Climate changes lead to a decrease in grape exports in Peru

Just three months before the end of the table grape export season in Peru, the Association of Table Grape Producers of Peru (Provid) warned about a drop of more than 10% compared to the previous year, mainly due to climatic changes. This impact on production will be felt towards the end of the season.

 

Alejandro Cabrera, Provid's general manager, noted that the season, which began in August and typically runs through April, saw an increase in shipments through December 2023, with 47.2 million 8.2-kilogram boxes, up from 41.2 million. million boxes at the end of 2022.

 

However, Cyclone Yaku and the El Niño phenomenon advanced the season by approximately 25 days, negatively affecting the volume of shipments in the northern and southern regions of the country. For example, the northern region saw a drop of more than 30% in its shipments, despite an initially positive performance in November.

 

According to Cabrera, in the 2022-2023 campaign, 71.4 million boxes of 8.2 kilograms were shipped, and already on that basis, the last projection they made estimated a drop of 10%. Now Provid is gathering information with producers because they anticipate the drop will be greater.

 

However, the good prices offered by countries such as the United States, the main destination for shipments with 46% representation at the end of December 2023, could act as a palliative. The United States has seen its local grape production reduced for this season due to a natural phenomenon, which has increased its demand for grapes.

 

He stressed that the situation in the United States should not be considered as a general premise, since it is a temporary situation and not applicable to all export destinations.

 

Countries such as South Africa, Australia, Chile and Brazil, which coincide with the Peruvian season, could benefit by sending higher volumes to grape buyers. Cabrera emphasizes the importance of evaluating the change to grape varieties more resistant to climate changes. Although 70% of the current varieties are licensed, more productive and have better flavor, there are 30% of traditional varieties that could be part of this change. Among the least affected licensed varieties are Sweet Globe, Allison and Autumn Crisp.

 

 

 

 

 

source: agraria.pe