Peru has commenced its grape harvest season in the Piura region, marking a period of productivity for one of the top-table grape exporters globally. The country benefits from an extended growing season and lower labor costs. After overcoming obstacles such as a workers' strike that previously hindered harvests, the Peruvian table grape sector has seen a resurgence in production volumes. Efforts are now concentrated on improving yield and quality, with a shift towards sustainable farming practices. This includes efforts to reduce water use, decrease pesticide application, and implement alternative agricultural methods. The industry landscape has evolved, with a current focus on licensed grape varieties, which now constitute 75% of the acreage, overtaking traditional varieties like Crimson and Thompson. Provid highlights a decline in traditional varieties due to quality and volume challenges for export.
The introduction of the ARRA Fire Crunch variety is anticipated to transform the red table grape segment in Peru. This variety stands out for its high yield, production ease, exceptional flavor, large berry size, crunchiness, excellent shelf life, and bright red color that does not darken. Although 70% of Peru's table grape production is white, the ARRA Fire Crunch aims to address the demand for red grapes with its resilience, rain tolerance, and cold storage performance. The variety is currently being harvested at Sociedad AgrÃcola Rapel in Piura, showcasing superior fruit quality.
Following promising trials, major grape producers in Peru are expanding their cultivation of the ARRA Fire Crunch for commercial production, mainly targeting the U.S. market this year. The ARRA breeding program also introduces the ARRA Honey Pop, an early white variety showing great adaptability and a short growing cycle in Peru. The Grapasa team, representing ARRA varieties in South America, plans exclusive field days in December for ARRA growers and licensees across Peru's grape-growing regions, with updates from Karl Conrads and Arsenio Duarez Huaman of Grapasa South America.
Source: Grapa Varieties