"Good prospects for Egyptian and Italian grapes"

The first Egyptian and Italian grapes are already being marketed on the European market. Last week LuBa Fresh received the first containers of white grapes from Egypt. These are of the Prime seedless variety. They came in punnets and 4,5 kg packs. "This year the quality is very good. Prices are around the EUR10 for 4,5 kg. Decent amounts are also expected from Egypt", says owner, Luciën de Wit. LuBa Fresh is based in the Dutch town of Venlo.

The first Black Magic grapes also arrived at LuBa Fresh from Italy last week. This was a week earlier than last year. "The prospects look promising. Volumes are still limited, which makes for higher prices. These are now at the EUR3,75 per kg mark. This will drop soon", expects Luciën. Next week, the first Victoria grapes are set to arrive. LuBa will again market these Italian grapes in polystyrene boxes. "This was a great success last year. The temperature is far better controlled in these kinds of boxes than in wooden crates."

"So far, this year's grape market has been going well. We did not import any grapes from Chile but the Indian season went well. We moved large volumes there, and the quality was good. Everyone was happy. The Italian and Egyptian grapes are now coming into a very empty market. So, the season is off to a good start", concludes the importer.