This episode explores key developments in the global fruits market.

• In India, unseasonal rains from May to October 2024 have devastated grape crops in major producing regions such as Nashik and Sangli, resulting in yield losses of up to 100 percent. This has caused a doubling of grape prices, pushing up wine production costs and leading to a 25 to 30 percent price hike in entry-level wines. Tax incentives that favor the use of local grapes have further intensified cost pressures. The grape shortage is also disrupting India’s fresh grape exports and wine export market, valued at 30 to 40 crore annually.
• Greece, meanwhile, continues to export strawberries to Germany and other European markets despite logistical disruptions, thanks to rerouted shipments through the Port of Patras. Favorable weather has enabled early, abundant harvests, with growers using strategies such as increased potted plantings and a focus on early-ripening varieties like Fortuna, Arwen, and Victory. However, Egyptian strawberries—cheaper but lower in quality are exerting downward pressure on Greek strawberry prices, which are already 15 to 20 percent below last year’s levels.
• In Florida, a new marketing campaign by the Strawberry Growers Association highlights the quality and flavor of local strawberries under the Fresh From Florida brand. The campaign uses digital platforms to reach consumers and supports Florida’s expanding strawberry production. Nevertheless, market saturation and perishability continue to pose challenges.
• Egypt’s strawberry sector has achieved a 150 percent increase in exports to Russia and a 25 percent rise in total exports for 2025, now reaching 86 countries. This growth is aided by an accelerated harvest season due to higher-than-average temperatures, improving Egypt’s export timing and competitiveness.
• In Southeast Asia, Korean strawberries are thriving as premium exports due to their high sugar content and quality. Varieties like Seol Young, developed locally, are favored in markets despite intense competition from Mexico, Spain, and the United States. However, dependence on a few specific cultivars and climatic sensitivity pose sustainability risks, emphasizing the need for ongoing innovation and varietal diversification.

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.

This week’s global fruits market report.

• Peru has strengthened its position in the global grape market, particularly with exports to China surpassing 34,000 tons by 2024, securing its place as the second-largest supplier. This success is attributed to agricultural innovations such as modern irrigation, drone technologies, and automated post-harvest systems, which have improved both product quality and logistics. In contrast, Chile has dropped to third place among grape exporters to China, with exports falling to 30,000 tons due to labor shortages, drought, rising costs, and underperformance of new grape varieties.
• Moldova has emerged as a significant grape exporter, reaching over 30,000 tons by November 2025, with more than half directed to the European Union. While average prices have slightly declined, revenues remain strong, aided by enhanced storage infrastructure that has supported consistent export flows despite adverse weather.
• Peru’s blueberry exports are projected to stabilize at 360,000 tons in 2025. Since taking the global lead in 2015, Peru has maintained growth through strategic supply management and diversification of seasonal varieties. Climate change poses an increasing threat to blueberry production, especially in Latin America and Africa, where higher temperatures and reduced water availability are affecting crop quality and raising production costs. Adaptive strategies, including relocating production and investing in technology, are underway in Peru and Chile.
• Chilean grape exports to the U.S. face additional barriers due to the suspension of the system approach, requiring fumigation on arrival. This has raised costs and diminished competitiveness relative to Peruvian grapes, which retain cold chain integrity from harvest to market.
• In Argentina, shifts in agricultural priorities are emerging as farmers move from soybeans toward more profitable crops like corn and sunflower. This transition is expected to boost yield potential and processing capabilities in the coming years.
• Finally, Ghana is implementing a new minimum farm gate price for mangoes through the Tree Crops Development Authority. This initiative seeks to improve price transparency, enhance economic predictability for growers, and better align local production with international market demands.

This episode examines the state of the global fruits market.

• In South Africa's KwaZulu Natal, a severe outbreak of Banana Bunchy Top Virus (BBTV) has devastated the Kwan Yuswa agricultural farm, affecting 25 hectares and killing approximately 3,000 banana plants. The outbreak has led to an estimated revenue loss of R500,000 and impacted over 100 indirect beneficiaries from the Roselands Community Trust. In response, the farm is implementing recovery strategies such as acquiring agrochemical supplies, investing in new seedlings and fertilizers, and developing uncontaminated fields. Management emphasizes the importance of aphid control training, rigorous recordkeeping, and ongoing field monitoring.
• In trade policy, the United States eliminated a 15 percent tariff on select Costa Rican fruits, including bananas and pineapples, boosting economic prospects for Costa Rican producers and enhancing supply availability for the U.S. market.
• Peru’s table grape season is progressing well despite initial weather delays. The Piura region has completed 40 percent of its harvest, with red grape varieties benefiting from improved coloration due to cooler temperatures. Green grapes, particularly the Autumn Crisp variety, are in high demand in the United States, with exports projected to exceed 17 million boxes. Total seasonal output is forecasted at 87 million boxes, with peak volumes expected in February.
• However, a recent U.S. federal court ruling halted Chile’s use of a streamlined import methodology for table grapes, reinstating mandatory fumigation. This change may affect Chilean grape competitiveness and quality in the U.S. market. Compounding the issue, severe weather in California and Northern Peru has further strained supply, with a 25 percent drop in exports from Piura compared to last year.
• The United States faces a potential supply gap as it transitions from domestic to imported grapes in December. Brazilian grape exports are constrained by logistics and elevated tariffs, limiting their ability to supplement U.S. demand. These disruptions could lead to price increases, impacting consumer access to what is often considered a luxury fruit.

