Trade competitiveness in table grapes: a global view

International trade in table grapes has expanded tremendously over the last few decades, with out-of season fresh produce now being traded and consumed globally. Trade intensification has been driven by emerging traders that have changed the economic geography of table grapes.Improving competiveness in global markets is a main goal for entrepreneurs and policymakers. However, whilst the global trade in table grapes has become very important, empirical papers on the topic are limited. In this study, we empirically investigate the global dynamics in trade of table grapes between 1961 and 2011 and characterize the time series properties of the market shares for the leading table grape exporting countries. Our analysis shows how trends in market shares of historical exporters and emerging countries have differed over the last few decades. Our comparative analysis provides useful insights to forecast the prospects for the international fresh food trade.