The table grape season is now in its final stretch in the Spanish Region of Murcia, with good results in terms of production and sales, despite the difficulties in exporting to very distant destinations, such as China, due to the disruptions in the Red Sea.
"The season is going to continue for another month, but so far, we are very satisfied with sales and price levels. We have left behind a very dynamic August with an unusually high demand for table grapes," says Joaquín Gómez, President of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruit and other Agricultural Products, APOEXPA.
The association, as well as several of its member companies, was present as an exhibitor at the recent Asia Fruit Logistica trade fair in Hong Kong. "It is very interesting for Spanish table grape exporters to attend this fair, which brings together the entire industry from all countries in South East Asia, where there are interesting markets. Shipping to those destinations entails great logistical challenges, but they also pay well for our products," says Joaquín Gómez.
The current crisis in the Red Sea has caused exports to South East Asian countries, such as China, to fall. "Due to the conflict in the Red Sea, our shipments to China have a transit time of around 45 days, and air freight is not a viable alternative due to the cold treatment imposed by the country on air transport. Only a few large and experienced companies are managing to do some maritime shipments to China. However, for Hong Kong we have more options thanks to its greater dynamism."
The Spanish table grape sector is working together with the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to continue opening new markets in South East Asia, such as South Korea, where the first steps have been made to start working on the necessary protocols for export.
The president of APOEXPA also highlights the continuous growth achieved in the Spanish market, where "table grape consumption has been deseasonalized and where it is increasingly present with a wider range of varieties."
For more information:
APOEXPA
C. San Martín de Porres, 3
30001 Murcia, Spain
Tel.: +34 968 20 48 72
[email protected]
apoexpa.es