Torrential rains brought by a coastal El Niño phenomenon in northern Peru have left an impact on Piura's table grape vineyards, and will potentially put the brakes on what industry leaders were forecasting would be growth of between 15-20%.

Harvests will begin later this month with the season running through to early 2018.

Peruvian Table Grape Produers Association (Provid) commercial manager Carlos Zamorano gave Fresh Fruit Portal his perspective on the situation.

"The El Niño phenomenon had repercussions in areas where grapes are produced, leading to an excess of water, overflows, and also extreme temperatures that affected plantations," he said.

According to Promperú stats, the 2016-17 season (September 2016-July 2017) registered table grape exports of 314,570 metric tons (MT).

While increased plantings mean that number ought to rise substantially for the 2017-18 deal, the figures will be diminished by the weather impacts, not to mention possible lower volumes as the result of a transition to new varieties from the standard Red Globe variety. 

"We are amidst a full change of varieties which could reduce productivity levels, but I think if there is a reduction it will be because of the El Niño phenomenon which was very severe this year," Zamorano said.

"If we have 10-15% less production, prices might go up, giving a buffer of protection against the fall in production, and not on the contrary," he added. 

According to Peru's Trade Office in New York (OCEX), the country is the world's fifth-largest table grape exporter in the world, reaching 65 countries with the United States as the leading market.

The executive said Peru's strong positioning was due to specific advantages for the country's industry, including the fruit's quality with good sizing and Brix (sugar) levels.

"We have a climate that helps us a lot with special natural characteristics that allow us to start production earlier," he said.

"For example, a new plant in the second year gives significant production volumes and that allows us to be very competitive."

Peru has made strides this year in opening up new markets for its fruit, including blueberries for Brazil, and an expected opening of the Indian market for its blueberries and citrus fruit.

For Zamorano, the big hope is that the Japanese market will open for Peruvian table grapes. The East Asian country imported US$98.5 million worth of table grapes last year, or 33,671MT of which the United States was the biggest supplier followed by Chile and Australia. 

"The idea is to have all possible markets open both for growers and exporters. However, this has to always be with a view set on risk diversification - not putting all your eggs in one basket," he said.

He said there has also been great interest from the industry to improve fruit quality and achieve higher yields, in order to "comply with or surpass" the standards required in different markets.

"Table grapes have consolidated as the top agricultural export product. Despite a possible reduction, we hope to recover the pace of growth starting with the following campaign," he said. 

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