Peru overtakes Chile to become world’s leading table grape exporter as China emerges as formidable contender

A new report released by Rabobank has revealed that Peru has overtaken Chile to become the world’s leading table grape exporter – a change described as a ”significant shift” for the industry.

China is also rapidly positioning itself as a “formidable contender” in the global table grape business, according to the RaboResearch report.

With China’s exports projected to exceed 100mn boxes, the global landscape is ”poised for transformation by the end of the decade”, the analyst said, a development that opens up new avenues for market diversification and strategic growth, particularly in Southeast Asia.

Peru’s rise to the top of the global table grape export market marks a pivotal moment for the industry, Rabobank outlined.

The achievement is underscored by the robust growth in Peru’s global exports, which reached an unprecedented 4.6mn tonnes in 2024/25.

“Peru’s success reflects the sector’s evolving competitiveness and highlights the potential for strategic repositioning among leading exporters,” said Gonzalo Salinas, senior analyst fresh produce at RaboResearch.

Meanwhile, China is emerging as a key player, with its exports fuelling both supply and demand across Southeast Asia.

Driven by a rising middle class and shifting consumer preferences, China’s influence is ”reshaping the global table grape market”, the report noted.

“As China becomes more self-sufficient, it relies less on imports, further solidifying its position in the industry,” Rabobank explained.

According to Salinas, in North America, US table grape exports are stabilising, with notable growth in markets such as Mexico.

This growth is supported by retail expansion and promotional efforts, which have boosted demand.

Mexico’s table grape industry remains resilient, benefitting from steady demand in both the US and domestic markets.

Despite previous weather disruptions, South American exports have rebounded, reaching a record 1.3mn metric tonnes, setting the stage for continued growth in 2025/26, Rabobank suggested.

The European Union and the US continue to dominate as the largest importers of table grapes, accounting for 43 per cent of global volume.

Over the past decade, imports in these markets have grown steadily at an annual rate of 2 per cent, the report pointed out.

In the US, per capita consumption is on the rise, averaging 8.2 pounds per person per year over the past ten years, with projections to reach a record nine pounds in 2025/26.

Salinas pointed to China as the one to watch for the business.

“As China becomes more self-sufficient, Southeast Asia is emerging as an attractive alternative for market diversification across the industry,” he added.

”The region’s growing demand presents untapped opportunities for exporters seeking strategic growth in new destinations.”