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In Argentina, grape production in San Juan province is expected to decrease by over 15% this year, contrary to initial projections of a 10% increase by the National Institute of Viticulture (INV). While the INV had forecast a national increase to 485 million kilograms (kg), the actual harvest in San Juan is likely to fall short, reaching no more than 360 million kg. As a result, the national total is expected to be around 1.8 billion kg, well below the initial estimate of 2.1 billion kg. Regarding production, in San Juan, 60% of the grapes are being used for must production, compared to just 18% in Mendoza. The reduced harvest may help balance wine stocks ahead of the June 1 release, with expectations of improved prices for wine for transfer and sulfite must.
The 2025 grape harvest in La Pampa, Argentina, ended with a significant 50% drop in production, totaling just over 1.1 thousand tons, down from more than 2.3 thousand tons the previous season. This decline was primarily seen in vineyards in Casa de Piedra and 25 de Mayo, with 63.5% of the harvest sent to processing plants in Mendoza, Neuquén, and Río Negro, while the remainder was processed locally. Despite these challenges, La Pampa’s wine industry continues to grow, with 26 vineyards covering 322 hectares (ha), mostly planted with wine and must-producing varieties. To maintain quality, strict phytosanitary measures were enforced, including pest control and inspections to prevent the spread of harmful insects such as Lobesia botrana and fruit flies.
Brazil's Grand Valle, located in the São Francisco Valley, is facing significant challenges in the grape export market, including tight trading windows and high tariffs. The company, which grows both mangoes and grapes, is up against stiff international competition, particularly from India and Egypt, limiting its export opportunities to Europe. Additionally, tariffs ranging from 8% to 14% in Europe and lower costs of Chilean grapes in the United States (US) are putting pressure on Brazilian exporters. As a result, the local market is expected to see increased production this year, with the price difference between Brazilian and Chilean grapes prompting a strategic shift. Despite these challenges, the company remains optimistic about expanding grape exports to China and has seen an uptick in shipments to Argentina. However, logistical hurdles and shipping delays continue to impact fruit quality and pricing.
Chile’s table grape season has begun with strong production, especially in newer varieties, which are yielding between 3.5 thousand to 4 thousand boxes/ha. However, despite the increased output, prices have dropped significantly, with current Free On Board (FOB) prices ranging from USD 12 to USD 15 per box, compared to USD 25 to USD 28 in 2024. This decline is driven by lower global demand and increased competition from regions like Peru and California. A significant aspect of the season involves the implementation of the Systems Approach for exports to the US, a series of pest management practices aimed at ensuring safe export by meeting strict phytosanitary standards. However, the additional costs of inspections and logistics associated with this process are a concern, as the expected price premiums are not materializing. Furthermore, the organic grape sector is struggling with fungal diseases, resulting in higher costs and a larger carbon footprint. As the industry seeks to maintain quality, the emphasis is on balancing volume, innovation, and the integration of traditional and organic practices.
Egypt’s table grape season is expected to begin in early May, supported by stable acreage and generally favorable growing conditions for early varieties. While slight acreage expansion has occurred in response to increasing export demand, particularly for high-quality, export-grade grapes, rising production costs and water management challenges have tempered more aggressive growth. Growers are concentrating on early-season varieties such as Flame Seedless, Superior Seedless (Sugraone), and Early Sweet, which remain in strong demand across European and Middle Eastern markets. Interest is also growing in premium varieties like Autumn Crisp and Arra. Although slight weather fluctuations have affected flowering and fruit set in some areas, the harvest is expected to remain on schedule, with producers focused on effective pest management and strict adherence to export regulations.
Peru has remained the world’s leading grape exporter for the second consecutive year, with 562 thousand tons shipped during the 2024/25 season. Exports reached 44 international markets, with 83% directed to key destinations: the US, accounting for 46%, Europe with 24%, and Mexico with 8%. The country’s grape industry focuses on popular varieties like Sweet Globe, Red Globe, and Allison, with the export season spanning from October to April. This success is underpinned by a strong infrastructure, including 137 certified packing plants and over 22 thousand ha of vineyards concentrated in the Ica and Piura regions. To further strengthen global competitiveness, the National Food Safety and Quality Service (SENASA) has expanded market access by opening new trade routes to Japan, China, and Ecuador and advancing sustainable practices, including phytosanitary certifications for cold-treated fruit exports, which began in Dec-24.
In Chile, grape prices remained stable at USD 0.89/kg in W14, with no week-on-week (WoW) change. The stability in prices is due to logistical challenges and heightened competition from other grape-producing regions, which have constrained the availability of Chilean grapes in global markets, preventing significant price fluctuations. However, there was a 4.71% month-on-month (MoM) increase and a 2.30% year-on-year (YoY) price rise, reflecting a gradual adjustment as the season progresses.
Grape prices in Peru dropped by 3.28% WoW to USD 0.59/kg in W14, representing a 39.18% YoY decrease. The price decrease is due to increased production leading to higher supply, which has exerted downward pressure on prices, driven by favorable weather conditions, technological advancements, and expanded cultivation areas. However, MoM prices increased by 3.51% due to high demand from key export markets such as the US, Europe, and Mexico, which has helped support prices despite the increased supply.
South Africa's grape prices declined by 0.49% to USD 2.03/kg in W14 due to logistical challenges stemming from recent disruptions at the Cape Town Container Terminal (CTCT). Extreme winds in late Feb-25 and early Mar-25 severely hindered cargo movement, leading to significant delays and backlogs. This situation strained container availability and disrupted trucking schedules, affecting timely access to key export markets and potentially compromising grape quality. As a result, exporters faced increased costs and missed market opportunities, contributing to the slight weekly price decline. However, both MoM and YoY prices surged by 47.10% and 26.88%, respectively. This increase is due to the seasonal transition into the export season, characterized by higher demand and limited supply, which typically drives prices upward. Despite the recent logistical setbacks, the underlying market dynamics have supported elevated price levels compared to previous periods.
In W14, grape prices in India fell slightly by 2.60% WoW to USD 0.75/kg, with no MoM change. This stability in MoM pricing is due to the offsetting effects of increased supply from regions like Karnataka and Maharashtra, which have entered their peak harvest period, and reduced exports from Nashik, where unseasonal rainfall has adversely affected yields. However, YoY prices surged by 25%, driven by sustained demand in both local and export markets and a 15 to 20% reduction in export volumes from Nashik compared to the previous season.
Chilean table grape exporters should focus on improving the efficiency of the Systems Approach export process to reduce inspection and logistics costs, ensuring that any price premiums are captured. Additionally, producers should shift focus to high-demand markets by leveraging unique selling points such as organic certifications or innovative grape varieties. Investing in sustainable pest control for organic grapes and reducing their carbon footprint will appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. Strengthening relationships with key retailers and diversifying export channels to emerging markets could help stabilize revenue despite global competition.
Egyptian table grape growers should prioritize the production of high-demand, premium varieties like Autumn Crisp and Arra to meet growing market demand, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. To mitigate rising production costs and water challenges, growers must invest in efficient irrigation techniques and explore sustainable water management practices. Additionally, collaborating with exporters to ensure compliance with market regulations and strengthening pest control methods will maintain quality and support the stable growth of the industry.
Sources: Tridge, Delsurdiario, Freshplaza, Lu17, Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation, Nuevarioja, Portalfruticola
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