Indian table grape exporters are gearing up for harvest in the new year with larger than average volumes of Thompson seedless expected from Maharashtra.

This season is predicted to be better than last in terms of quality, size and volumes, according to two leading table grape exporters.

Speaking to www.freshfruitportal.com, Mahagrapes technical manager Sachin Korde says harvesting of the Europe-bound crop is on track for late January or the first week in February, with an expected consignment of around 4,000 containers set for the 21-day transit to Britain.

"The quality of the export crop is looking very good at the moment and we are expecting solid volumes in the beginning of 2016. Final volumes will depend on the climate between now and January, however we are expecting excellent results," Korde says.

"Harvesting could be happening quite early in the Nashik region this season because pruning has been going on already. Some farmers plan to harvest quite early so they can avoid any risk of water shortages that can happen in January and February, so the idea is to harvest before this occurs.

"I'm confident total volumes have a good chance of being better than last season. We certainly are expecting a good season, better than last year which was badly affected by rains."

Aside from the U.K., Mahagrapes has previously supplied Russia where it is also looking to build the momentum.

"We certainly have the quality European and Russian consumers are looking for. Russia is a very good market for Indian grapes and we really wish to supply importers again next year.

"It's prudent to diversify markets as much as possible, although the U.K. is by far our biggest market, and we continue to enjoy a very good relationship with Britain."

Nashik-based grower exporter, Kalya Exports, is also bullish about its forthcoming European export campaign, estimating higher than average volumes.

"We're predicting an excellent crop in terms of quality, size and quantity, with much larger volumes expected compared against last year," marketing manager Amit Kalya tells www.freshfruitportal.com.

"For the European export campaign, we will start harvesting by mid-January and this will continue until around the second week of April.

"In general India is producing a very high quality crop this season with good quantities, a bumper crop you could say, and this is reflected in Kalya Exports forecasts as we are predicting approximately 350-400 containers which is around 4,200 to 4,500 metric tons (MT)."

Finding alternative markets

Kalya Exports also has a long-established relationship with U.K. importers but is exploring possibilities in Asia, the Middle East and Canada.

"We have shipped to Russia in the past and we’re looking to continue to do this next year. However, we are also exploring markets in the Middle East and China, as well as supplying Canada, which would be a completely new market for us.

"We are still negotiating and have not finalized anything yet, but we’re hopeful to reach these types of markets.

"Generally, it all depends on demand and supply of course, but we have a good reputation in international markets and so usually we get good returns."

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