Agronometrics In Charts: Peruvian Grape Industry Reaping Benefits Of Varietal Diversification
September 23, 2022According to a recent news release by the Association of Table Grape Producers of Peru (PROVID), table grape exports from Peru are projected to grow by 11% in comparison to the previous campaign and the exported volumes are expected to culminate to about 71.5 million boxes (each box equalling 8.2 kilograms).
Upon evaluation of the preseason conditions in August, Fernando Cillóniz Benavides, president of the consulting firm Inform@cción concluded that the 2022-23 season will be a success, according to a report by Agraria.pe. Peru exported 64 million boxes of table grapes in the 2021-22 season, recording an increase of 13 percent compared to the 57 million boxes exported during the previous season.
While grappling with issues such as a lack of containers and escalating freight costs, Peru has been able to attain second place in the export of table grapes by volume.
A swift changeover in varieties has been driving demand and has enabled the diversification of markets. Additionally, extension of its production window has contributed to the country’s meteoric success.
Production usually begins with the Red globe in June and extends until March, spanning almost the entire year. In Piura, seedless grapes production is initiated in September along the Peruvian coast until March, volumes mostly culminate in in April.
In the previous season, White seedless accounted for 42 percent of exports, up 37 percent from the previous season, followed by Red seedless (28 percent, +14 percent), as well as Red Globe (25 percent, -7percent) and Black seedless (3 percent, -20 percent).
For the better part of the previous season, pricing remained strong partly due to Chile starting later; due to logistical constraints, arrival of Chilean grapes was delayed until the start of February.
While pricing this season will also be governed by such dynamics and while rising costs along the logistics chain are a growing concern, it is important to note that Peruvian grapes are growing in demand due to their superior quality.
The country is taking quantum leaps towards growing high quality varieties that are demanded by diverse markets. Additionally, Peru holds a competitive edge over competing industries owing to fewer incidences of adverse weather events, which makes it a reliable supplier in the global context.
From Fresh Fruit Portal