This episode provides a comprehensive update on the global fruits market as of November 16, 2025.

In the United Kingdom, the average cost of banana imports has dropped to 0.78 per kilogram, a 16 percent weekly decline. This downward trend is seen across Latin American exporters: Guatemala (-20 percent), Nicaragua (-22 percent), Costa Rica (-9 percent), and Colombia (-12 percent). Seasonal supply shifts and waning European demand are the main factors driving this price reduction.

Colombia has signed a new trade deal with China, commencing in 2026, to export 15,000 tons of bananas annually. This agreement requires stringent compliance with China's quality and sanitation standards, prompting infrastructure upgrades and certification initiatives. Meanwhile, Ecuador’s banana sector continues to face threats from TR4 fungus and black sigatoka disease, stressing the need for consistent investment in disease management and biosecurity.

India’s grape industry is grappling with yield losses of up to 50 percent due to adverse weather and disease outbreaks, leading to expected price increases. Conversely, Greece is experiencing a productive strawberry season, with only 10 percent crop loss, thanks to improved weather and strategic farming. In China, blueberry cultivation has surged to over 90,000 hectares, positioning the country as the world’s leading producer amid rising domestic demand fueled by health-conscious consumers.

In the Americas, Washington’s raspberry industry is struggling with competitive Mexican imports and higher production costs. Stakeholders are advocating for fair trade protections. Ukraine has risen as Europe’s top raspberry exporter and expects a 20 percent price increase despite losses from spring frosts.

India’s pineapple sector has expanded land use by 60 percent since 2020, focusing on exports to Gulf nations and the Maldives. Efforts are increasing to diversify processing methods to improve shelf life and broaden export reach.

Australia has launched the Ruby Gold Mango, a new variety praised for its flavor and appearance. Early consumer trials indicate strong market potential. In Peru, mango output is forecasted to fall by 15 percent, which may drive up prices. Nonetheless, product quality remains stable, with efforts ongoing to enhance shipping logistics and port operations to support export stability.

This episode delivers a global overview of the fruit market as of November 9, 2025.

• Chile’s table grape industry faces a critical setback following the suspension of the United States Systems Approach Protocol. This decision stems from a federal court ruling against USDA exemptions that previously allowed certain Chilean regions to bypass methyl bromide fumigation. The suspension hits hardest in Atacama and Coquimbo—areas free of the European grapevine moth—and is compounded by potential delays in appeal processes due to government closure. Producers are now lobbying for exemptions and alternative treatments amid a concurrent 10% tariff on grape imports to the U.S., placing additional pressure on exporters.
• In Tamil Nadu’s Khumbum Valley, India, monsoon rains are severely impacting pannier grape production. Waterlogging and delayed ripening have driven prices down, especially in competition with Maharashtra’s seedless grape variety. Wildlife interference further threatens crops, prompting the Department of Horticulture to advocate for subsidized anti-bird netting to help mitigate losses.
• Uzbekistan has launched its first grape exports to Japan, marking a milestone in global market entry. Varieties such as Kalin barmak and Kora kishmish from Fergana were included in this initial shipment. A broader agreement with Kuva Agrostar LLC also involves additional fruits, strengthening Uzbekistan’s agricultural trade potential and boosting its economic footprint.
• California’s table grape season is nearing its end, with harvests expected to conclude by November 20. Despite shipping approximately 60 million boxes and planning 20 million more, continued strong demand is supported by low domestic fruit supplies and strawberry crop setbacks. Rain events have necessitated costly protective measures to maintain fruit quality.
• In Australia, extreme weather has again impacted fruit production. A thunderstorm in Northern New South Wales devastated Stephen Thandy’s blueberry farm, resulting in infrastructure and crop losses estimated at over $300,000. This underscores the increasing vulnerability of fruit farming to severe climatic events.

Mexico’s mango industry has become a global powerhouse, producing more than 2.2 million tons in 2023 and supplying nearly 85% of its exports to the United States. But beneath that record output lies a story of strain.

This episode unpacks the forces reshaping the country’s mango sector - from climate extremes and new pesticide bans to the economic realities facing smallholder farmers who make up 70% of producers. Drought in Sinaloa slashed exports by 75%, while heavy rains in Chiapas and Oaxaca wiped out parts of the prized Ataulfo “honey mango” crop.

We explore how Mexico’s nine-month mango season depends on a carefully sequenced coastal harvest, why yield gains have stalled despite rapid expansion, and what the phaseout of 35 “red list” agrochemicals means for growers already stretched by weather volatility.

As the conversation turns toward 2026, the message is clear: the future of tropical farming isn’t about planting more trees - it’s about building resilience through smarter irrigation, adaptive genetics, and affordable technology for small-scale growers.