Ica table grape exports dip temporarily despite strong season

In southern Peru, table grape exports from Ica showed an unusual slowdown in week 49 of the current campaign, despite overall volumes remaining ahead of last season. While cumulative exports from the region are running 8% higher year on year, weekly shipments fell to 1.5 million 8.2-kg boxes, compared with 2 million boxes shipped in the same week last season, according to local media.

Exporters expect the final figure to rise slightly as late shipments are recorded, but current data suggest weekly volumes will still fall short of typical levels for this point in the season.

Industry analysts point out that weather conditions alone do not fully explain the slowdown. While some buyers have linked the delay to cooler temperatures in Ica, exporter feedback and climate data indicate that conditions have been broadly similar to last year. Average temperatures, day–night ranges, humidity and rainfall have remained largely stable, with only a minor recent cooling observed ahead of harvest.

Production specialists note that average daily temperatures dropped by around 0.5°C in the weeks before harvest, with short-term differences reaching 1.5°C, mainly due to cooler nights. However, these changes are considered too small to significantly affect harvest timing, especially when compared with more severe climate events seen elsewhere in Peru in recent years.

Instead, the slowdown is largely attributed to structural changes in the crop and export strategy. Short-cycle, early varieties are increasingly being replaced by longer-cycle cultivars, naturally pushing harvest dates later. At the same time, exporters are diversifying destination markets, which often requires waiting longer to consolidate full 40-foot containers, slowing weekly shipment figures.

Previous seasons support this view. In earlier campaigns, northern regions also experienced delayed starts before export volumes accelerated sharply later in the season, eventually exceeding historical averages. Market observers suggest Ica could follow a similar pattern in the coming weeks.

Overall, current indicators suggest the recent dip reflects variety shifts and logistics timing, rather than adverse weather, with export momentum expected to recover as the season progresses.

source: agraria.pe

photo: organicproducenetwork.com