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U.S. imported spot grape prices were rising in early February after heavy rains in central Chile destroyed a good part of the mid-season grape crop.

With expanded acreage in Sonora, Mexico, Nogales, Ariz.-based Divine Flavor LLC expects to grow its volume by about 25%, said Michael DuPuis, quality assurance and public relations coordinator.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Fresh Farms should begin its grape harvest in Sonora, Mexico, around May 20-25, said Al Voll, salesman.

Illume Agriculture is in charge of the Bagdasarian grape deal, having taken over the management of vineyards formerly owned by Bagdasarian Farms, which has sold its farming assets to a private equity group.

With Mexican grapes from Hermosillo and Caborca in Mexico, King Fresh will show peak volume by June 7, said Keith Wilson, president of the Dinuba, Calif.-based company.

The Oppenheimer Group has a strong presence with Mexican grapes grown in the Hermosillo region and will offer a full complement of table grapes packed in the Ocean Spray and Oppy labels.

Mexico’s early grape outlook will be light in early May, with peak volume expected from early June to mid-July, said Rob Anderholt, West Coast division manager for Seald Sweet, Bakersfield, Calif.

Florida avocado growers have seen supply waiver with hot demand for South Florida real estate and from disease pressure.

The Packer is seeking input from growers, shippers and marketers of Florida avocados to help prepare coverage for its May 31 Florida avocado section.

Giumarra’s Mexican spring grape deal will feature bigger volume and similar timing compared with last season, according to Tom Wilson, sales manager for Los Angeles-based Giumarra Cos.