With precipitation set to worsen in the coming weeks, further disruption to programmes is likely
Table grape farmers in northern Peru are scrambling to pack and ship their harvest ahead of the worsening El Niño scenario.
As torrential rainfall flooded parts of Piura on Tuesday, meteorologists warned that conditions could get worse from early November, with the threat of flash flooding and mudslides.
As reported by AgroPeru, some exporters have been forced to temporarily halt harvesting in week 43 due to the rain, while others have opted to cut back their shipment programme due to the disruption caused by the weather.
Peru’s National Service of Meteorology and Hydrology (Senhami), has forecast more frequent precipitation in Tumbes and Piura, throughout November, with some episodes also affecting Lambayeque. The rains are expected to persist right through to March across northern coastal areas, Senamhi warned.
The longer the rains continue, the more it poses a risk to the quality and shelf-life of the fruit.
This year’s harvest in Piura got underway about three weeks earlier than usual as the higher temperatures brought on by El Niño accelerated fruit development.
Analysis from FreshFruit Peru shows that between weeks 38 and 41, Peru shipped 57,700 tonnes of grapes – three times the 18,800 tonnes recorded during the same period in 2025. Almost all of this volume originated from the north.
European producers are keeping a close eye on developments in Peru. According to German importer Kölla, this year’s transition to the overseas season will require particular attention.
“In Northern Peru, the first major origin of the new campaign, producers expect crop losses of around 15-20 per cent due to the impact of El Niño,” it reported. “In addition, limitations in sizing and berry size are anticipated. At the same time, the season is developing earlier than usual.”
Kölla noted that Italian late-season varieties are expected to remain available well into November, with additional volumes from Brazil also expected to enter the European market as a result of shifting trade flows.
“This is likely to create a market environment in which multiple origins are active simultaneously over the coming weeks,” the importer said.
“While Italian late-season varieties are expected to remain available for longer than usual, the first South American programmes are anticipated to arrive earlier than normal. As a result, the overlap between the two supply regions could expand significantly during November and December, with a substantial impact on the balance between supply, demand, and market pricing.”
