Indian grape prices in Europe are at an all-time high, according to one leading exporter.
Rising production costs in India due to water shortages, combined with strong global demand have pushed up export prices to record highs, says Nitin Agrawal of Euro Fruits.
"I have been exporting grapes to Europe for the past 21 years and I have never seen such high prices being paid to grape growers,” he told Fruitnet.
In late February, prices in Europe were reported to be up Rs15-20 (US$0.28-37) per kg compared to the prior year period.
Demand from the local Indian market, as well as developing exports to new markets in South East Asia is said to have contributed to the hike in Indian grape prices in Europe.
“Growers simply have too much choice about where to sell their grapes,” Agrawal said.
The season started earlier than usual thanks to carefully-timed pruning, according to grape players. And limited availability, thanks to meagre monsoon rains and strong demand are expected to bring about an earlier end to the European export season.
“It is most unlikely that the total volume out of India is going to be higher than last years, since it is a much more compressed season, Eric Bruckner of Dutch importer Timerfruit, Euro Fruits European import partner, told Fruitnet.
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