A plentiful supply of good quality green and red table grapes is helping the movement of the fruit at the moment. "We are finishing up in Sonora, Mexico, and phasing into full production on California desert grapes," says Michael Giordano of Consalo Family Farms®, who adds that the majority of production at the moment is taking place in Mexico and California. (Countries in Europe such as Spain, Italy, and France produce a large amount of table grapes, though this fruit will never see or affect the U.S. market.)
Consalo Family Farms imports and markets table grapes 52 weeks a year and distributes them in 2lb and 3lb clamshells. The consistent supply, which has been pivotal in expanding its brand and solidifying its name in the grape industry, typically comes from Peru/Chile during their seasons, then into Mexico, and then into the California deal. "After incredibly difficult shortages and delays out of Chile and Peru, we are experiencing a relatively status quo domestic program," says Giordano. "An incredibly hot spring and summer have made for ideal growing conditions in North America this season."
Strong quality helps demand
The abundance of supply at the moment has helped marketers and growers promote grapes this summer. "Shoppers are always searching for a deal and strong quality paired with promotable volume has helped keep demand high," says Giordano, who believes consumption will remain strong throughout the summer months. "Grapes are typically a summer go-to, for a healthy snack that can be taken on the go, and shortages in the import season have left customers longing for grapes during the domestic program."
With this, prices are similar to where they were last year at this time (and typical for the North American season)–in the low to mid $20s on both red and green seedless grapes.
Looking ahead, supply from Mexico will be phasing out of the marketplace as the industry moves full force into California grapes until Peruvian imports begin in the fall. "This may slightly push prices up but the strong California crop should keep grapes promotable through the summer," says Giordano.
For more information:
Chelsea Consalo
Consalo Family Farms
Tel: +1 (856) 839-0264
[email protected]
www.consalofamilyfarms.com