Fall brings cooler nights, leaves on the ground and, of course, table grapes. The cooler nights that late summer and early fall offer bring sweetness to this popular snacking fruit, and the fall crop brings a wider selection of table grape varieties to consumers.
“I think the flavor and the varieties in the fall are the best all year,” says Justin Bedwell, president of Bari Produce. He adds that “nothing eats quite like the fall grapes.”
Ian LeMay, president of the California Table Grape Commission, also notes that fall is when the majority of California’s table grape volume and 80-plus varieties become available. This dynamic holds true for those table grape providers that source their grapes internationally as well.
“From a supply standpoint, fall also brings broader regional overlap and steadier availability, creating stronger opportunities for promotions,” explains Jen Sanchez, vice president of marketing at Sun World International.
By all accounts, the 2025 fall table grape season is shaping up to be a great one in terms of quality.
Where We Find the Fall Crop
Weather in fall table grape growing regions has been kind to the crop this year.
LeMay reports that in California there have not been too many long stretches of excessive heat. Bedwell agrees, noting the comparatively mild temps in California have meant almost no berry- or vine-stressing heat events this year.
“The vines are happy and really producing some excellent grapes,” he says. “Weather will always keep you on your toes as you get deeper into the season. However, it seems like the fruit is being harvested a little earlier than last season, so perhaps we won’t have many unharvested grapes to worry about, should Mother Nature throw us some weather issues.”
Sun World licensees have reported bigger berries this year that show the qualities table grape buyers are after, according to Sanchez. She also says that more table grape acreage is hitting full stride in key regions for this fall crop compared with recent years.
“Growers report efficient picks and solid yields with fewer passes, supporting margins while maintaining premium quality,” she adds, speaking specifically about the proprietary Autumncrisp brand grapes.
Value of Varieties
Micheal DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations manager at Divine Flavor, which supplies brands like Autumncrisp, Cotton Candy and Sweet Globe, also highlights the value of proprietary varieties within the fall table grapes crop, as well as to the table grape industry overall.
“In California, we’re seeing a clear distinction between traditional grape varieties and the newer, proprietary ones,” he says, noting that consumer demand has shifted.
“The modern table grape consumer is looking for more than just a grape; they want an experience,” he says. And the proprietary varieties are rising to that demand.
“We’re in an exciting and pivotal moment in the grape industry,” DuPuis says. “More high-flavor, proprietary varieties are entering the market; varieties that are not only better tasting but also more sustainable, offer longer shelf life and require fewer inputs to grow. This is a win for both consumers and growers.”
Your next reads:
