Fresh grapes market in Southern Asia

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2023, the fresh grapes market volume in Southern Asia increased from 5.9 million tonnes to 6.6 million tonnes, despite annual fluctuations. The initial growth in 2019 was supported by rising exports, particularly to Europe, where the Netherlands, the UK, and Germany became key buyers. Regulatory efforts to control pesticide residues and farm registration for EU exports helped ensure quality and access to international markets.

Market volume stabilized around 6.1 million tonnes during 2020 and 2021, with a moderate decline followed by a slight recovery. Export markets continued to expand during this period, with India exporting to about 30 countries, which supported domestic production. However, persistent challenges in cold storage and processing infrastructure, noted from 2018 onward, contributed to market gluts and price volatility.

The sharp rise in market volume to 6.6 million tonnes in 2023 was driven by several factors. India, as a major producer, saw the development of new seedless grape varieties with improved qualities, enhancing export potential. Simultaneously, updated export procedures to the EU and stringent quality controls facilitated increased shipments, with exports reaching 343,982 tonnes valued at around USD 417 million. Growing global demand for fresh, premium grapes also stimulated production.

Production fresh grapes in Southern Asia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

Southern Asia's fresh grape production saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2020, production reached 6 094 K t, down 1.4% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, production grew by 7.3%, with an average annual growth rate of 2.4%. The peak was in 2019 at 6 182 K t, which also marked the largest annual increase of 5.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports fresh grapes from Southern Asia

Exports in kind, K t

The market showed an unstable trend during this period. Exports hit their lowest point in 2019 at 22.6 K t, with the largest decline of 60.4% that year. In 2020, exports surged to 75.0 K t, a 232.2% increase from 2019, marking the highest volume and creating a 3.3-fold gap between the two years.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, Russia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates remained the primary buyers of fresh grapes from Southern Asia. Russia accounted for 6.5% of exports in kind, Iraq for 4.2%, and the UAE for 1.5%, together making up 12.2% of total exports.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

After two years of decline, fresh grape exports from Southern Asia rebounded. In 2020, exports totaled 85.1 M $ US, a sharp increase of 34.8% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports fell by 12.5%, with an average annual decline of 4.3%. The lowest value was in 2019 at 63.2 M $ US, which also saw the largest drop of 25.0%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, Russia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates continued as the main buyers in value terms. Russia represented 8.2% of exports, Iraq 5.2%, and the UAE 2.0%, collectively accounting for 15.5% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020

Imports fresh grapes to Southern Asia

Imports in kind, K t

Southern Asia's fresh grape imports declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports were 82.7 K t, a slight decrease of 2.8% from 2019. The peak was in 2018 at 101.6 K t, with the largest increase of 23.8% that year. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 16.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China and Australia were the main sources for fresh grape imports to Southern Asia, together representing 11.7% of total imports in kind.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Asia in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Southern Asia's fresh grape imports increased for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports amounted to 210.5 M $ US, up 8.6% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 46.2%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 13.5%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Between 2017 and 2020, the supplier base for fresh grapes to Southern Asia was diverse. China accounted for 31.6% of imports in value terms, Australia for 2.5%, and South Africa for 0.9%, together contributing 34.9% of total import value. Many other countries held smaller but notable shares.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Southern Asia in value, 2017-2020