There are fewer grape supplies and shipments of Mexican grapes. Combine this with strong demand and there are higher retail grape prices and less volume. This situation is expected to continue through most of July.
According to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA, updated estimates show Mexican growers lost 30 percent of the red grape crop and 24 percent of green grape harvests due to storm damage.
The most damage is being seen in red grapes as this crop was at peak maturity with high sugar levels at the time of the storm.
Quality is expected to be good, but mold and split grapes are problems. Quality control crews will double their efforts to ensure the best quality available upon shipping.
The California season is expected to begin in mid-July. Expect low volume and elevated markets for the next four weeks.