El Niño Costero conditions have pushed the start of Peru's Piura grape harvest forward by 10 to 15 days compared to the original forecast, with picking beginning in week 38. Quality is described as good overall, though sizing is running slightly below typical levels due to the growing conditions. White seedless varieties including SugarCrisp, Sweet Globe, and Autumn Crisp are first to market, followed by red and black seedless.
First volumes are expected to reach the UK and Europe in weeks 42 and 43, with larger commercial volumes arriving in November. Importantly, importer Fruit Growers Alianza says the early start means an early end is commercially reasonable — the season may wrap approximately two weeks ahead of the usual schedule.
For U.S. buyers, Peru is a key Southern Hemisphere grape origin that helps bridge the gap as California's domestic season closes. An early-closing Peruvian season could create a supply gap before Chilean volumes build to full strength — worth factoring into Q1 program planning given Chile's own weather challenges this spring.