Star of the autumn season, French table grapes, whose production is mainly concentrated in southeastern France (the Vaucluse department accounts for 65% of the national production), ended up with volumes “slightly lower than initially forecast, due to the hot summer,” explains Alexandra Lacoste, director of the Association of Producers Raisin de table (45,000 tons were initially expected this year).
The French table grape sector counts 3,200 producers, spread over 5,400 hectares of vineyards. The main black grape varieties grown in France include the Muscat de Hambourg and Alphonse Lavallée, as well as white grape varieties: Chasselas, Danlas and Centennial / Pictured: Centennial variety - © AOPn Raisin de table
“Fairly stable” overall consumption
As the 7th most consumed fruit by volume in France* (5.2 kg consumed per year on average), the demand for grapes “has remained stable overall in recent years, with an increase in packaged consumer units.” (*Kantar Worldpanel - 2012-2014 average).
Since 1997, the Muscat de Hambourg variety has benefited from a Registered Designation of Origin (AOC), reinforced by a Protected Designation of Origin obtained in 1999. Muscat noir PDO du Ventoux, grown on 660 Ha at an altitude of 200 meters and representing an average yield of 2,000 tons each year / © AOPn Raisin de table
Renewed interprofessional agreement on grape maturity
A new interprofessional agreement was adopted on June 20th, 2023 to “improve the quality of table grapes produced in France,” and offer a guaranteed sugar content for all varieties. “Regular renewal ensures optimum quality for consumers,” explains Alexandra Lacoste, director of the Association of Producers Raisin de Table.
The new agreement covers table grapes intended to be delivered fresh to consumers, on French and foreign markets, throughout the marketing year, for the 10 varieties listed below:
Under this agreement, the minimum sugar content is set at:
13° Brix for the variety: Cardinal.
14° Brix for the varieties: Ora, Danlas, Lival, Alphonse Lavallée.
15° Brix for the varieties: Prima, Ideal.
16° Brix for the varieties: Chasselas, Muscat, Centennial.
“The refractometric index is checked at the station in order to offer grapes with optimal ripeness throughout the season.”
For more information:
AOPn Raisin de table
Maison de l'Agriculture
Site Agroparc
84912 Avignon Cedex 9
Phone: 04 90 27 12 64
contact@raisin-de-table.fr