Indian grape exports to Europe have shown a 63% year-on-year increase this season to 36,888 metric tonnes (MT), website Indiatimes.com reported.

The Netherlands imported 21,403MT, followed by the U.K. at 9,463MT, Sweden with 2,155MT and Germany received 1,617MT.

Other significant importing countries included Denmark at 660MT, Finland with 585MT and Norway at 460MT.

Smaller consignments were sent to Belgium (264MT), Ireland (94MT), France (67MT), Lithunia (62MT), Austria (30MT) and  Switzerland (23MT), according to the Indian Agriculture & Processed Food Products Export Development Agency (APEDA).

Maharashtra state accounted for 99% of India's exports shipping 36,652MT with Andhra Pradesh state exporting 197MT. The Indian grape season runs from January until May.

Nashik district contributes to 70% of Maharashtra's total grape exports and this season increased its exports by 86% shipping 28,000MT.

The district agriculture superintendent officer registered about 15,499 vineyards totalling 10,600 hectares for grape export this season. Last year around 12,888 vineyards totalling 9,308 hectares were registered with the same office.

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