Grapes are one of the oldest cultivated fruits in the world, with evidence of their cultivation dating back to ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece. The ancient Egyptians are believed to have been among the first to cultivate grapes for consumption and wine-making around 5,000 to 6,000 years ago.
In the 20th century, advancements in agriculture, transportation, and refrigeration led to the commercialization of table grapes. Growers began to focus on developing varieties that were not only delicious but also had attributes like firmness, shelf-life, and resistance to pests and diseases.
Peru is the largest exporter of table grapes in the world with 2022/23 season reaching 593,000 tons. Making up the top 5 are Chile (497k) China (389k) South Africa (285k) and India (282k).
