The grape market has undergone a significant shift since the holiday season, with increased supply and reduced demand creating downward pressure on prices. Anthony Rijnbeek of Origin Fruit Group notes that this trend was somewhat expected, given the anticipated volume of arrivals. The slower trading weeks during Christmas and New Year’s, combined with this surge in supply, have added to the challenges faced by the grape sector.
Strong shipments from South Africa and Namibia, alongside steady contributions from Peru, have ensured that shortages are no longer a concern. While the season in Peru’s Piura region is winding down, the Ica region continues to produce solid volumes. Despite earlier worries about drought effects on Peruvian grapes, Rijnbeek reports that the quality has been consistently good, with South African grapes showing improvement over previous seasons.
The increased availability of grapes has driven prices lower, particularly for loose varieties. White grapes are priced between 16 and 20 euros for clamshell packs and 14 to 16 euros for 4.5 kg boxes, depending on their origin and variety. Red grapes are similarly priced, with the exception of Red Globe grapes, which remain relatively expensive at around 23 euros. These price adjustments reflect the heightened competition within the market.
Retail promotions planned for the coming weeks are expected to provide a boost to grape consumption. Rijnbeek suggests that earlier high prices, driven by shortages, may have deterred buyers, but the current lower pricing should encourage more purchases. This focus on consumer accessibility could help mitigate some of the pressure on the market.
The grape market is experiencing a period of adjustment following the holidays, with abundant supply and price reductions shaping current conditions. While quality remains high, the oversupply has created challenges for pricing, particularly for loose grapes. Retail promotions offer a positive outlook by stimulating demand and supporting sales in the weeks ahead.