Grapes market in Northern America

Earlier Report Observations

The grape market in Northern America contracted from 7 102 thousand tons in 2018 to 5 573 thousand tons in 2023, a decline driven by structural labor shortages in California that raised costs and reduced harvested area. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 severely disrupted supply chains and labor availability, accelerating the drop in production. By 2023, the California grape crush reached a two-decade low, further shrinking market volume.

Throughout this period, growers adopted advanced irrigation and protected horticulture technologies to improve efficiency, while new seedless and premium varieties were launched by companies like Cornell Sun World. However, these innovations did not reverse the overall market decline, as inflationary pressure and shifts in consumer alcohol consumption moderated demand. The market also saw significant corporate moves, such as the acquisition of Sun World by private equity firm Bridgepoint in 2021.

A temporary rebound to 5 722 thousand tons in 2022 was supported by a sharp rise in imports, facilitated by cold-chain logistics innovations. The United States increasingly relied on imports from Chile and Mexico to meet year-round demand. By 2024, lower grape prices in California and reduced import prices reflected ongoing adjustments in supply, while trade-policy risks continued to influence market access.

Production grapes in Northern America

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of grapes, 2017-2020

World map of production of grapes, 2017-2020

Grape production in Northern America has declined for the second year in a row. In 2020, the region produced 5 584 thousand tons of grapes, which represents a 13.2% decrease compared to the previous year. Looking at the period from 2017 to 2020, production fell by 18.2%, with an average annual decline of 6.5%. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 6 999 thousand tons, which also saw the largest annual increase of 2.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Northern America in kind, 2017-2020, K t

Exports grapes from Northern America

Exports in kind, K t

The export market for grapes from Northern America showed an unstable trend over the observed period. Volumes reached their lowest point in 2018 at 1.6 thousand tons, then climbed to a peak in 2019 at 3.8 thousand tons, marking a 2.4-fold increase. In 2020, exports dropped to 1.6 thousand tons, which is 57.6% lower than in 2019. The largest increase occurred in 2019, with a significant jump of 143.6%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the three largest markets for Northern America's grape exports in volume terms were Cuba, China, and Hong Kong. Together, these destinations accounted for 57.0% of total export flows during this period.

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

World map of product's exports from Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

In 2020, Northern America's grape exports were valued at 1.6 million US dollars, down by 50.7% compared to 2019. Over the four-year span from 2017 to 2020, export value decreased by 50.3%, with an average annual decline of 20.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 3.3 million US dollars, which also saw the largest annual increase of 66.4%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, the buyer portfolio for Northern America's grape exports in value terms was quite broad. Cuba accounted for 18.9% of export value, China for 2.4%, and Hong Kong for 1.0%. Together, these three markets contributed only 22.3% of total export value, with many other countries holding smaller but notable shares.

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

World map of product's exports from Northern America in value, 2017-2020

Imports grapes to Northern America

Imports in kind, K t

Import volumes for grapes into Northern America displayed irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market environment. The lowest point was in 2018 at 104.1 thousand tons, while the peak occurred in 2017, showing a 3.2-fold difference between these years. In 2020, imports amounted to 115.1 thousand tons, a decrease of 6.0% from the previous year. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 68.9%, followed by the largest increase in 2019 at 17.7%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, grapes were imported into Northern America from a diverse set of markets. Chile accounted for 20.5% of import volume, Mexico for 12.5%, and South Africa for 9.2%. Together, these three suppliers made up 42.2% of total import volume, with the remaining 57.8% coming from numerous smaller destinations.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern America in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

Grape imports into Northern America have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, import value reached 514.4 million US dollars, showing a modest year-over-year improvement of 2.4%. Between 2017 and 2020, import value grew by 6%, equating to an average annual rate of 2.0%.

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

Over the period from 2017 to 2020, the geographical structure of grape imports into Northern America in value terms was highly diversified. Chile accounted for 19.2% of import value, Mexico for 10.4%, and South Africa for 10.3%. Together, these three countries represented 39.9% of total import value, while the remaining 60.1% was distributed among many smaller partner countries.

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

World map of product's imports to Northern America in value, 2017-2020