Demand far exceeds supply: only a few table grape growers in Slovenia

In Slovenia, demand for table grapes far exceeds supply, with only a handful of producers currently engaged in their cultivation. According to agricultural experts, the market potential for this type of fruit is substantial, yet production remains limited due to the specialized nature of the process. The current number of growers is still small, with just a few operating within the country. The production of table grapes requires specific technologies, more manual labor, and represents a greater investment compared to wine grape cultivation. Despite this, there are no difficulties with sales, and the practice is gradually expanding. Currently, only one major producer exists on the Drava River region, while two others operate in the Gorizia area. One of these is the farm Bric on the Vogrsko plateau, which previously focused on cherries but shifted to table grapes 17 years ago. The retired farmer Ivo explains, “We have one and a half hectares of table grapes, all under a drip irrigation system and protected against pests. This year we’ve produced around 60 varieties.” Another producer is the farm Aleksija Mavriča in Kojsko in the Gorizia hills, which has moved away from cherry and plum cultivation toward table grapes. They currently grow four different varieties. Their method of producing table grapes is unique, as they avoid using pesticides and insecticides, relying instead on foliar fertilizers. “Our system for growing table grapes is very special,” says Mavriča, “as we ensure no residues remain.” Specialist Ana Leskovšek from the Nova Gorica Agricultural and Forestry Institute notes that while a large amount of grapes are imported, between 13,000 and 15,000 tons, the domestic production is significantly lower. According to records, only 33 hectares are used for table grape cultivation, yielding approximately 167 tons annually. There is a notable difference between locally grown and imported grapes. Denis Rusjan from the Faculty of Biotechnology adds that although there is potential for growth, the conditions required for cultivating table grapes are demanding. “It’s clear that in the coming years, there will be much more of this, as Slovenia has ideal conditions for table grape cultivation,” he states. “However, such plantings require irrigation systems.” The shift towards table grape production reflects broader trends in agriculture, driven by both consumer preferences and economic factors. As local producers adapt to new methods and expand their operations, the landscape of Slovenian viticulture continues to evolve. For now, the focus remains on meeting the high demand through careful management and innovation.