UK Table Grape Market Forecasts from 2023 to 2028

The United Kingdom table grapes market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 3.47% to reach US$1.422 billion in 2028 from US$1.120 billion in 2021.

One of the world's largest consumers of table grapes, the United Kingdom has a vibrant, competitive market that can accommodate a variety of types and levels of quality. Although consumption patterns differ significantly from those of its European neighbors in many ways, growers of grapes in the United Kingdom experience good weather conditions for more production. Table grape consumption is increasing in the United Kingdom due to changing dietary preferences and increased personal disposable income. Growing consumer knowledge of the advantages of eating various fruits is encouraging more people to eat table grapes, which is helping the market for table grapes develop.

Increasing trend towards Convenience

Convenience is increasingly valued by consumers in the United Kingdom. Table grapes benefit from this trend since they are convenient to eat and make a great fresh snack. For the same reason, buyers prefer seedless cultivars, such as the Thompson, Superior, and Crimson grown in Greece, which are predicted to drive market demand even higher in the United Kingdom. For instance, Agrimessina is a third-generation fruit grower and supplier to the UK market. It is based in Puglia and can provide fruit from the middle of July to the beginning of December. Its vineyards currently produce 700 hectares of grapes, 75% of which are their output and 25% of which originate from affiliated farmers.

Increasing Production and Consumption

According to a study published by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) in 2022, the nation's consumption of grapes increased from 275,000 MT in 2019 to 280,000 MT in 2022. The same data shows that between 2020 and 2022, the country's imports of fresh grapes (especially table grapes) climbed from 269,000 MT to 280,000 MT. Furthermore, according to information from the United States Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Economic Research Service, the UK's agricultural production in 2019 was predicted to be about US$ 29.83 billion. Thus, a combination of all these elements is what propels the rise of table grapes in the United Kingdom. As per the report of the CBI Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the import value of fresh grapes essentially table grapes rose from € 310 million in 2017, to € 365 million in 2021, showing the huge demand for table grapes in the United Kingdom.

Increasing Awareness of English Wine

Greater awareness of English wine and a trend toward supporting domestic agriculture have contributed to market growth. As of 2020, 3,800 hectares of area was dedicated to the total UK Vineyard Area which is regarded to be double in size as compared to the last ten years alone. Out of these 3,800 hectares, 98% of it is within England. According to The Wine Society, the UK constitutes a majority number of vineyards and wineries which is interpreted in the figure above.

England is Expected to Grow Significantly

The main grape-growing regions in England are in the southern parts of the country, particularly in counties like Kent, Sussex, and Hampshire. These areas have a milder climate that is more conducive to grape cultivation. England's table grape market emphasizes locally produced grapes, which appeals to consumers who prefer to support domestic agriculture and reduce the carbon footprint associated with importing fruits from distant regions. The table grape season in England is relatively short, typically running from late summer to early autumn. Due to the climate, the growing season is limited, and most grapes are harvested during this period.

Major Market Player

• In 2017, Grape Evolution Ltd was established. This business is known to have North African and European commercial rights to the new varieties from the table grape breeding program. Grape Evolution Ltd was further developed through a long-term international collaboration led by the world-renowned Dr. Avi Perl of the Israeli Agricultural Research Organization Institute (Volcani). Their strategy revolves around delivering better-performing varieties for growers which are sure to bring demand in the market.

Key Market Development

• In the year 2021, Agrimessina partnered with Special New Fruit Licencing (SNFL) to cultivate its specialty varieties, and Agrimessina has Timpson, Magenta, Allison, and Timco in production. The company sells all of the conventional seedless types, such as Thompson, Crimson, Superior, and Autumn Royal in the United Kingdom.

Segmentation:

By Variety

• Seeded
• Seedless

By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online

By Region

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland