Posts Tagged “California grape shipments”
Sunny Cal Farms of Reedley, CA expects a strong season for its organic Thomcord grapes, shipping in mid-July, according to a press release.
Conventional and organic Kyoho grapes are expected to begin shipping in early August, followed by Niabel grapes in mid-August. CJ will also be expanding his very popular text cards to the Organic Niabel Concord and Kyoho grape packs.
The grower of specialty heirloom and gourmet grapes, announces that organic Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes will be available for the first time during the summer 2026 season, adding to its already popular Organic Thomcords, known for their flavor, as well as grower CJ Buxman’s personal texts to end customers who want to reach out directly to the farmer.
“When we first introduced our conventional Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes, consumers responded extremely favorably to their fragrance and flavor,” said CJ Buxman, owner of Sunny Cal Farms and a third-generation San Joaquin Valley grower. “That demand encouraged us to plant for the organic market four years ago, and 2026 will mark our first organic harvest.”
Niabel Concord and Kyoho are heirloom seeded grape varieties known for their distinctive sweet flavor profiles balanced with pronounced tannins. Demand for the conventional versions has been driven by their intense aroma, rich flavor, and the growing consumer interest in polyphenol-rich foods.
“Every grape variety we grow is selected for flavor and fragrance,” Buxman said. “Many modern table grape varieties have been bred primarily for size, sweetness and shipping durability. Our Niabel Concord and Kyoho grapes deliver the full, classic ‘grapey’ flavor profile that many consumers remember and increasingly seek out.”
Niabel Concord grapes offer a rich sweetness balanced with bright acidity and a flavor reminiscent of fresh grape juice. Kyoho grapes are intensely aromatic and sweet with a subtle tart edge.
Both varieties are traditional slip-skin grapes, allowing consumers to pop the pulp from the skin for a sweeter taste or eat the whole grape for a more complex flavor experience. The varieties also contai
Mexican table grape loadings started about two weeks early this spring and will be ending the season a couple of weeks early as well, according to Pandol Bros. of Delano, CA. Total volume also has been reduced from earlier forecasts.
Sonora Mexico loadings got underway in late April and are predicted to be finished the last half of June. As of May 19 about one-third of the crop had been harvested.
The first 10 to 14 days of the season, product hardly moved as retailers were still selling Chilean grapes. This resulted in very little Mexican product was selling during that time, and inventory started to accumulate at the border in Nogales, AZ Pandol reported. Around May 12 – 15, retailers finally started transitioning and since then, shipping volumes have been normal.
The grower/shipper noted yields have been disappointing and volume estimates have been revised down. The initial pre-season estimate was 18.2 million cartons, down from 22.7 million in 2025. However, revised estimates are in the 15-16 million carton range. Last year, the season was interrupted by rain on June 5, which caused production to drop and forecasts were adjusted downward. This year’s initial estimate was already lower than last year’s post-rain estimate and the revised 2026 estimates are even lower.
The market prefers grapes from Central California’s San Joaquin Valley and is eagerly waiting for the region’s harvest to begin around June 20 – 25, Pandol observes. Overall, Pandol Brothers expects to be finished shipping from Nogales before July 3rd.
The 2025/26 winter in Southern California was the warmest on record, and the result is an early bloom for table grapes in the San Joaquin Valley. Growers and shippers see the season starting two to three weeks earlier than usual.
Hronis Inc. of Delano, CA reports if the warm trend continues they could be harvesting grapes by the week of June 15. The grower/shipper notes other producers in the area and even stretching to Mexico are reporting similar sightings, with estimated harvest timelines varying by location.
Pandol Bros. of Delano, CA refers to communications among other area growers who indicate harvesting may be anywhere from 15 to 23 days early, but he’s cautious about such predictions. The harvest is still two months away and a lot can happen to affect it.
The Southern San Joaquin Valley starting the season at the end of June would still be early, as table grape picking typically starts around the first and second weeks of July.
If the season does get underway earlier this could extend the shipping season. Loadings typically last into December or January.
Unseasonably hot weather is forecast for California’s San Joaquin Valley over the next week. March temperatures typically range from a high of 68 degrees to a low of 45 degrees, but this week, highs are forecast in the 90s. This has the potential to create quality defects in current and upcoming crops grown in that region.
Citrus
- Quality will remain strong
- Expect to see more pliability in Navel oranges, but supplies will not break down or decay any quicker than normal
- New crop Valencia oranges expected to start shipping in late April; expect to see an increase in regreening if the weather continues its warm trend
- Lemons are less susceptible to hot weather due to their thicker rinds
Grapes/Stone Fruit
- Growers have no long-term concerns for the upcoming summer crops
- Grapes and stone fruit are more susceptible to hail and rain damage
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An otherwise relatively some California grape growing season was disrupted in mid-October when an unusually strong storm crossed key production areas from Bakersfield to Visalia.
