21.5-million box crop peaking in June for Sonora grape exporters

Mexico’s Sonora grape growers expect a crop similar in timing and volume compared with a year ago.

In a video news conference on March 30, the Sonora Grape Growers Association (AALPUM) projected 21.5 million 18-pound cartons to be packed and shipped between early May and mid-July.

AALPUM association president Marcos Camou, AALPUM general manager Juan Laborin and FPAA grape division chairman John Pandol and presented the crop estimate on March 30. The panelists said the estimate is 2% less than the 2020 harvest and 11% less than the 2019 crop.

The largest volume is white seedless varieties at 44%, followed by red seedless varieties at 43%, then black seedless varieties at 7%, and then ‘other’ 6%, which includes red globes and specialty varieties like Cotton Candy, according to a news release.

Sonora is the only growing area supplying North America that produces a majority of green seedless. Between 3% and 5% of the grape crop is certified organic.

The harvest season is subdivided into four sections, according to the panelists:

• Preseason: 10% (everything prior to May 15 including other early areas);
• Early Season: 16% (May 16-30);
• Peak Season: 53% (May 31 – June 20); 
• Late Season: 21% (post June 21 into July)

Shipping will continue from Nogales and other forward distribution points will continue until mid-July, the panelists said.

The estimate had a new look that reflects changes in the industry. Not long ago 80% of the volume was three varieties, according to the panel. Today 40% is composed of more than two dozen newer proprietary varieties.

“To give a rundown of individual varieties, each with beginning and end of harvest date for each growing area is no longer a useful description of the crop,” FPAA grape division chairman John Pandol said at the presentation. “The purpose of giving an estimate is so our supply chain partners; operational service providers, government agencies and commercial partners can prepare” 

“It is always exciting for American consumers to get their first fresh crop grapes of the spring. This year’s Mexican grape harvest will provide great opportunities for promotions,” FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer said in a news release.

A recording of the virtual presentation will be posted on AALPUM’s social media sites: https://www.facebook.com/MexicoTableGrapes or YouTube Mexico Table Grapes, and FPAA’s website www.freshfrommexico.com