The first overseas grapes from Brazil arrived at Port International in week 42. The Hamburg-based company sources the majority from its exclusive partner farm GVS. "In general, we at Port International have a similar amount of goods available as in previous years, but we are seeing a decline in exports of around 20 per cent compared to 2021 and 2022, when export volumes were at a similar level," explains Malte Storjohann, Import Manager Overseas Products at the company, on request.
As Import Manager, Malte Storjohann is responsible for the procurement of overseas goods such as grapes, exotics and citrus.
Procurement problems with overseas grapes
Major challenges in the respective countries of origin are affecting the current supply situation for grapes from the southern hemisphere, Storjohann continues. "Peruvian grape producers are suffering greatly from the El Nino effect this year and will feel the consequences and effects of this even more in 2024. Unpredictable gaps in production, produce that doesn't ripen in time and even entire harvests that simply can't be exported could be the consequences in the near future."
Grapes from South Africa were also slightly delayed. Storjohann: "Due to the coldest winter in over 20 years this year, the ripening of grapes here has also been either delayed or completely destroyed by cold damage." Meanwhile, Port International is seeing high demand for seedless Brazilian grapes, while the Italian season is coming to an end relatively early. "There are generally more light-coloured grapes than red and dark grapes, but we have sufficient quantities available in both segments for the European programmes."
Trend towards new varieties at origin
In Brazilian cultivation, old varieties have largely been replaced by new ones in recent years, Storjohann continues. "In the cultivation of light-coloured, seedless grapes, for example, Sugarone has almost disappeared and been replaced by new varieties such as Arra 15, Sugar Crisp or Autumn Crips. We see a similar trend in the cultivation of dark-coloured, seedless grapes. Crimson has been largely replaced by newer varieties such as Iris, Candy and Arra 23. In the meantime, a black, seedless variety called Victoria had also forced its way onto the market, but is already on the decline again due to a lack of demand." In the coming year, cultivation is expected to remain relatively stable and no significant declines or additional volumes are expected. "Instead, we expect to see a further shift from old to new varieties, with volumes remaining similar."
The demand for overseas grapes is relatively good, but not outstanding. "In my opinion, less attention is still being paid to varieties and flavour and more to visual characteristics and prices. This is a trend that can be seen not only in grapes, but across the entire range. This is in contrast to other markets in Southern and Eastern Europe and the UK. In general, we find that grapes are and will remain in the top 10 most consumed fruits and we don't see this changing in the coming years," Storjohann concludes.
Images: Port International Group
For more information:
Malte Storjohann
Port International Group
Lippeltstrasse 1
20097 Hamburg
Phone: +49 40 301000-0
Fax: +49 40 301000-66
[email protected]
www.port-international.com