One of the main factors contributing to the increased prices of Concord grapes is the decrease in grape supply. This decrease in supply can be traced back to the years 2015 and 2016, when there was an oversupply of Concord grapes that led to low prices in the market. As a result, many grape growers decided to reduce their Concord grape acreage in subsequent years.
In the Lake Erie region, which is known for its Concord grape production, there has been a significant decline of approximately 10% in acreage dedicated to Concord grapes since 2015/2016. This reduction in acreage has had a direct impact on the availability of Concord grapes, causing a decrease in supply.
Moreover, other grape-growing regions such as Washington and Michigan have also experienced a decrease in Concord grape acreage, with some areas seeing a decline of up to 20%. This further exacerbates the overall shortage of Concord grapes in the market.
The decrease in grape supply can be attributed to a variety of reasons. One factor is the changing preferences of consumers. In recent years, there has been a shift towards other grape varieties, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay, which has led to a decrease in demand for Concord grapes. As a result, many grape growers have chosen to plant different grape varieties that are more in line with consumer preferences.
Additionally, the labor-intensive nature of Concord grape cultivation has also played a role in the decrease in acreage. Growing Concord grapes requires significant manual labor, including hand pruning and hand harvesting. This labor-intensive process can be costly and time-consuming, making it less attractive for grape growers, especially when there is a decline in demand for Concord grapes.
Furthermore, weather conditions and climate change have also impacted Concord grape production. Extreme weather events, such as frost or hailstorms, can damage grape vines and reduce yields. Changes in temperature and rainfall patterns can also affect the overall health and productivity of grapevines. These factors, combined with the already decreasing demand for Concord grapes, have discouraged grape growers from continuing or expanding their Concord grape production.
In my personal experience as a sommelier and brewer, I have witnessed the impact of these factors on the availability and price of Concord grapes. I have seen the decline in acreage dedicated to Concord grapes, which has led to a scarcity of this particular grape variety. As a result, the prices of Concord grapes have increased significantly, making them more expensive for both winemakers and consumers.
The increase in prices of Concord grapes can be attributed to the decrease in grape supply, which is a result of changing consumer preferences, labor-intensive cultivation practices, and the impact of weather conditions and climate change on grape production. These factors have created a shortage of Concord grapes in the market, leading to higher prices for this particular grape variety.