Northern Peruvian growers have started to export some of their table grapes for the 2016-17 season, although still in small volumes from specific farms. The region's harvest will start to come on stronger in September and October in seedless grapes and Red Globes.

Agricola Chapi commercial manager Rafael Martín says the country's table grape crop is looking quite good this year, with the optimal amount of cold hours in the lead up to the main harvest.

While keeping in mind that 70% of Peru's production is in the Red Globe variety, Martín highlights this year's growth will be coming from seedless grapes.

"In terms of seedless varieties, we will grow by around 30% but if we combine seedless varieties with Red Globes a growth of 10% is estimated," he says.

He says Chapi expects growth for its production of seedless varieties licensed by California-based Sun World, which include Midnight Beauty, Scarlota Seedless and Sable Seedless.

Small volumes of the grower's new varieties have already been exported.

"I think the growth of new varieties will come in the next five years - the future of grapes is in seedless," he says.

Even though the Peruvian season's end clashes with the Chilean season peak, Martín says his country's fruit will be practically alone in the market in December.

"Last year was very favorable for Peruvian table grapes in the United States, but this year it doesn't mean that it'll be the same scenario," he says.

"In price the campaign is not expected to be so optimistic, but the window favors us."

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