“The Sugrathirtyfive variety (AUTUMNCRISP® brand) is receiving a lot of attention within our company and from our retail partners,” said Maurizio Ventura with Sun World International. “It's got a good size and a good taste, but what really sets it apart is the crunchy texture. Everybody is talking about it.” As if improved taste and texture weren't enough, the variety peaks later in the season, and, Ventura pointed out, shippers are always looking for late, white varieties.
The Sugrathirtyfour (ADORA SEEDLESS® brand) is another variety that has a lot of buzz around it. A black variety, it has a more intense flavor than older varieties, but its claim to fame is its size.
“When you see big berries, you sometimes think that it's not natural,” noted Maurizio. “But this variety can get up to 25 millimeters without any chemical application.”
There's lots of interest for AUTUMNCRISP® in the U.K., though distribution throughout continental Europe will have to proceed with an eye to which countries prefer seeded over seedless grapes. In Asia, where consumers value size, there are many promising markets for ADORA SEEDLESS®.
“Asian consumers like big berries with good color,” explained Maurizio. “The first samples of ADORA SEEDLESS® that arrived in Asia were very well received.
Upcoming seasons
Production in California just got under way, and Maurizio says the season there is progressing normally. The Spanish season is about a week away, though significant volumes aren't expected until next month, which is when MIDNIGHT BEAUTY® volumes ramp up. Following that, SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS® grapes hit the European market.
A rising tide lift all boats
Asked whether grapes suffer from competition brought on by summer fruit, Maurizio noted that grapes aren't thought of as other types of fruit are. Peaches and nectarines and cherries might compete over shelf space in stores and figurative space in the mind of a consumer, but grapes, he contends, compete more with items in the snack aisle. Put that way, it's great if consumers buy more summer fruit when peaches and nectarines are in season; the important thing is that consumers buy fruit.
“Compared to sugary snacks, grapes are an excellent option,” said Maurizio. “We should promote grapes as a healthy alternative, and we should encourage the consumption of all fruits.”
For more information:
Maurizio Ventura
SunWorld
mventura@sun-world.com
www.sun-world.com