Peruvian table grape production is estimated to increase 7% in the 2018-19 campaign to 540,000 metric tons (MT), according to a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service said exports should reach 385,000MT which would also be 7% higher year-on-year.

The U.S. is expected to be the top market destination with 33% of total exports, followed by the Netherlands and Hong Kong.

“Grape production is recovering after heavy El Niño rains and unstable temperatures in early 2017 delayed harvest, reduced yields, and reduced quality,” the USDA said in the report.

Fresh table grapes are one of the top produce exports by value for Peru, reaching US$653 million in the 2017 campaign.

Crops conditions

Peru’s top producing regions, Ica (41%) and Piura (22%) have an advantageous dry coast with more than 12 hours of sunlight per day, year-round, which makes it a suitable area for grape production, said the report.

The USDA said that due to these conditions and the accurate irrigation, Peru is able to mature vines 55% faster than neighboring countries, which contributes to its success.

While the Red Globe variety keeps dominating production due to its popularity in the Chinese market, producers are shifting toward higher value varieties to supply other markets, with most popular being Crimson Seedless, Flame Seedless, Sugraone and Thompson Seedless.

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