Last held in Australia in 2008, the conference supported the exchange of information on world production and marketing of dried grapes.
Mr. Mark King and Ms. Anne Mansell, both of Dried Fruits Australia, were elected chairman and secretary for the event, respectively.
The conference took a major step forward in agreeing to the launch of an international campaign to promote dried grapes as a healthy alternative food option. The campaign is due to be launched in February 2020 by the Dried Fruit Alliance.
As for production estimates, the statistical analysis undertaken at the conference showed a slightly larger crop, mainly due to production increases in Turkey, South Africa and Chile. Carryover stocks are still relatively low, if compared to the early 2000s, but it will be possible to supply normal market demands.
Regarding the supply situation for currants, it was noted that the recent trend of smaller Greek crops had not turned around and a crop of 20,000 tons of currants is expected.