Led by newer varieties, Chilean table grape production for the 2023-24 season will grow 5%, according to an industry estimate.

The Table Grape Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) is forecasting 63.8 million 18-pound boxes for the 2023-24 season.

“This projected growth is due primarily to an increase in the production of new varieties, which will represent 63% of Chile’s total fresh grape exports this season, close to 40 million boxes,” ASOEX President Iván Marambio said in a news release.

The estimate is based on information provided by the committee’s member companies, which represent 82% of Chile’s total table grape shipments, according to the release.

“This first estimate clearly reflects the commitment of Chilean producers and exporters to supply their global markets and consumers with the best varieties,” Marambio said. “The committee projects that within the next two years, 70% of grape shipments will consist of new varieties, a big increase from 55% during the 2022-23 season.”

The U.S. continues to be the main destination market for Chilean table grapes, despite challenges that are delaying the approval of the systems approach protocol for exports, the release said.

For the upcoming 2023-24 season, the U.S. is projected to take 56% of overall shipments. Asia and Europe follow with 19% and 16%, respectively.

The committee’s coordinator, Ignacio Caballero, said in the release that green grapes will experience the most growth.  

“We expect an increase of 16% in green grape volume over the previous season, with impressive increases in Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp and Arra 15 varieties,” he said.

Exports of green grape varieties are projected to reach 22.9 million boxes, of which 74.4% will be new varieties, the release said.

Shipments of red varieties are expected to exceed 24.9 million boxes, of which 74.1% will correspond to new varieties, according to the release. Timco, Allison and Sweet Celebration are some of the main standouts among the red varieties, the release said.

As for black grapes, exports will be around 6 million boxes, with 76.5% new varieties, including Sable Seedless, Sweet Favors and Sweet Sapphire, the committee said in the release.

The first shipments of Chilean grapes are scheduled for mid-November.

Source: thepacker.com