Horticultural & Tropical Products Division	Return to the H&TP Home Page

World Table Grape Situation and Outlook

Southern Hemisphere

Chile

Table grape production is forecast at 975,000 tons in 2001, up an additional 4 percent over current levels, with favorable weather so far in the growing season fueling the expansion.

Excellent climatic conditions in most production areas in 2000 brought about significant increases in output, approximately 14 percent over 1999 to 935,000 tons. Thompson Seedless, Flame Seedless, and Ribier account for the bulk of production. Chilean efforts to replace growers’ aging vineyards with the Red Globe variety reflects growing consumer preferences.

Chilean grape exports are also forecast to rise 4 percent to 590,000 tons in 2001 due to increased production of what are expected to be very good quality grapes. Chile’s exports to Asia grew in 2000, particularly to the newer South Korean market. Imports were minimal during 1999 and in 2000 reflecting the economic uncertainty among retailers who were struggling with weak consumer demand across most food products. Imports are expected to pick up in 2001. The United States accounts for almost all of Chile’s imports.

South Africa

In 2001, production is expected to increase 1 percent over 2000. Exports declined further than the expected 3 percent during 2000 to post an overall 9-percent decline. Producers are working to improve the quality and image of their products. Exports are expected to increase slightly if not at least stabilize in 2001. The Netherlands, Belgium, and the United Kingdom continue to be their largest markets, respectively, followed by the United States.

United States

U.S. fresh-market grape production in 2000 is estimated at 820,000 metric tons, up almost 2 percent. U.S. grape production is expected to continue expanding in 2001 as acreage continues to increase. California accounts for almost all of the U.S. fresh market grape production. U.S. fresh grape exports in 2000 increased 22 percent to reach 290,309 tons compared with 238,987 tons the previous year. Canada, Mexico and Hong Kong were the top export markets accounting for about 60 percent of U.S. exports. Very robust growth of the Chinese and Malaysian markets bolstered overall export levels.

On January 14, 2000, Australia released its final import risk assessment (IRA) on California grapes, determining that the product could be imported under the specified treatment conditions. However, this has not resulted in market access for California grapes. The U.S. Government has repeatedly made representations to the Australians that all of the IRA requirements have been met but the import regulations remain unchanged.

USDA reiterated to Australian officials in January 2001 that the legitimate pest risk issues had been addressed and that a speedy resolution to this long-standing U.S. market access issue was expected. The Australians have subsequently announced their intention to maintain the existing import ban, citing concerns over glassy-winged sharpshooter and Pierce's Disease, issues which had been addressed in the original risk assessment. Efforts aimed at bringing this matter to a favorable conclusion continue. Exports are critically important to the California table grape industry, accounting for 35 percent of U.S. production. U.S. table grape exports are forecast to reach $325 million in MY 2000/2001.

(The FAS Attache Report search engine contains reports on the deciduous fruit industries for more than 20 countries, including Chile, Mexico, and Japan. For information on production and trade, contact Heather Page at 202-720-9792. For information on marketing contact Yvette Wedderburn Bomersheim at 202-720-0911.)

Last modified: Wednesday, July 21, 2004