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 say they anticipate another robust harvest. Picking kicks off in the Coachella Valley in May and shifts to the San Joaquin Valley by mid-July.
“This season, the California table grape industry is positioned to deliver exceptionally delicious and nutritious table grapes throughout the U.S. and around the globe,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission.
Tudor Ranch in Mecca, Calif., should have grapes available no later than May 12, said Joe Tudor, company president.
Two red varieties, Karizma and flame, kick off 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.
McFarland, Calif.-based Fruitful will start its table grape program in July, said Richard Solorio, president.
“It will be a heavy California crop this year,” he said. “There’s a lot of fruit on the vine.”
Solorio said he anticipates a larger crop than last year, judging from the number of bunches he sees on the vines.
The company grows around 10 varieties, which include flame, sugraone, Ivory, Scarlet Royal, Sweet Globe, Autumn King and Allison.
Flame, the first variety to come on, is Solorios favorite.
“It’s a change from the offshore grapes,” he said.
Growing conditions have been consistent this year in the Coachella Valley, Tudor said, with nice, warm springtime weather during April and temperatures forecast to head into the 90s.
“Things should come on a little quicker,” he said. “This year they should be early enough that there will be plenty of grapes for Memorial Day.”
Tudor Ranch’s Coachella Valley grapes should be good quality this year with volume similar to last year, he said.
Some of Fruitful’s grapes are packed in the Eat Healthy label to help give participating supermarkets a marketing edge, Solorio said. Grapes should be good quality this season, he added.
