There is development potential in domestic table grape production

Table grapes are one of the most popular fruits of the late summer and autumn period. Thanks to their special content values, it is not by chance that they are one of the most popular and consumed fruits in the largest quantities. 80 percent of the berry is water, its energy and carbohydrate content are outstanding. The high content of vitamins A, B, C, K, as well as potassium, selenium, biotin, iron and folic acid in the grape crop promotes blood formation and the body’s self-defense ability, and it is also an excellent source of manganese. Among the antioxidants, flavonoids protect the body from the destructive effects of free radicals.

Horticultural crops have a hard time coping with the negative effects of climate change, but there are species that are somewhat more tolerant of weather changes. We have few plants that can be successfully grown in our continental climate, but table grapes are definitely one of them, the commercial cultivation of which is more relevant today than at any time 100 years ago. Late flowering largely avoids the spring frost period, which meant greater crop security this year compared to other fruits.

Although grape growing has traditionally been very popular in our country, farmers continue to cultivate wine grapes in the largest area. The main reason for this is that our country is located on the northern border of grape growing. However, due to constantly changing climatic conditions and increasing consumer demands, the cultivation of table grapes may gain more and more ground in the world. The market share of white, seedless varieties is increasing, to which the producing countries are responding by changing varieties and expanding their areas.

According to the National Chamber of Agriculture and the Hungarian Fruit and Vegetable Association (FruitVeB), table grapes are currently grown on approximately 383 hectares in Hungary, the three most significant growing regions being Bács-Kiskun County, Heves County and Tolna County. At the same time, a larger quantity of dual-purpose varieties, classified as wine grapes but also somewhat usable for fresh consumption, are also used for table grapes. Thus, the area of ​​vineyards used for table grapes amounts to approximately 900-1,000 hectares per year. The annual production exceeded 10 thousand tons 10 years ago, but in recent years it has typically been around 4,600 tons. Domestic consumption amounts to 20-25 thousand tons and is constantly growing, so we need significant imports, which have increased dramatically in recent years. In 2024, we imported a total of 15 thousand tons of table grapes. It is clear that the market demand for table grapes also justifies the development of domestic production.