CropGPT - Fruits

The weekly report on the global Fruits market for week 49. Brought to you by CropGPT

Show Notes

This episode explores major developments in the global fruits market.
  • Chile’s grape industry has been significantly affected by the suspension of a systems approach previously used for U.S. market access. Key grape-growing regions such as Atacama, Coquimbo, and Valparaíso—responsible for around 20 million boxes annually—are facing logistical and financial setbacks. With some firms reverting to traditional fumigation, quality standards and export competitiveness have been compromised.
  • In Peru, grape production faced weather-related delays, particularly in the north due to heavy rainfall. However, recovery is expected in December from the southern regions. Demand for green seedless grapes remains strong, supporting stable pricing despite the early end of the California season.
  • Spain’s strawberry season began in Lepe, Huelva, under tough conditions caused by high temperatures and storm damage. Despite this, planted areas expanded, with early harvests favoring the pest-resistant Candela variety. In Egypt, early strawberry harvests increased supply but reduced quality, leading to low local prices. Growers dealt with pest issues and poor seedling quality, though demand remains stable for high-quality, low-residue exports. New processing methods, such as drying, are being introduced to meet global demand.
  • Ukraine’s berry sector saw a 35% decline in processed output compared to vegetables, driven by high raw material costs and volatile market prices. Still, companies like Tevita exceeded their targets, reflecting resilience in a challenging environment. Peru reported strong growth in strawberry exports, primarily to the United States, with frozen strawberries dominating due to consumer preference.
  • On Réunion Island, Victoria pineapple production has declined due to subsidy cuts and evolving agricultural practices. Strategic delays in market entry aim to avoid low demand periods, while sustainability and fair producer compensation remain priorities.
  • South Africa’s citrus sector reported export growth supported by favorable weather and efficient port operations. Demand for juicing-grade oranges and lemons remains strong. However, concerns persist over the impact of U.S. tariffs and the need for broader international market access to ensure long-term sustainability.

What is CropGPT - Fruits?

Welcome to the CropGPT Fruits Podcast—your quick briefing on what’s shaping the global fruit market. From bananas and mangoes to berries and citrus, we break down the latest data on yields, weather disruptions, disease outbreaks, and shipping trends across major producing regions.
Using real-time insights drawn from satellites, ground surveys, NGO updates, and local media, we deliver clear, crop-specific updates on supply shifts, production risks, and export changes—so you can respond faster and plan smarter.

Our weekly episodes are under 3 minutes, designed for professionals who need clarity without complexity. Our deep dives, about specific issues are 15 to 30 minutes.

Interested in other crops too? CropGPT offers dedicated podcasts for:

Cocoa
Coffee
Fruits
Grains
Nuts
Oils
Sugar

Our primary podcast, covering the global issues of logistics, tariffs, weather and pricing across all commodities is here.

Speaker 1:

Welcome to the weekly summary of the global fruits market for 12/07/2025. For more information on any aspect of this report, please visit the CropGPT website for far more detailed reporting and analysis. Chilean grapes. The recent suspension of the system's approach has notably disrupted Chile's grape industry, especially affecting prominent grape growing regions such as Atacama, Kokimbo, and Valparaiso. These regions collectively produce around 20,000,000 boxes annually, with half targeting The United States market.

Speaker 1:

The suspension came after 2,400,000 boxes were successfully validated in the last season, posing a considerable risk of sunk costs for companies that invested heavily in compliant infrastructure and processes. In response, some firms have returned to traditional fumigation methods, eroding the invested value of the system's approach. This transition endangers the superior quality standards previously maintained without fumigation, influencing overall grape prices and market competitiveness. Peruvian grapes. As we transition from California's grape harvest to Peru's season, growers have encountered meteorological challenges that momentarily disrupted supply continuity.

Speaker 1:

Northern Peru, beginning its grape season concurrently with California, experienced heavy rainfall, causing minor delays. However, production is anticipated to pick up in December, particularly in Southern Peru. Market demand remains robust, particularly for green seedless grapes, supporting stable pricing trends akin to the previous years despite an earlier conclusion of California's season. Spanish strawberries. In Lepe, Huelva, Spain, the strawberry season began under challenging conditions, characterized by high temperatures and Storm Claudia's impact.

Speaker 1:

Despite these obstacles, the season commenced with an expanded plantation area by 10 hectares. The specialty Candela variety, celebrated for its pest resistance and vibrant red hue, is prioritized for early harvests aligned with zero residue sustainable practices. The broader production includes the continual cultivation of Marisma and Cleopatra varieties, with strong market demand ensuring comprehensive coverage. Egyptian strawberries. The Egyptian strawberry season commenced earlier than usual, initially resulting in an increased yet lower quality supply, unsuitable for export.

Speaker 1:

The premature harvest led to subdued prices due to surplus in local markets. Growers, including El Sayed El Gohari, faced substantial agricultural challenges, such as poor seedling quality and pest infestations, demanding replanting and extensive treatment use. Despite these issues, stable demand is anticipated, particularly for high quality yields meeting maximum residue limit standards, extending into early next year. New processing methods, like drying, have been adopted to meet international demand for dried strawberries, aiming to absorb significant volumes of fresh produce. Ukrainian strawberry processing Ukraine's berry processing sector has seen a downturn, with a 35% reduction in processed berries compared to vegetables this season.

Speaker 1:

High raw material costs and fluctuating market prices prompt processors to adopt cautious operational strategies. Nonetheless, the berry sector managed substantial production, with companies like Tevita surpassing their targets. Despite these successes, pricing volatility presents ongoing challenges, especially in export markets sensitive to sudden cost variations. Peruvian strawberry exports. Peru has witnessed a remarkable surge in strawberry exports, with significant growth in both volume and value primarily driven by The United States market.

Speaker 1:

There is a strong preference for frozen strawberries, which account for the majority of the export value. This trend highlights Peru's growing influence on the global strawberry market, bolstered by diversified international demand and a sustained market preference for frozen over fresh strawberries. Victoria pineapples. On Reunion Island, the production of Victoria pineapples has declined due to reduced subsidies and changes in agricultural practices. Despite the slowdown, the quality remains high, with delayed market entry strategically planned to bypass low consumption periods.

Speaker 1:

Efforts are being made to enhance producer remuneration and promote sustainable cultivation practices to maintain its esteemed market position. South African citrus exports. South Africa's citrus industry has noted a substantial rise in exports, thanks to favorable weather conditions and efficient port operations. The demand for juicing grade oranges and lemons is robust, extending the sales season. However, concerns over The United States tariffs' impact and the need for broader market access underscore considerations for future sustainability and economic impact, highlighting the necessity for continued market expansion and diversified international trade relations.

Speaker 1:

Remember, our CropGPT site contains far more details and reports about the fruits market, including crop health reports, twenty years of weather data, and even pricing data and earning call analysis. This podcast is just a few selected highlights for the week.