The switch from northern hemisphere to imported grapes is taking place, with a predominance of seedless grapes again this year, increasingly popular in French households. Eric Godard Durand, president of Agence Laparra, which has been offering Candy grapes for several years now, takes stock of the market dynamic in the run-up to the festive season.
"New varieties of grapes from Peru"
"We are currently at the end of the season for Italian white grapes, particularly for the seedless variety Autumn Crisp. For black grapes, we mainly sell grapes from Moldova." Grapes from Peru and southern Africa are gradually finding their way onto the European market. "For the rosé segment, the Candy Heart variety made its debut this week, along with other varieties such as the Flame. Some white grapes are also present, but their taste quality is still average for the moment."
"We have new varieties of grapes arriving from Peru which are extraordinary, such as the excellent Peruvian Timpson white grape that will be on the French market at the beginning of January. Today's wholesalers work mainly with Italian white and pink grapes from Peru, South Africa, and Namibia.
The market is currently "very dynamic, with strong demand for seedless grapes" boosted by the arrival of the festive season. "Sales of quality grapes always increase around this time of year. The arrival of the Candy Heart variety in the run-up to Christmas has also been very popular, helping to boost sales despite its price, currently around €7.50/kg [7.8 USD/kg] at wholesalers."
Deliveries of white grape varieties from Peru are set to increase over the coming weeks. And from March onwards, the Chilean origin will also be on the market.
Growing demand for seedless grapes
The demand for seedless grapes is growing every year, and 2024 is no exception. "It has almost become an obligation for buyers." The seedless Candy grape comes in three colors: Candy Heart in pink, Candy Cotton in white, and Candy Dream in black. The Laparra agency decided to include this reference in its range because it has "become a must-have." For the moment, only the Candy Heart is on the market. Wholesalers have adopted it massively because the end consumer is crazy about it. Despite higher prices, the market is responding very well."
Although still present, seeded varieties are gradually losing ground. "These are varieties that only have a place in the more reasonably priced segments, such as those from Moldova or the Red Globe from Peru, which are currently on the market but in small quantities because they are less popular. The price is high at the moment (around €3 [3.12 USD]) because it is the start of the campaign."
For more information:
Eric Godard Durand
Agence Laparra
62A, rue de Montpellier
Bat C2
94622 Rungis
Phone: +33 146 86 40 30
Mobile: +33 609 22 20 84
[email protected]