The annual launch of the Mexico grape season is set for next Thursday and Friday, April 15-16 in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico during the Sonora Summit event. Organized and hosted by the Sonora Grape Growers Association (AALPUM) for their industry, it is also open to non-industry guests, space permitting.
This popular event begins on with tours of the ranches to see the crop. Our harvest it not until May, but you can certainly see how the fruit is shaping up and get an idea of size and volume now. notes Ing. Juan Laborin, AALPUM director, host and MC of the twoday event. Following the vineyard tours, a typical Sonora carne asada (barbecue) is scheduled at one of the ranches.
There will also be a special ceremony post-dinner for the Mexico Supreme Quality (MSQ) Masters of MCS Awards, honoring receivers who have excelled in Mexico produce procurement and promotion. Last years winners included Safeway, Inc, Farmers Best, The Giumarra Cos, and Bay Area Produce. This years retail, wholesale and distributor winners will be announced at the event. MSQ is the official Mexico Secretary of Agriculture (SAGARPA)s food safety certification program.
On Friday, the Summit in the morning begins with motivational and international market trend speakers, including the USDA who will give an update on import regulations and other related topics. The program ends officially with the much-awaited official crop estimate announced by the different regions and ranches.
This is a key planning tool for the industry. notes John Pandol of Pandol Bros, who also heads the U.S.-side Sonora grape distributors group out of Nogales, AZ. It allows for an orderly flow of product into the U.S. and Canada during a very tight time period. The short Sonora grape season typically runs from early May to right after the July 4th Holiday, and can range from 15 to 20 million or more boxes.
Recent season Summits have drawn over 300 guests, and space is limited.
Source: Mexico Supreme Quality
Caption: Juan Laborin, official host (left) and John Pandol of Pandol Bros, present at last season’s Sonora Summit.