U.S. retailers are focused on table grape imports and fruit in cold storage as the local harvest period has come to an end.

Peru has been on a strong growth streak, with an average increase of 20% over the past three seasons in the north.

The U.S. received 47% of Peru’s overall shipments in 2022. It  is expected to remain the top export destination for Peruvian grapes.

Data reveals that a staggering 16 million 18-pound boxes have been shipped thus far, denoting an impressive year-on-year increase of nearly 40% compared to the 11.5 million boxes exported in the previous season of 2021-22.

With large shipment peaks at the beginning of the year now coming to an end, the sector is currently experiencing a slower period of growth.

With an almost 40% increase year-on-year, the Sweet Globe variety surpassed the market staple Red Globe by over 2 million boxes.

Inflation has Peruvian producers and exporters on alert over concerns that consumers may opt to purchase less expensive fruit.

Peru's table grape association Provid has forecast exports in the 2022-23 season to increase by 11 percent to 71.5 million boxes equivalent to 8.2 kilograms each.

Riding on demand for new varieties, Peru has been creeping up in the export rankings towards the spot as the world's top exporter of table grapes, with gains this year in shipped fruit volumes and value.

The Grape Reporter spoke with a number of Peruvian exporters to get their insight into the upcoming campaign and assess the challenges it faces both abroad and at home.