US_Chilean grapes at the Port of Wilmington, Delaware 2012

Chilean table grape exporters are facing challenging conditions in two of their key export markets, the US and Russia, iQonsulting reports.

Through week 18 shipments to the US were 11 per cent higher than last year, but there has been a sharp drop in demand for white seedless varieties due to issues with the condition of arrivals. By week 18, prices for lower quality grapes had fallen to US$2-10 per 8.2kg carton while repackaged grapes were selling for US$14-20 per carton and premium grapes for US$28-36 per carton on both the East and West Coasts.

Shipments to Russia meanwhile were down 36 per cent to week 18, mainly as a result of changes in import rules. Quality issues have also been reported in this market with arrivals of white seedless grapes, which caused a sharp fall in prices, with an 8.2kg carton selling for Rbs500-900, a fall of around Rbs450 on the previous week.

Russian importers said the problems with white seedless varieties had led to an increase in demand for Chilean Red Globes.