Mexican grape production is bouncing back this year after poor weather conditions in 2006, with increased volumes and quality.

“Weather conditions have been very good for production,” said Juan Pablo Palazuelos of exporter Proagro. “We are expecting a nice crop with volumes similar to 2005 at around the 18-20 million carton mark.” A freeze last spring meant that production was “way down”, according to Palazuelos, at 11m cartons. “But this year, we have had a lot of chilling hours and bud break was about a week later than usual. We are expecting some nice, big crunchy grapes.”

First sendings are already under way, but Mexico will really move into volume by the end of May and have good availability throughout June. The calendar runs through Perlette, Flame and Sugraone and demand is strengthening for Red Globe, which is being planted increasingly. New plantings are also going in of Black Beauty and Black Seedless, but output is still low.

The aim behind many of the new plantings is to get early availability. “We are trying to move more white fruit to the early market,” explained Palazuelos. “In white grapes, there is a gap for three to four weeks when the market in the UK is weak on supplies and there is only Indian fruit available. For sure you will see more fruit from Mexico in the UK this year, but it also depends on what Egypt and Morocco are doing.”

Mexican growers are looking to extend their Flame season by positioning it firmly as a mid-season grape to avoid any potential clash with stored Crimson from Chile.

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