French table grape sector targets 40% seedless production as AIRSO unites growers, retailers

FRANCE – The southwestern French table grape industry is accelerating its transition to seedless varieties through a new inter-professional association called AIRSO, which aims to double seedless grape production from 20% to 40% of regional output by 2030.

AIRSO represents 80% of regional production and brings together producers and primary marketers under a single umbrella organization. The aim is to respond more effectively to changes in the grape market, develop a collective strategy for future marketing seasons, and support the growth of seedless grapes.

According to the association, retailers have observed strong growth in seedless grape consumption over the past three to four years. Seedless grapes are gaining ground in consumer purchases throughout France.

Today, seedless grapes account for one-fifth of production in the southwest region. Chasselas remains the main variety, accounting for 42% of volume, while other seeded grapes make up 38% of production.

 As a result, retailers are calling for more French-grown produce, as domestic production currently accounts for only 25% to 30% of the approximately 160,000 tons consumed annually in France, leaving room for imports, mainly from Italy and Spain.

“Retailers are telling us quite clearly that they need more French produce, available for a longer period of the year. The leaders of the French retail sector support our move towards seedless varieties,” explains Florent Darios, managing partner of APIFOOD and co-chair of the association.

Therefore, to support this growing trend, AIRSO is launching a variety trial programme to pool knowledge among growers. A dozen new seedless varieties, selected from a Spanish breeder, will be planted from June 2026 at three sites in Tarn-et-Garonne, with the first harvests expected in September 2028.

The aim is to identify varieties capable of delivering consistent yields of 20 to 25 tonnes per hectare. These trials will complement the ongoing evaluation of another 10 varieties in the region.

“Our interprofessional association is innovative in the collaboration it fosters between producers and shippers, who were still seen as adversaries just a few years ago. Today, we are building the future of the sector together,” concludes Julien Custody, a producer in Cazes-Mondenard, co-chair of AIRSO and newly elected chair of the Chasselas de Moissac union.

This collective strategy represents a major effort to secure the economic future of French viticulture through innovation, shared research, and reduced reliance on imports.

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