Last January, the situation of table grape imports was quite difficult in Spain. Now volumes and prices are more stable, following the end of the Peruvian and South African supply, and a gap is expected due to the early end of the Chilean season.
"The volumes that didn't arrive in time for the Christmas season, due to delays, had to be marketed in the first two weeks of January, together with the batches already planned for that period," reports the sales department of the Spanish company Uvasdoce Fresh, based in the municipality of Monforte del Cid, in the province of Alicante.
"This led to an even more complex scenario, as the greater volume, not only in Spain but throughout Europe, ended up causing some market saturation. As a result, prices recorded a significant drop compared to December and sales slowed down," they say.
In February, however, the situation has improved. "Volumes and prices have both stabilized. We are handling the last batches from Peru, while South Africa is at its peak, with the highest volumes in these last few weeks of February, and still a good quality product," they say.
"In spite of this, the 2025 season will be shorter, as there won't be large batches arriving in April, as in previous years. Moreover, we have noticed that the campaigns are out of sync. This year, Chile has also started earlier and this will cause a supply gap in early May," says the company.
Meanwhile, the vines have already started budding in Alicante. "In the earliest varieties, we are seeing quite a uniform budding thanks to the mild temperatures recorded in the area. This favorable weather has allowed the buds to develop consistently, which is crucial for the growth and health of the plants," they say.
"We expect this trend to continue with the remaining varieties. Temperatures staying mild is essential, as any abrupt changes in the weather could take a toll on the budding process and, consequently, on the yield," says the representative of Uvasdoce Fresh.
For more information:
Uvasdoce Fresh
Ctra. Monforte-Agost km. 6,9
Partida de las Norias n.º 188
03670 Monforte del Cid. Alicante, Spain
Tel.: +34 965 620 125
info@uvasdoce.com
www.uvasdoce.com