Divine Flavor, Nogales, Ariz., is wrapping up its Peruvian table grape program and has switched to imports of Chilean grapes.
Early varieties include thompsons, sugraones, sweet globes and other greens, according to a news release.
Chile exported about 50 million boxes last year, about 60% of which went to the U.S.
Although drought conditions are causing concerns and a possible 15% reduction in the Chilean grape crop, Divine Flavor anticipates “decent volumes” and more exclusive and high-flavored varieties for retailers.
“This year, we’ll have more Muscat Beauty, which is a great tasting hybrid,” Gonzalo Mery of Santa Elena, a Chilean grower that supplies Divine Flavor, said in the release. “We’ve also planted more autumn crisp and sweet globe, both being specialty and high-flavored greens.”
Peruvian growers for Divine Flavor have also planted more highly-flavored varieties. Agricola Don Ricardo plans to plant more Jellyberries and Gummyberries.
“This movement and our decisions are being backed up by data and testing blocks trials,” Arturo Hoffmann, commercial manager for Agricola Don Ricardo, said in the release. “Next season, we anticipate having 85% of our production to be of the specialty, high-flavored varieties.”
Divine Flavor’s Chilean grape program lasts into April, when production switches to Jalisco, Mexico.
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