A Victorian table grape grower is still expecting a normal-to-high yielding season, despite some changeable weather throughout spring.
Budou Farms is based in Merbein South, in Western Victoria, and is dedicated to exporting to Asian markets - with the majority of its supply going into Japan, from January to May.
Co-owner Enrique Rossi says that currently most of the canopy work is done, including bunch trimming and leaf plucking and he is waiting for the beginning of veraison in about two weeks.
"The fruit looks on track to reach its potential in size and cluster shape," he said. "The season has been temperamental weather-wise; we had a very good early spring temperature to be followed by coolish weeks and windy cloudy days, our yields in the region seem normal to high and the timing seems to be a normal year, however, if the block does have a higher yield will be delayed for sure."
The most predominant variety grown is Crimson, but Mr Rossi says new varieties have been planted in recent seasons on a smaller scale.
"We have a good range of new varieties on offer from SNFL and it is expected to be very welcomed by our loyal consumers," Mr Rossi said. "We are now also adding black varieties will be a good catching eye opportunity on display in stores, as before we only had Red and green grapes. So yes we are positive that we deliver what consumers want, as we have the tool and capacity for it."
With Japan Budou Farm's major destination, they have welcomed new market access into the country. Previously, Australia has been limited to exporting only three varieties of table grapes to Japan, resulting in significant market value loss, but those varietal restrictions have now been lifted.
"Last week we were in Japan searching to maintain and extend sales within the country which is where we have been focusing for the last decade," Mr Rossi said. "Now with access to new varieties in Japan, our programs will extend longer and we intend to promote what we have been known as "So Sweet". Japan does like sweetness and good balance with acidity and we ensure it. Compared with our competitors in South America we can't be beaten, nor freshness due to the proximity and length of the voyage which is usually 17 days compared with over 30 days for them."
He added that it will be an interesting year for the Japanese market, as Peru got access last year and now Australia extending the varietal range will try to gain back some of that share.
"Most likely it will end up spit in even share for the countries (Australia-Chile-Peru) unless a seasonal event happens," he explained. "The capacity is already known and an increase in consumption would have to be very drastic to make a sensible change. Thinking ahead about what we do and the way we do things cannot be imitated even if it is the same product, as the connection with consumers takes a long time and must be a win-win situation."
Meanwhile, this year Budou Farms marketed grapes for the upcoming season since Asia Fruit Logistica, where we got special interest from Indonesia and Thailand buyers; Ivory®, Timpson ®, Carlita® and Allison® are varieties that Budou Farms showcased to their customers.
"Our brand and marketing are very well recognised and appreciated with the connection to consumers, so this is opening doors to other markets which is very good and we are looking forward to it and any future opportunities," Mr Rossi said.
For more information
Enrique Rossi
Budou Farms
Phone: +61421839145
www.budoufarms.com
[email protected]