Purchasing team of De Groot International: “We have not noticed production loss in South Africa”

Tholen – At the end of November the first South African grapes arrived at De Groot International. Reports concerning the crop were sombre because of the heavy rainfall.

The South African production of grapes is in general somewhat smaller, but after enquiry by agf.nl it appeared to exceed the expectations of the importers. "We already show a slight shortage of dark and white seedless grapes" as per the purchasing team of De Groot International. The quality of the South African grapes is excellent up to now. "The grapes have a beautiful colour, are slightly sweet and of good size".



There is a regular supply from South Africa. "We expect the market to be good to
at least the end of January, after which the season will still run for a little while"
according to De Groot Intenational. Both the demand and the prices are stable,
the buyers say. "We are able to sell everything and we are therefore satisfied with the South African season".

The first Chilean grapes will arrive on 12 January. They are expected to be good and there will be sufficient stock available. De Groot hope to compensate the slight shortage of dark and white seedless grapes with Chilean. "The Chilean grapes are available till the summer, after which the first Italian grapes will arrive".


Grape plantation in Chile

The Italian season was strong. The crop and the quality of the grapes were both good up to December, which is the end of the season. According to De Groot International the Brazilian season, which ended recently, was not so good. "As a result of the longlasting large supply the market was not so strong and also not because good alternatives were available". A large part of the grapes at De Groot International are marketed under their own name Don Mario, supplemented by other brands.