India is one of the leading exporters of seedless grapes to Europe and Australia, both of which being major grape producers. The green coloured Thompson Seedless variety, black coloured Sharad Seedless and Jumbo variety are exported chiefly to the Netherlands. These grapes are then distributed throughout Europe, with a sizeable amount landing in Australia and France.
The European Union had rejected Indian grapes on grounds of pesticide residues in 2010 but settled the issue by end of 2012. Last year India’s wine production hit a record 17 million litres. Major contributions to India’s fledging wine industry come from Maharashtra and Karnataka.
Demands for concentrated grape juice and dried grapes from Nasik, Sangli and Ahmednagar have been rising by leaps and bounds. Grapes grown in Nashik, Sangli and Pimpalgaon are widely used for making Sauvignon Blanc, sparkling wines, white blends, and some rose wines in Australia. While UK prefers the Thompson Seedless variety of grapes, the Jumbo black variety has a huge market in the Gulf countries. However, red wines are generally made from grapes grown in France’s Bordeaux and Rhone regions.
In the last financial year, India exported 17,212.25 million tonnes of grapes to the United Arab Emirates. According to data available with the Agriculture and processed fruit products export development authority, APEDA, exports were valued at Rs. 129.62 crore. Netherlands accounted for 46,136.91 million tonnes of grapes, valued at ₹527 crore.
However, we shouldn’t forget the fact that Nashik is likely to face losses with regard to its grape exports this year. Extreme weather conditions in last few months and untimely rain have severely affected grape crops. Undesirable climatic conditions in the biggest exporter of grapes, Maharashtra, will lead to a loss of 25 to 30% in yields.
Nevertheless, next time you get a bottle of sparkling white French wine you will definitely find it sweeter as you can now rightly claim “in vino veritas”!!!
