« Go back Italian Table Grapes Exports Continue to Grow: The Best Italian Varieties
Italian table grape exports saw an impressive 12.8% increase between 2022 and 2023, reaching a value of nearly €821 million, according to Ismea's estimates. Despite a 13.5% reduction in export quantities, totaling 384,000 tons, the market value remained strong, thanks to a 30.4% rise in prices, which averaged €2.14 per kilogram. This price increase indicates a growing international appreciation for Italian grapes, with 43% of national production reaching foreign markets—surpassing the 38% consumed domestically. An additional 15% is allocated for juice production.
Italy ranks as the world’s third-largest exporter of table grapes, behind Peru and the Netherlands, and table grapes are Italy’s second most valuable fruit export, following apples. A market shift is underway, with experts predicting a continued rise: “Soon, Italian grapes will surpass €1.2 billion in exports,” said Mario Schiano Lo Moriello of Ismea, during an event in Noicàttaro, southeast of Bari, where 24% of national production is concentrated. With increased product availability year-round, the grape industry is poised for further growth, unlocking new opportunities in foreign markets.
Italian grapes are well-established internationally, particularly in France, Germany, and Switzerland, where traditional seeded varieties like Italia and Vittoria remain popular. However, global preferences are gradually shifting towards seedless grapes, especially in the UK and Scandinavia.
Italian producers have met these evolving demands through significant varietal renewal, introducing new seedless varieties, especially in Puglia, which alone produces 57% of Italy’s grapes. In recent years, around half of traditional vineyards have been replaced with seedless varieties. Among these is Maula, an early-maturing, black-skinned native grape developed through a regional breeding program funded by Puglia in collaboration with CREA and the Nuvaut Producers Consortium.
While the shift to seedless varieties has reduced overall production (dropping to 884,000 tons in 2023, down 14% from 2018), it has improved product quality and market prices. This transition has also opened new commercial possibilities, particularly in the Middle East and South America. Paradoxically, as seedless grapes dominate globally, new opportunities for traditional seeded grapes have also emerged, appreciated as a hallmark of Italian tradition. In Canada, for example, demand for Italian table grapes is growing, especially after a long phytosanitary restriction was lifted. Although the Canadian seedless grape market is dominated by California produce, Italian seeded grapes from Puglia are gaining popularity.
Not all Italian grapes are the same; they vary in shape, color, and intended use.
Some are eaten fresh or made into juices and jams, while others are reserved for winemaking. Italy leads Europe in table grape production, with over 180 varieties cultivated mainly in the country’s southern and central regions. Although they differ in appearance, Italian grapes generally share a sweet flavor and crisp texture. Here are some of the most well-known varieties:
Uva Italia: Large, yellow, and sweet, this is Italy’s most famous grape variety. Harvested in September, it’s enjoyed fresh or used in juices and jams. In Sicily, it is well known as Uva da Tavola di Canicattì IGP.
Pizzutello: This ancient variety is known for its elongated, sweet-tasting grapes and is highly appreciated, though less widely cultivated.
Regina: Characterized by large clusters with yellow, sweet, and juicy grapes, harvested from late August to September.
Uva Fragola: Small, round, and known for its strong strawberry aroma, it’s used in desserts, juices, and jams.
Uva Michele Palieri: This black-skinned, sweet grape variety keeps well and is ideal for both fresh consumption and juice production.
Uva Baresana: A native of Puglia, this grape has a sweet, delicate taste and is grown without pesticides.
Italy is also renowned for its wine grapes, with over 540 varieties. Here are some of the most important wine grapes:
Sangiovese: Italy’s most widely grown variety, used to produce iconic wines like Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino.
Montepulciano: Primarily grown in central and southern Italy, this variety yields rich red wines such as Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.
Glera: The grape used for Prosecco, mainly cultivated in Veneto and Friuli.
Catarratto Bianco: A native of Sicily, this variety is the foundation of fresh white wines like Etna Bianco.
Barbera: A red grape from Piedmont, known for its fruity and intense wines.
Primitivo: A Puglian variety that produces robust wines like Primitivo di Manduria.
Vermentino: A white grape that produces aromatic wines, primarily grown in Sardinia, Liguria, and Tuscany.
Lambrusco: Used to make a sparkling red wine, produced mainly in Emilia-Romagna.
Moscato: Known for sweet, aromatic wines like Moscato d’Asti.
In summary, Italy offers a rich array of grape varieties suited for diverse uses, from fresh table grapes to wine production, embodying a rich agricultural and winemaking tradition. Italian table grapes are experiencing a significant transformation and may soon surpass apples as Italy's top fruit export, driven by varietal innovation and growing international acclaim.
13 November 2024