World table grapes family gathers in Murcia for 3 days

John Barker, CEO of the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) and Murcia Regional government chairman Fernando Lopez Miras officially opened the 11th International Table Grapes Symposium held in Murcia, running for 3 days from September 28th until October 1rst. John Barker revealed that table grapes cultivation now surpasses the growing area for the wine. Water, increasing temperatures, logistics and political disruptions are the major challenges of the vine industry. A shared commission between wine and table grapes industries has been created, with monthly meetings, to establish a common strategic response to the challenges and align policy targets. Climate change, international markets, and varietal, crop innovations are the 3 main strategic objectives defined on the commission meeting held the day before the symposium.

Murcia, world’s best land for table grapes

Fernando Lopez Miras from Murcia region gave his warmest welcome to the attendees. He reminded the province gathers 90% of the Spanish table grapes production is held in Spanish province. Murcia is also a leader in farm technology and water efficiency, as well as varietal breeding. More then 20 new varieties, consumer focused and climate resilient, were developed by the regional investigation centers IMIDA and ITUM.  Murcia grows more than 1400ha of table grapes, its production compagnies have also invested overseas like Brazil and South Africa for year around supply. Murcia region exported €208 million value of table grapes in 2025, it progressed 35% compared with 2024. €15 million being sold overseas. Murcia also exports its farming and postharvest technology to the major international producing countries like US, Chile, China, Peru and South Africa.

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