Harvesting of Israeli seedless grapes for export to Europe will start some three weeks earlier than usual, in mid- May. "This is a good indicator that the export of grapes will this year be successful in both volume and good quality," said Agrexco's grape product manager Asaf Adar.
The 2004 crop has enjoyed a favourable climate and quality expectations are high, unlike last year when adverse climatic conditions resulted in a reduction in quality and volume of seedless grapes for export.
Adar explained that harvesting will start in vineyards in the desert regions in Israel, followed by harvesting in the central and coastal plain vineyards. He added that more and more growers in Israel cover their vineyards with nets or plastic coverings, to enhance ripening and increase the quality of the the fruit.
The main early varieties exported from Israel are Superior, Perlette and Spring Blush, followed by later shipments of Thompson and Red Globe.
Some 150 growers supply Agrexco with seedless grapes. Most of them are already EurepGAP accredited and the remainder expect accreditation by the end of this year. Adar forecasts Agrexco will export 5,000 tonnes to its main marketing destinations, namely the UK, western Europe and the Far East.
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