On top of that, Hume notes that the hot weather is causing the crews to end early as well. “This limits supplies each day,” she says. “However expect to be at full supply next week on red, green and black seedless grapes.” In fact, Hume says the heat wave that hit the region at the end of June caused extensive loss throughout the valley. “July has also been unseasonably warm with most days over 100F,” she says.
Varieties coming
As far as varieties go, AMC is currently harvesting its specialty Champagne and Concord grapes and starting the Natural Thompsons next week. “We’ll have good production of our Sheehan varieties this season, starting with Ivory green seedless next week,” says Hume. “These are relatively new grape varieties that will replace some of the more traditional varieties, offering consumers a better piece of fruit.”
Fazio Champagne grapes
With minimal volume of Mexican grapes left in the market, most customers have switched over to California grapes and the fruit for AMC is coming from San Joaquin. “We expect volume to significantly increase this week and next as more players come into the game,” she says.
Meanwhile pricing is also in line with last year’s prices. “The market is starting to come off on medium and medium/large Flames as the crop is sizing small,” says Hume.
For more information:
Emmy Hume
AMC North America
Tel: +1-(559) 486-3030
emmy@amcna.com
www.amcna.com