UTRECHT, NETHERLANDS - The table grape industry is a party that never stops; I feel like I am always hearing of some new development in this top-dollar category. Most recently, I learned some important information about the sector from RaboBank in its latest report. Most notably, the report stated that global table grape exports reached a record 4.3 million metric tons in 2021.

“Table grapes are, and will remain, one of the world’s main exported fruits, and they show a positive trend not only in quantity but especially in terms of quality. Better-quality grapes that offer an enhanced eating experience have the potential to attract and retain consumers and invigorate the category,” wrote Gonzalo Salinas, Senior Analyst – Fresh Produce. “As such, proprietary varieties will continue to gain relevance and premium prices in key markets while simultaneously sustaining production growth around the world.”

Salinas continued, “However, elevated consumer expectations collide with significant supply-side constraints around water, labor, and logistics, which will continue to drive opportunities, challenges, and innovation in the table grape industry.”

Specific to the United States market, the industry expects a crop of 95 million boxes for 2022. The report went on to note that U.S. exports to Mexico and Canada remain firm at a combined 60 percent of U.S. export volumes in 2021.

In combination with these trends, the report noted that suppliers continue to evolve new varieties to meet rising demand for better-quality grapes. Growers are adopting proprietary cultivars that offer higher yields and enhanced fruit quality, and, as a result, the higher-quality grapes show positive price trends at higher-end retail chains.

RaboBank clients can download the full report here.

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