Global table grape production rises in 2023/24

The global production of table grapes for the 2023/24 season is anticipated to reach 28.4 million tons, increasing by 490,000 tons year-over-year primarily due to improved supplies from China. Despite this surge in production, exports are expected to remain relatively stable at 3.7 million tons. This steadiness is attributed to increased shipments from Chile and China compensating for declines in Turkey and the United States, according to a recent report by the Foreign Agriculture Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (FAS-USDA).

China, as the leading global producer, is projected to experience a substantial increase in production, rising by 750,000 tons YOY, totaling 13.5 million tons. Exports are forecasted to surge by 23 percent YOY to 480,000 tons, with heightened shipments to Asian markets, particularly Indonesia and Vietnam. However, imports are expected to decline for the fifth consecutive year, decreasing by 25 percent YOY to 130,000 tons, driven by increased domestic supplies.

In India, production is expected to rise by 100,000 tons YOY to 3.0 million tons, thanks to favorable weather conditions that boost yields and enhance fruit quality. The exports are expected to go up by 13,000 tons YOY to 295,000 tons, with a particular focus on the European Union.

Turkey is expected to face challenges, with production dropping by 320,000 tons YOY to 1.9 million tons due to crop losses, particularly in the Aegean region. Downy mildew disease outbreaks, caused by delayed rains, are a primary factor. Consequently, exports from Turkey are projected to decrease by 47,000 tons YOY to 180,000 tons.

In the European Union, production is forecasted to decline by 248,000 tons YOY to 1.3 million, largely due to heavy losses in Italy following substantial rainfall in May and June. Despite this, the overall quality of EU fruit is expected to be excellent due to high temperatures in July. Elevated freight and transportation costs are redirecting available supplies to intra-EU markets, contributing to a 23,000-ton decrease in exports (YOY) to 150,000 tons. Imports, however, are expected to rise by 57,000 tons YOY to 630,000 as reduced output boosts demand.

The United States is forecasted to experience a production increase of 67,000 tons YOY to 878,000. However, exports are expected to decline by 37,000 tons YOY to 210,000 due to reduced exportable supplies. Imports are anticipated to rise slightly to 760,000 tons, driven by record shipments from Mexico offsetting lower supplies from Chile at the beginning of the marketing year.

Chile's production is projected to rebound, surging by 89,000 tons YOY to 745,000, overcoming losses from continued declining acreage. Higher supplies are expected to boost exports by 68,000 YOY tons to 565,000, with the United States being Chile's top market, accounting for nearly half of total exports.

Peru's production is expected to remain steady at 776,000 tons, with warmer temperatures and higher humidity in the northern regions making vineyards more susceptible to fungal disease. However, more typical growing conditions in the south are anticipated to offset losses. Exports from Peru are forecasted to remain nearly unchanged at 595,000 tons, maintaining its position as the world's largest exporter, slightly ahead of Chile.

South Africa is expected to recover from the previous year's rain and heat-affected crop, with production rising by 24,000 tons YOY to 342,000 tons, driven by good growing conditions and new cultivars coming into production. Exports from South Africa are forecasted to increase by 25,000 tons YOY to 310,000 tons.

Australia is poised to reach a record production of 220,000 tons, marking a complete recovery to pre-COVID levels. A dry spring and summer, combined with abundant irrigation supplies, have resulted in very good bud burst and bunch formation, with strong yields expected. Consequently, exports are anticipated to increase by 9,000 tons YOY to 140,000, with a focus on Asian markets.

source: apps.fas.usda.gov