The toll on Australian grapes after successive tough seasons

Having endured several challenging seasons, Australian table grape growers are feeling optimistic about the season ahead.

Australian table grape exports into China are down by almost 20 per cent a new report has found, reflecting the toll of unfavourable seasonal conditions for growers.

A Rabobank report released yesterday, found weekly table grape exports increased in the first 10 weeks of the year but volumes have since fallen for the remainder of the season.

RaboResearch analyst Pia Piggott said while China was the major export market for Australian table grapes, volumes into China have softened by 29 per cent year-on-year.

“Indonesia maintained its position as the second-largest export destination for Australian table grapes, with volumes up by six per cent year on year. And exports to South Korea also saw significant growth,” Ms Piggott said.

While exports into China have declined, the report found export values for Australian table grapes lifted seven per cent to an average of $4.49/kg.

The removal of trade restrictions on Australian grapes exported into Japan were also noted as a positive for the market, with potential to boost volumes next season.

Despite the decline in exports, producers are feeling optimistic in the lead-up to harvest after stellar conditions during the winter growing period.

Australian Table Grape Association chief executive Jeff Scott said while the past three years had presented difficult challenges for growers, there was plenty of positivity on the ground in the lead up to harvest.

He said the weather during winter had been “exceptionally good” for Australian table grapes, with growers looking forward to the coming year.

“Our industry is going through a change in terms of varieties. We’ve seen a massive increase in new varieties being commercialised and growers are planting them, taking advantage of early season varieties,” Mr Scott said.

“Everyone is looking forward to the coming season. It’s a little too early to tell, but we’re very optimistic that it’ll be a good season”.