Between 20 and 30mm of rain fell over two days, prompting California grape growers to cover vineyards with protective plastic.
Pandol Brothers, California grower, shipper and importer based in Delano, reported nearly all vineyards have plastic covering ready to be pulled on in case of rain. However, this was an unusually strong storm for October, but it shouldn’t be a problem for most growers.
Some others expressed less optimism. One California grape exporter noted that many vineyards appeared to be uncovered and added that even protected blocks could see increased disease pressure from moisture rising back up from the soil.
The storm also resulted several shippers halting ocean exports to Asian markets, opting to rely solely on air freight to avoid the risk of claims or rejected fruit on arrivals.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
As the second half of summer unfolds, Creekside Organics of Bakersfield, CA is delivering a fresh, flavorful lineup of organic fruit designed to bring energy and momentum to produce departments nationwide.
With organic grapes and melons now shipping in peak volumes, Creekside is meeting the moment with consistent availability, strong varietal diversity, and packs that align with retail execution strategies.
Fruit World, a part of the Creekside Organics family of brands, is currently shipping its seasonal grape program through late September. This year’s standout offerings include organic Thomcord and conventional Kyoho varieties.
The company’s signature Thomcord grapes—a cross between Concord and Thompson Seedless—are beloved for their nostalgic, intensely “grapey” flavor and wide consumer appeal. These are available in one-pound clamshells and two-pound paper totes to meet a variety of merchandising needs.
Creekside Organics is also in the heart of its organic melon season, with cantaloupes, honeydews, Hami, and mini seedless watermelons now shipping in promotable volumes through the end of October.
About Creekside Organics, Inc.
Creekside Organics, Inc. is a leading, certified organic grower-shipper in California, sourcing from organic farms across California and Mexico. Creekside entered into a 50/50 merger with Fruit World in 2025; a move that amplified its commitment to sustaining a prosperous future for family farms. Offering year-round organic fruit and vegetable programs, Creekside remains committed to expanding market reach for its growers, preserving family farms, and upholding the highest standards of environmental sustainability. For more information visit creeksideorganics.com.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The 2025-26 California table grape season got underway in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. As Coachella comes to an end any day now, loadings willshift north to the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes are harvested into December.
Good volume shipments are predicted this season.
To support the season, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign strategically developed to motivate the trade to stock and promote California table grapes, while inspiring consumers in the U.S. and across 21 export markets to choose more California grapes more often.
To encourage retailer participation, the campaign offers a comprehensive suite of promotional tools and incentives. These include bonus opportunities, digital promotions, a registered dietitian (RD) retail program, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling.
On the consumer side, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California-grown fresh grapes.
“Grapes from California enjoy a long season, with plenty of opportunity for promotion, from summer celebrations to fall gatherings,” said Ian LeMay, commission president.
“With a product that has global appeal, strong demand, and a strategic marketing campaign executed by a dedicated team, the commission is yet again ready to continue promoting California table grapes in markets around the world,” said LeMay.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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.
Grape loadings from the California desert kick off domestic shipments each year and once again it will begin from the Coachella Valley.
California table grape growers shipped 91.5 million 19-pound boxes to 56 markets worldwide in 2024, according to the Fresno-based California Table Grape Commission.
Though the first estimate for this year’s crop won’t be taken until late April, growers report another robust harvest. Coachella typically wraps up in late June or early July when the vast majority of shipments for the season will start coming out the San Joaquin Valley by mid-July.
Tudor Ranch in Mecca, CA., expects to start shipping grapes no later than May 12.
Two red varieties, Karizma and flame, launch the season. Other varieties from Tudor Ranch include sugraone; valley pearl, which is a large, round grape; black seedless varieties; and Timco, which starts midseason and continues until the season ends around July 10.
The company also will add the red seedless Torch variety this season and has planted an early green grape called ARRA Honey Pop, which should debut next year.
Fruitful of McFarland, CA will start its table grape seaspm in July and predicts a heavy crop, which will be larger than last year.
The company grows around 10 varieties, which include flame, sugraone, Ivory, Scarlet Royal, Sweet Globe, Autumn King and Allison.
Flame, the first variety to be harvested.
Tudor Ranch sees plenty of Coachella grape volume being available for Memorial Day.
A strong comeback is being experienced for California table grapes after facing challenges during the 2023-24 season. USDA data reveals the state had shipped 71 million boxes by early November, 12 million more than during the same period last season.
All table grape shipments are coming from the San Joaquin Valley, which typically operates between June and January. On Nov. 8 alone, the state shipped a little over 705,000 boxes of table grapes.
With harvest ongoing, the industry expects to harvest a crop of over 90 million boxes and to continue shipping through December.
According to USDA data, last season ended with 69.7 million boxes shipped from California, a season heavily impacted by Tropical Storm Hilary in August.
Over the last four years, California has shipped fewer boxes by this point in the season, with the highest volume during that period in 2022 at 70.6 million boxes.