As California grape harvest unfolds, Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Fresh Farms says it faces a season marked by both challenge and opportunity.
Vines endured significant stress as temperatures soared to highs of 110-115 degrees Fahrenheit in the San Joaquin Valley, causing a delay in maturation as the plants struggled to adapt, the company said in a recent update. The heatwave has influenced the harvest, says Shaun Ricks, Fresh Farms sales representative.
“The intense heat has had a pronounced effect, especially on colored grapes like Flames and Summer Royals, [which] were very slow to gain color and have only begun to color up in the past week,” Ricks said in a news release. “The green grapes were delayed only slightly but resumed maturation when the heat broke and are now about two weeks ahead of last year. Colored grapes are running about the same as last year.”
Fresh Farms said it is concentrating on a select range of varieties this season, including Sweet Globe, Great Green, Allison, Krissy and Candy Hearts, estimating a total packout of 94 million. The final figures are expected to be confirmed in December, according to the release.
Fresh Farms said it has been able to overcome the challenges at present and position itself for future success as consumer preferences shifts, adjusting its strategies to ensure that its grapes are covering all aspects such as flavor, appearance and attractive packaging.
“Staying aligned to these preferences allows us to deliver the best possible grapes to the market.” Ricks said.
Logistics have been another area of focus. The company is implementing prompt delivery practices by using refrigerated trucks for transporting grapes from the field to properly storage them, rather than flatbed bobtails, according to the release. This change ensures that the grapes are kept in good condition, maintaining their quality throughout the supply chain, Fresh Farms said.
When grapes arrive at the store, the company said it ensures that retailers know exactly how to preserve quality. Fresh Farms provides full-service support in grape category management, emphasizing that selling grapes involves more than simply storing them in refrigerated cases.
