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World Table Grape Situation and Outlook

World

Northern Hemisphere

United States

The 2001 U.S. table grape crop is expected to be up about 3 percent from last year, with levels reaching approximately 726,000 tons. California accounts for about 98 percent of U.S. production and about 11 percent of the world production.

Major year-over-year increases are being seen in exports of table grapes, particularly to Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia and Singapore. Exports in 2001 are projected to increase 15 percent to 320,000 tons, due to increasing supply and strong demand throughout Asian markets. Likewise, the Market Access Program continues to be an important market development tool to stimulate demand and fuel table grape exports. During marketing year (MY) 2001, the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Foreign Agricultural Service and the California Table Grape Commission will share the cost of undertaking promotional activities in Asia, Latin America, and the United Kingdom. During January-August 2001, total exports reached 95,813 tons, up 22 percent from the same period in 2000. Asian markets continue their recovery from the economic crisis that began in 1998. According to the U.S. census data, Asian markets during 2000 represented about 41 percent of the total U.S. grape export market.

USDA has been working to obtain access to the Australian market for California table grapes for over ten years. Currently Australia cites concerns over the presence of the glassy winged sharpshooter and Pierce’s disease in California and the market remains closed. The U.S. government believes these concerns to be scientifically unfounded, and efforts to resolve the issue are ongoing. Overall, California table grapes continue to be recognized around the world as a premium product and markets are continuing to expand.

During January-August 2001, imports posted a 12- percent decline at 376,389 tons over the same period in 2000. Shipments from Chile declined due to smaller yields while Mexican shipments also declined due to unfavorable weather. Although the South African Rand continued to devalue, South African shipments to the United States declined 76 percent as falling prices in South Africa and lower economic returns to producers are causing great losses to their industry.

Greece

Continued favorable weather conditions during blooming and setting of the 2001 table grape crop increased estimated production for 2001 by 10 percent to 320,000 tons. Imports of table grapes are generally small as Greece only imports to acquire specific varieties not grown in Greece and during the off-season. Most imported product comes from the EU with small quantities sourced from Argentina and Chile.

Japan

Japan’s grape production during 2001 is expected to decline just over 1 percent to 234,200 metric tons. Total Japanese imports this year are estimated to be 15,000 tons, up 11 percent from last year and up 67 percent from the 9,005 tons imported during 1999. California’s Red Globe grapes are establishing a strong reputation for excellent quality. Chilean grape imports are complementing U.S. shipments counter-seasonally. Year round availability has helped to boost consumption.

China

Production in calendar year 2001 is expected to be 3.80 million tons, up 16 percent from the 3.28 million tons in 2000. Acreage planted in grape vines is growing along with grape processing, particularly for wine. However, at least for the short term, China remains a net importer of grapes. Despite improving distribution and storage infrastructure for fruit, reported post -harvest gaps still exist supporting continued growth in exports of U.S. table grapes to China. At the same time, trade contacts expect China to become a major competitor to U.S. exports in the next 2 to 5 years, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Most of China’s grape production is made up of 12 different major varieties, Jufeng being the most popular. Red Globe acreage is mainly located on China’s east coast. Within this area, growers have experienced some disease problems. Despite reports of efforts to increase the Red Globe production base, near term competition from the Red Globe is expected to be limited.

Mexico

Unfavorable weather conditions this year put table grape production estimates down 18,370 tons from 2000. However, sources indicate that area planted has been increasing although partially offset by fallowing of older acreage. Water shortages persist and, in addition to the lack of available credit, are considered a limiting factor in expansion efforts.

Mexican consumption is improving and imports are expected to post an 11-percent increase this year. U.S. table grape exports to Mexico through July of this year totaled 1,493 metric tons, up 27 percent from the same period in 2000. The stronger peso is helping to bolster this trend. Table grape imports from Chile are expected to be 38 percent of total imported grapes while those from the United States are expected to account for the remaining 62-percent market share this year. Because of counter seasonality, Chilean shipments do not directly compete with those from the United States. Chile usually exports to Mexico in June and July, while the United States exports primarily during August through December.

Spain

Production this year is expected to decline nearly 9 percent from 2000 due to heavy May rains and higher temperatures. Imported table grapes are mainly from Chile and Italy. Given Spain’s supply situation this year, imports are expected to increase. Spain, a net exporter of table grapes, has a growing season parallel with the United States so regardless of consumption patterns, little trade opportunity exists. Spain has the largest land area planted under vines. Spain exports mainly to EU countries.

Southern Hemisphere

The data for selected southern hemisphere countries has been revised in the semi-annual fresh deciduous attaché reports. Please see the grape tables in the individual fresh deciduous reports for the revised data. The fresh deciduous fruit reports containing grape data are required only for Chile, China, Greece, Italy, Japan, Mexico, South Africa, Spain, and Turkey. However, voluntary reports from other countries may also be available.

(The FAS Attaché Report search engine contains reports on the deciduous fruit industries for more than 20 countries, including Japan, Mexico, and South Africa. For information on production and trade, contact Heather Page Velthuis at 202-720-9792. For information on marketing, contact Yvette Wedderburn Bomersheim at 202-720-0911. Also, check out our grape web page at: www.fas.usda.gov/htp/horticulture/grapes.html.)

Last modified: Wednesday, July 21, 2004