Vashi: The arrival of grapes in the Vashi Agricultural Produce Market has gained momentum as temperatures rise, bringing an end to the wait for sweet grapes. While grape consignments started arriving in small quantities from December to January, the initial produce was sour. Now, with favorable weather conditions, sweeter grapes are making their way into the market.
Grape arrivals typically begin by mid-November and peak in January. However, this season saw a delay due to extended rainfall, which pushed back vineyard pruning by a month. As a result, the season started later than usual. Initially, only a few trucks were delivering grapes, and the available fruit lacked sweetness. But with the current warm climate, grape ripening has improved, leading to an increase in the supply of high-quality, sweet grapes.
Market sources report that earlier, only 2-3 truckloads of grapes were arriving daily, but this number has now risen to 9-10 trucks. On Wednesday alone, around 700 quintals of grapes were delivered to the market. The rising temperature is proving beneficial for grape cultivation, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.
In the wholesale market, white grapes are currently priced between ₹500 and ₹900 per 9-10 kg box. Traders predict that grape arrivals will increase significantly in March, with the season continuing until mid-April.
The majority of the grapes are arriving from Nashik, Tasgaon, Satara, and Sangli. As the season progresses, consumers can expect a steady supply of sweet grapes in the market.
