Crop estimates and quality forecasts were on the agenda of the Grape Division meeting of the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas in Nogales.
“Awesome quality” remarked one attendee. “Good chilling in winter and a long, temperate growing season has given the grapes the good finish and low acid we don’t always see in the desert.”
After a late and slow start, Sonora powered up over the Memorial Day weekend. As of May 31, 3.8 million lugs had been inspected for the US market and a few hundred thousand more had been exported to non-US destinations. The consensus of the distributers was Sonora will easily make its estimate of 15,000,000 boxes.
Good supplies of red and green grapes will be available through the Independence Day weekend. Sugraones, Red Globes and black seedless varieties will be available well into July. “The feedback from Memorial Day sales data confirmed what we already knew. These new crop grapes can be aggressively priced at retail and consumers will be delighted.”, said John Pandol, chairman of the Grape Division.
“Because of the late start for Mexican grapes, coupled with Chilean supply still in the pipeline, some buyers may consider skipping Sonora grapes, but that would be a mistake,” said Lance Jungmeyer, FPAA President. “When shoppers see and taste this year’s crop, they will be back for more. With the flavor this year, retailers can really boost their sales with a sampling program.”
Source: FPAA