U.S. production of grapes in 2020 was pegged up over 100,000 tons vs LY

The USDA said world production of grapes for 2020-21 is expected nearly unchanged at 25.7 million metric tons as gains in China are larger than weather-induced losses in the European Union. China grape production is forecast to see a slight gain of 400,000 metric tons to 11 million metric tons, the USDA said, reflecting gains in crop management techniques.  The European Union production is projected to fall 170,000 tons to 1.4 million metric tons, according to the USDA. Italy suffered severe frosts during flowering followed by damaging rain and hail in the fall.  Meanwhile, U.S. production in 2020 was pegged up over 100,000 tons compared with a year ago, to 1 million tons.  Peru’s grape production is expected to see another year of gains, rising 12,000 metric tons to 665,000 metric tons thanks to favorable growing conditions and as new plantings continue to come into production.  Chilean grape production is forecast unchanged at 785,000 metric tons, with improved water supplies offsetting losses in planted area, according to the USDA.