Russia is new market for California grapes
Russia is new market for California grapes
Having opened a number of new markets in recent years, California's fresh grape industry is now eyeing Russia as a potentially lucrative place to export fresh California grapes.
Susan Day, vice president of international marketing for the California Table Grape Commission in Fresno, CA, traveled to Russia in late February to meet with U.S. trade officials and Russian produce importers. She also met with importers and exporters from all over the world in Berlin, Germany, at Fruit Logistica, an international trade fair for fruit and vegetable marketing.
This visit followed a trip Ms. Day made to Russia two years ago to explore the potential of the previously untapped market. In 2006, exports of fresh California grapes to Russia topped 335 metric tons, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"The Russian people like the quality and the large size of grapes grown in California," Ms. Day said in a release. "Also, the fruit is available in November and December when there is limited fresh fruit available in Russia."
The Russian economy is booming with its large oil reserves and a steadily improving fiscal climate. "Russia has the potential to become a major market for our industry," Ms. Day said. "There is significant interest from the Russian produce industry to increase imports of California grapes."
Exports of fresh California grapes have increased substantially in recent years largely because of trade expansion efforts and the opening of new markets. Exports to offshore markets and Mexico between 2001 and 2005 increased 30 percent by volume, while value increased 37 percent. Over the past 10 years, exports to offshore markets and Mexico have increased 118 percent in volume and 112 percent in value.
Susan Day, vice president of international marketing for the California Table Grape Commission in Fresno, CA, traveled to Russia in late February to meet with U.S. trade officials and Russian produce importers. She also met with importers and exporters from all over the world in Berlin, Germany, at Fruit Logistica, an international trade fair for fruit and vegetable marketing.
This visit followed a trip Ms. Day made to Russia two years ago to explore the potential of the previously untapped market. In 2006, exports of fresh California grapes to Russia topped 335 metric tons, according to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
"The Russian people like the quality and the large size of grapes grown in California," Ms. Day said in a release. "Also, the fruit is available in November and December when there is limited fresh fruit available in Russia."
The Russian economy is booming with its large oil reserves and a steadily improving fiscal climate. "Russia has the potential to become a major market for our industry," Ms. Day said. "There is significant interest from the Russian produce industry to increase imports of California grapes."
Exports of fresh California grapes have increased substantially in recent years largely because of trade expansion efforts and the opening of new markets. Exports to offshore markets and Mexico between 2001 and 2005 increased 30 percent by volume, while value increased 37 percent. Over the past 10 years, exports to offshore markets and Mexico have increased 118 percent in volume and 112 percent in value.
