Though the start of the export season for Indian grapes turned out to be pretty good, the heavy influx of Chilean grapes into the European market has hit international rates hard, making the season’s close tough for exporters.
According to top officials of the All Indian Grape Exporters’ Association, although there is good movement, and exports from the country to Europe are higher compared to the previous season, rates have dropped almost 50% this season to Rs 35 per kg. Last year, Indian exporters were getting Rs 65 per kg the same time.
Europe is one of India’s biggest export markets for grapes. This season, the country has exported around 1.13 lakh tonne to Europe compared to 84,384 tonne last season.
Gagandada Khapre, president of All India Grape Exporters’ Association, said at the start of the season, Indian exporters were getting Rs 100 per kg and by the end of the season the rates dropped to Rs 35 per kg, he said. This has led to a drop in domestic rates as well to Rs 17 per kg.
