain some of the quality issues.
However, the situation is different on red fruit. He told freshinfo: “We will still have good availability of stored Crimson from Chile into May.”
Late-season Chilean fruit has been supplemented with the first arrivals from India over the last couple of weeks and some buyers are looking to the start of airfreighted fruit from Mexico, before attentions turn to airfreight from Egypt and Mediterranean seafreight product.
