Fresh grapes market in Southern Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh grapes market in Southern Europe showed volatility in physical volume from 2018 to 2020. After reaching 17.6 million tons in 2018, it contracted to 15.7 million tons in 2019, then recovered to 17.1 million tons in 2020. During this period, the growing influence of large-scale distribution channels over traditional sales outlets reshaped consumer access, while the UN/CEPE working group revised international quality standards for table grapes, updating commercial norms that affected product quality and trade.

Regulatory and economic factors intensified from 2021 onward. The Italian Legislative Decree no. 198/2021 implemented the EU Directive on unfair trading practices, altering supply chain relationships. In 2022, a consumption crisis and rising inflation in Italy reduced domestic demand and increased production costs, setting the stage for a sharp market contraction. By 2023, the market volume fell to 13.3 million tons, partly due to measures like 'cosecha en verde' (early harvest destruction) requested in some Spanish regions to rebalance wine grape supply, which also impacted table grapes.

In value terms, the market reached $32.8 billion in 2023 despite the lower volume, reflecting higher prices driven by cost inflation and tighter supply conditions.

Production fresh grapes in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of fresh grapes, 2017-2020

In 2019, Southern Europe's fresh grape production experienced its largest decline of 11.0%. However, production rebounded in 2020, reaching 17 684 thousand tonnes, which marked a 9.1% increase compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 17.4%, translating to an annualized growth rate of 5.5%. The peak production was recorded in 2018 at 18 205 thousand tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 20.9%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2019, the value of fresh grape production in Southern Europe saw its largest decline of 14.1%. In 2020, output rebounded to 34 504 million US dollars, representing a 16.7% increase from the previous year. From 2017 to 2020, production value rose by 27%, with an annualized growth rate of 8.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2018 at 26.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports fresh grapes from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, K t

Southern Europe's fresh grape exports declined for two consecutive years before increasing in 2020. In 2019, exports hit their lowest point at 653.3 thousand tonnes, with the largest decline of 8.4% recorded that year. In 2020, exports rebounded to 746.7 thousand tonnes, showing a strong 14.3% increase compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 2.5%, equivalent to an annualized decline of 0.8%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany was the leading destination for Southern Europe's fresh grape exports in volume terms, accounting for 26.4% of total exports. France followed with 15.0%, and the United Kingdom with 11.0%. Together, these three countries represented 52.4% of all export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

After a two-year drop, Southern Europe's fresh grape exports in value terms increased in 2020. In 2019, exports reached their minimum at 1 192 million US dollars, with the largest decline of 11.6% recorded that year. In 2020, exports rose to 1 457 million US dollars, reflecting a robust 22.2% year-over-year gain. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 5.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.8%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany contributed the most to Southern Europe's fresh grape exports in value terms, representing 29.2% of total exports. The United Kingdom accounted for 14.7%, and France for 12.7%. Collectively, these three markets made up 56.5% of total export flows.

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

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

Imports fresh grapes to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2019, Southern Europe's fresh grape imports in volume terms recorded their largest decline of 10.0%. In 2020, imports rebounded to 122.1 thousand tonnes, showing a substantial 21.7% increase compared to the prior year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 22.2%, with a compound annual growth rate of 6.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Southern Europe's fresh grape imports in volume terms were broadly distributed across various markets. Chile led with 10.1% of imports, followed by the Netherlands at 8.9%, and Peru at 8.5%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 27.6% of total import flows, indicating a wide spread of suppliers.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Southern Europe's fresh grape imports in value terms increased for the third consecutive year in 2020. Import volume reached 298 million US dollars, up by 17.1% year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 26%, with a compound annual growth rate of 8.0%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Chile was the largest supplier of fresh grapes to Southern Europe in value terms, accounting for 13.6% of imports. Peru followed with 13.4%, and the Netherlands with 13.3%. Even combined, these three suppliers represented only 40.3% of total imports, highlighting a broadly diversified partner base.

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

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