Latest News From Spring Grapes

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.

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.

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

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.

Retail promotions for Mexican grapes shouldn’t start too early but should not lag when the time comes, marketers say.

The transition between Southern Hemisphere and Northern Hemisphere grape harvest could leave a gap in green grape supplies, shippers say.