rwpMexican spring table grapes are now crossing the border from the Jalisco growing area, and U.S. grape shipments from California’s Coachella Valley should get started in May.
The official estimate for this year has yet to be released, but Pandol Bros. Inc. of Delano, CA predicts volume will be between 22 million and 24 million boxes.
Last year, Mexican growers shipped about 25 million 18-pound boxes of table grapes to the U.S.
Growers launched an early grape program in Jalisco about five years ago because producers in similar tropical climates such as Brazil, North Peru and India were growing good-quality table grapes. This year, the SEASON began April 1.
Sonora grape shipments out of Mexico should start by May 6.
Grapes from California ship from May to January and represent 99% of all commercially grown table grapes in the U.S.
The California harvest begins in the Coachella Valley in late spring and moves north to the San Joaquin Valley by mid-July.
The state’s growers shipped 77 million 19-pound boxes last year, just over 2 million of which came from the Coachella Valley. That figure was up from about 1.9 million boxes the prior year.
Fresh Farms, is entering its sixth season growing grapes in Jalisco with increased volume each year. The company started with the green Sweet Globe variety and some red Sweet Celebration grapes and Cotton Candy. Now the varieties are expanding.
Divine Flavor of Nogles, AZ ships from Jalisco, which started around March 25 and continues until the middle of May.
Last year Divine Flavor packed about 1 million boxes of premium grape varieties, and this year the firm expects expect to pack approximately 1.8 million boxes.
In the primary production area of Sonora, Divine Flavor expects to be on par with its previous years of around 5 million to 6 million boxes of grapes, which is close to 20% to 25% of the total volume from Mexico.
Bari Produce LLC of Fresno, CA will kick off its central California table grape season in mid-July.
Grower, marketer and distributor Oppy, with offices in Nogales, is set to double its Mexican grape volume for the 2024 season, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to expanding its 365 program.
The enhanced lineup will now include sought-after Sun World varieties, such as AUTUMNCRISP® and RUBY RUSH®. Initial assessments of the grape crop indicate a promising season ahead, with estimates suggesting industry volumes will fall within the 22-24 million box range.
In a move to optimize efficiency and freshness, Oppy has redesigned its supply chain by using its cold storage facilities in Los Angeles for 20% of its volume, reducing mileage and enhancing truck availability. Oppy has also sharpened its focus on exports, particularly into Asian markets, through Delica North America Inc., in which Oppy owns 50% share.
This news comes after Oppy’s strategic joint venture was announced with Sun Grape USA earlier this year — forming Sun Grape California LLC — An Oppy Company. This collaboration ensures a consistent supply of year-round high-quality grapes, complementing Oppy’s global reach from Peru, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and Mexico, alongside extensive acreage in California.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Go to oppy.com to learn more.