The table grapes season is in its final period within Murcia, the Spanish Region of Murcia and has produced positive results both in the production and sales, in spite of the issues when exporting the grapes to far-flung locations, like China due to the interruptions to the Red Sea.

“The period of harvest is expected to last for a month more however, so far we’re very pleased with the sales and prices. The month of August was the month of August as a highly active one which saw a record-breaking consumption of table grapes” declares Joaquin Gomez, President of the Association of Producers and Exporters of Fruit and other Agricultural Products, APOEXPA.

The association, along with as a number members, participated as an exhibitor at the recently held Asia fruit Logistica trade show in Hong Kong. “It is extremely interesting for Spanish exporters of table grapes to be a part of this event as it connects all the sector from every country in South East Asia, where there are many markets of interest. The shipping to these markets poses huge logistical hurdles, however they are also very generous with our product,” says Joaquin Gomez.

The ongoing situation within the Red Sea has caused exports to South East Asian countries, including China and India, to drop. “Due to the ongoing conflict within the Red Sea, our shipments to China are subject to a time-to-transfer approximately 45 days which is why air freight is not an alternative because of the restrictions that China has imposed on air transportation. A few big and seasoned companies are able shipping maritime cargo to China. But, for Hong Kong we have more alternatives due to the city’s greater dynamic.”

The Spanish table grape industry has been working in conjunction with Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to keep expanding markets to South East Asia, such as South Korea, where the first steps are being taken in order to work on the required protocols to export.

The President of APOEXPA emphasizes the ongoing expansion of the Spanish market, which is where “table grape consumption has reduced and is more often available with a greater variety of grape varieties.”

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APOEXPA

C. San Martin de Porres, 3

30001 Murcia, Spain

Tel. : +34 968 20 48 72

[email protected]

apoexpa.es