Table grapes

Turkey Exports Half of its Table Grapes to Russia

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According to data from the Aegean Exporters’ Association, half of the table grape exports in the period from June to October (worth $120 million) went to Russia. The overall exports surged by 15% compared to the same period of the previous season, up from $103.6 million, the data showed.

By receiving $67.1 million worth of Turkish table grapes in the said period, Russia had a share of 56% of the total exports, followed by Ukraine with $13.4 million and Germany with $6.7 million.

The western province of Manisa, which meets almost all of the exports of fresh grapes, has offered overseas markets products such as “Emperor,” “Razaki,” “Red Globe” and “Superior,” as well as the Manisa Sultani seedless grapes, a registered trademark.

In the meantime, harvest season continues in the 120,000-acre vineyard area in Sarıgöl, Manisa, renowned for its table grape production. Hayrettin Uçak, chairman of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, said that they are pleased with the export of fresh grapes this season.

Stressing the quality of table grapes, Uçak added that they do not experience any difficulties in marketing. “Our manufacturers are also satisfied with the price. Sultani seedless grapes especially are in high demand,” he said. “Russia is by far the largest market in grape exports. We have had some trouble with Russia in the past, but we are fine at the moment. We went above the previous figures… We sell one bunch of grapes to Russia, the other bunch to domestic markets or European countries.”

www.freshplaza.com

Californian grape harvest ahead of last year’s

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An early start to the grape harvest in California has the state’s production ahead of what it was at this point last year. Harvesting is expected to continue through December, and shipments are anticipated to continue through February of 2014.

“The season started early,” noted Kathleen Nave, President of the California Table Grape Commission. “We started harvesting during the last week of April, and the season has been good so far.” Nave attributed the early start to a combination of weather factors that led to grapes that were ready to be picked earlier than usual. The early jump to the season has made for good volumes of fruit. While shipments of grapes were at 2.3 million boxes at this point last year, California’s growers have shipped 3.2 million boxes of grapes so far this season.

“We’re significantly ahead of last year’s crop, and we expect to keep that pace up,” said Nave. The bulk of the state’s grapes are currently coming from the Coachella Valley, and harvesting there will continue through the end of June. Harvesting in the San Joaquin Valley is expected to get under way around the fourth week of June. Total volume for the state this season is expected to be close to last year’s volume of 117 million boxes.

“The crop size will be similar to last year and quality is excellent,” said Nave. “We’ve also had two more weeks on the front end to ship product, so, from a marketing standpoint, it’s shaping up to be a very good year.”

www.freshplaza.com

Russia increased imports of table grapes

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Russia increased further imports of table grapes from Italy.

According to the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia, the country imported about 2,600 tons of Italian grapes in September. 50% more than the previous year. For the period July to September 2013, Italian exports already reached 5000 tons.

In the previous season, Russia had imported 16,000 tons of grapes from Italy. Italy is still far from the main supplier, Turkey, which exported 134,000 tons of grapes in Russia. Uzbekistan, Chile, Peru, Moldova and the preceding Italy which is ranked only as 8th supplier of table grapes from Russia.

 

www.fructidor.com