A leading Spanish grape producer is hoping for success with a new premium variety.
Rupert Maude, commercial director with El Ciruelo, said the grape, called Mystery, was originally developed some time ago in Chile but then left on the shelf.
“Unfortunately it didn’t grow very well under Chilean conditions, or in South Africa either, but it does in Spain.”
He said the grape has a large, milky coloured berry and a muscatel flavour and is hoping to market it as a premium fruit.
At the moment, volume is limited, with around 275 tonnes expected for this season, which runs from July to mid-August.
Meanwhile, Maude is also tipping Autumn Royal to be the next star of the category. He said the black seedless grape was selling very well and expected it to continue to grow in popularity.
“We’re expecting around 550 tonnes this season, with fruit available from August to November. It’s sold very well in Tesco, Sainsbury and Somerfield. Asda has also been selling it under their Best in Season brand.”
