The table grape market across the Alpine region is entering September with uneven demand, overlapping supplies from different producing countries and mounting pressure on prices. Italy remains the dominant supplier, while demand is gradually recovering in France and is expected to strengthen in Germany following the summer holiday period.
Despite generally good fruit quality, grape consumption is being challenged by the continued availability of peaches, nectarines, plums and other more affordable summer fruits. At the same time, producers and traders are facing higher energy and irrigation costs, while the rapid expansion of seedless varieties is changing both production and consumer preferences.
Italy: Stable market, but uncertainty remains
Even after 15 August, when sales would normally begin to recover, the Italian table grape market remains stable but uncertain. Demand is uneven both on the domestic market and abroad due to the prolonged heatwave, the gradual return of consumers from summer holidays and more cautious household spending.
Uncertainty affects all varieties, both seeded and seedless. Days of stronger demand are followed by quieter trading periods. The problem is not fruit quality, as this year’s grapes are very good, but strong competition from other summer fruits. These products are often more affordable and therefore more attractive to price-conscious consumers.
The sector is also under pressure from competition with Egypt and Spain, as well as rising energy and irrigation costs. Nevertheless, the season has yet to reach its full potential.
The harvest of the Italia variety, widely regarded as the “undisputed queen of table grapes”, started in Sicily around 10 August and has also begun in Apulia. The Sicilian crop is of a high standard, with sugar levels of between 20 and 21 degrees Brix, a crisp texture, good shelf life and favourable plant health conditions.
Volumes remain stable, with the possibility of a slight increase in yields. Commercial prospects are therefore being viewed with cautious optimism. Italia grapes from Apulia also show excellent eating quality. Some growers have already begun harvesting, while others are preparing to start, with the campaign expected to gain full momentum shortly.
According to YouGov, grapes continue to strengthen their position in the shopping baskets of Italian households. In the year ending June 2026, household penetration exceeded 67 per cent, representing steady growth compared with the previous two years.
Households purchasing grapes now do so more than eight times a year, although the quantity bought on each occasion has declined. Consequently, average spending per purchase has fallen below €3.
Organic grapes continue to offer room for growth. Their market penetration of 11 per cent indicates growing consumer interest in products associated with health and wellbeing. Supermarkets remain the main sales channel, while discount stores continue to strengthen their position. Specialist shops, open markets and small retailers account for a more limited share.
Germany: The season is gathering momentum
The European table grape season is gradually gaining momentum on the German market.
“Volumes and prices have remained consistently good so far, although the better Italian varieties will only begin to arrive as autumn approaches. We are now offering Muscat grapes, which will be followed by Pizzutello. The final deliveries of Victoria grapes are expected in calendar week 37. A significant increase in sales is not anticipated until the summer holidays are over, from mid-September onwards,” explains a wholesale trader.
The Turkish Sultana season has started relatively late due to insufficient colour development and low Brix levels. Larger volumes are expected to reach the market from mid-September.
France: Demand recovers after a quiet August
The French table grape market is gradually recovering after a particularly quiet August. The beginning of the school year also marks the start of the transition towards autumn products.
Stone fruit remains widely available in retail outlets, but grapes are gradually gaining more shelf space. This is being supported by satisfactory quality from the main European producing countries, including Italy, Spain, Portugal and France.
Early Italia grapes have well-formed bunches, good berry size and favourable eating quality. The Chasselas variety has been more severely affected by drought, resulting in smaller berries.
However, the transition from summer fruits to grapes is less pronounced than in previous years. Milder September weather allows peaches, nectarines and plums to remain on the market for longer. Nevertheless, September remains an important month for grape sales in France, with consumer interest recovering as quality continues to improve.
Prices are currently lower than last season due to stronger competition between different origins, overlapping supplies and the continued availability of late-season stone fruit. Even so, prices are still considered acceptable. The return to more regular shopping patterns should support sales and improve product turnover in the coming weeks.
Austria: Italian grapes priced between €3 and €3.60 per kilogram
Grapes offered on the Austrian market have recently been of particularly good quality. Italian grapes have been selling for between €3 and €3.60 per kilogram.
Shipments from Brazil, Egypt, South Africa and Peru have also been available, increasing the diversity of supply on the market.
