A few weeks ago, Grappolo Rosso, an Apulian company managed by Asia Grilli, began its 2025 table grape campaign. This year, the company began harvesting its first fruits in early July. “We started with small quantities,” Grilli explains, “because we focus intensely on quality and achieving the proper sugar content. Currently, our main customers are in Italy and the Netherlands, followed by Germany and Spain. We also work in Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia.”

© Az. Agr. Grappolo Rosso

The harvest began with seedless grapes, including Luisa, Vitro Black, Maula, and Navsel 6 varieties. The latter is licensed by the SNFL program, of which Grappolo Rosso is a part. Seeded varieties, such as Victoria and Black Magic, are also appearing, albeit in small quantities. However, they are of excellent quality. “Our markets want ripe grapes with good coloring that will satisfy consumers right away.”

“At the beginning of the season, the harvests are uneven and sporadic,” Grilli explains. “Each lot must be carefully monitored. Two or three days may pass between harvests. “For a few days now, we have had more quantity and continuity after the first weeks of sporadic harvests.”

© Az. Agr. Grappolo Rosso

In Apulia, the calendar aligns with expectations. “There have been no advances or delays,” says the entrepreneur, a statement confirmed by our technician. The fears about powdery mildew a few weeks ago have not materialized. The quality is good, and there are no phytosanitary problems.”

Commercially, prices are good in these first few weeks, as is often the case with early fruits. The demand, which was initially low, has gained momentum, particularly due to the increased presence of seedless grapes. Meanwhile, competition from Egypt remains in some European markets, with the latest batches of grapes priced lower.

“In Italy, however, domestic grapes are preferred as soon as they are available. Fortunately, the Egyptian product is now in its final stages. In ten days, we expect the quantity of Egyptian grapes on the market to be minimal, if not nonexistent.”

© Az. Agr. Grappolo Rosso

Seedless grapes are setting a trend
The consumer trend toward seedless grapes appears to be continuing into 2025. However, Asia Grilli stresses the importance of investing in varieties that strike a balance between sweetness and firmness. We are focusing on three super late varieties that excel in organoleptic qualities and resistance: Kelly, Late Pearl, and Allison.

According to Grilli, seeded grapes, such as Italia and Red Globe, still have their audience. “Some people still prefer the traditional flavor, but many seedless varieties today come very close to the same sweet flavor profile.”

© Az. Agr. Grappolo Rosso

Technology: In favor of assisted selection, but harvesting is still done by hand
Regarding innovation, Grilli has a clear stance. “Mechanized harvesting is not yet applicable to table grapes. Each customer has specific requirements regarding ripeness, color, and shape. This requires the expertise of an operator and an in-depth understanding of the target market.”

Artificial intelligence solutions for end-of-line quality control, however, are more promising. “We have seen some examples in the Netherlands, such as a system that can analyze each container with 360-degree photos. It is interesting, but it still needs to be adapted to the variability of our markets and customer needs.”

In the future, however, automation could play an important role, especially in coping with the increasing difficulty of finding labor.

© Az. Agr. Grappolo Rosso

Sustainable, tailored packaging
© Az. Agr. Grappolo RossoGrappolo Rosso maintains a clear approach to packaging, too. “For seedless grapes, we use 500- or 750-gram baskets made of recycled plastic or cardboard. We also offer 2-Kg mixed baskets, which are very popular in Italy.”

Seeded grapes, on the other hand, are mostly sold loose or in paper carry bags, a sustainable and convenient solution for direct sales. Demand varies depending on the market. The Netherlands prefers carry bags for the seeded product, while pre-packed baskets are popular in Hungary, Croatia, and Slovenia.

Outlook for the second half of the campaign
The company is optimistic about the coming weeks. “Many of our customers are in areas that attract tourists, so we expect to see an increase in orders, particularly in Italy. At the end of the month, we will also start selling seeded grapes more systematically once the apricot campaign is over.”

Asia Grilli offers a realistic outlook on the market: “Seeded grapes are initially less in demand, partly because the Sicilian market is still very much present. However, as soon as we start selling our top varieties, we expect a successful season. The keyword remains the same: quality.”

For more information:
Asia Grilli
+39 348 3893746
Az. Agr. Grappolo Rosso Soc. Agr. a R. L.
[email protected]
www.grappolorosso.com