The Peruvian table grape season is progressing strongly despite weather uncertainties and a slightly delayed start. Agronomists have confirmed that the recent heavy rainfall in Piura, one of the country’s key northern grape-producing regions, has not harmed crops.
In fact, the rain has helped. According to media outlet Fruitnet, a storm on November 4 was the second-heaviest dry-season downpour Piura has seen since 2017. With the Peruvian table grape harvest underway and most vineyards uncovered, growers feared rain-related crop damage or disease outbreaks.
However, technical advisor Roberto Bezerra reported that the rain’s intensity and duration were too low to cause harm.
Instead, the rain lowered temperatures and reduced vine stress, benefiting red varieties in particular by improving coloration. As of last week, nearly 40 percent of the Peruvian table grapes in Piura had been harvested, with quality described as high, especially impressive given the severe drought earlier this year.
Autumncrisp, a hit among Peruvian table grapes
Meanwhile, demand is surging for Autumncrisp®, the green grape brand that has rapidly become a consumer favorite in the US, with its larger size, crunch, and flavor.
Peru, the world’s largest producer of the Sugra35 variety known as Autumncrisp®, has seen exports double since last season, with more than 17 million boxes expected to ship this year. Despite a later start due to weather and import tariff concerns, shipments of Peruvian table grapes are now underway and are scheduled to arrive on US shelves around Thanksgiving.
Currently, Piura is harvesting, but the main volume will come from Ica, followed by newer arrivals from the emerging Nazca region, which offers an earlier Peruvian table grape harvest window thanks to its unique microclimate.
With Autumncrisp® making up around 20 percent of Peru’s projected 87 million box total for the 2025/2026 season, and peak volumes expected by February, the outlook is robust.
“Autumncrisp® is key for us, and we believe quality and flavor will drive consumption,” said Divine Flavor’s Antonio Escobar to media outlet Fresh Plaza.
Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
