Salix Fruits: Global grape market shifts as demand for seedless and organic varieties rises

GLOBAL – The global grape market is undergoing significant changes, with demand for seedless and organic varieties rising steadily driven by consumers’ increasing interest in convenience and sustainability, according to experts at Salix Fruits.

Ignacio Vidales, Sales Director at Salix Fruits, highlighted the growing preference for seedless grapes. “One of the most notable changes is the growing demand for seedless varieties, driven by consumers’ desire for more convenient and easy-to-consumer products,” he said.

This shift reflects a broader move toward products that cater to busy lifestyles, where ease of consumption is a priority.

Vidales added that consumers are becoming more selective in their purchasing habits, increasingly favoring products that align with health and environmental values.

“Sustainable farming practices and organic certifications are now key factors for accessing certain market segments, especially in Europe and North America,” he explained.

Sustainability is at the core of this changing market. Vidales noted that the push for organic and sustainably grown grapes is growing stronger, reflecting a heightened consumer awareness about environmental issues. As a result, more producers are adopting environmentally friendly practices to stay competitive.

Beyond consumer preferences, advancements in global transportation and preservation technologies are also playing a crucial role. “Globalisation and improvements in logistics have allowed us to access emerging markets, such as Asia and Latin America,” Vidales shared.

With the rise of the middle class and urbanisation in these regions, demand for fresh produce is on the rise.

Salix Fruits works closely with growers in multiple countries, including India, South Africa, Egypt, Italy, Peru, Chile, and the US, ensuring a year-round supply.

This global network helps meet the growing demand for grapes while maintaining a constant presence in markets worldwide.

Production Surge in China

According to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service, global table grape production is projected to increase by 490,000 metric tons in the 2023/24 season, reaching a total of 28.4 million metric tons.

This growth is mainly driven by a significant production boost in China, where favorable conditions and improved cultivation practices are making a marked impact.

“China’s production is expected to rise by 750,000 metric tons this season, bringing the total to 13.5 million metric tons,” the report stated.

This increase is largely due to advancements in pest control, breeding, and storage technologies, which have improved fruit quality and extended the supply season.

China’s export volume is expected to reach 480,000 metric tons, up 23%, with most shipments headed to Asian markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam. The increase in domestic supply, however, has led to a reduction in China’s demand for imported grapes, which is expected to drop by 25% this year.

Despite shifts in production across various regions, global grape exports are expected to remain relatively stable at 3.7 million metric tons.

China and Chile are projected to lead the export market, offsetting a decline in exports from Turkey and the United States.

Peru, the world’s top supplier of table grapes, is expected to maintain its export volume at 595,000 metric tons, securing its position in the global market.

As Vidales observed, “The ability to innovate and diversify the use of grapes is crucial for staying competitive in an ever-changing global market.”

With consumers becoming more selective and markets growing increasingly interconnected, the grape industry is adapting to meet new demands while keeping sustainability at its core.