After a slow start, table grape growers in California are getting their harvests into full swing. A wetter and cooler winter and early spring has delayed the entire crop, with some regions receiving around three times their typical winter rainfall. The North Coast grape growing region, which includes the Napa, Mendocino and Sonoma valleys, bore the brunt of the wet weather, however the Central Coast and Southern regions were also affected. Some areas in the north received over 80 inches of rain, making it one of the wettest winters on record. By the beginning of summer, growers were not sure how this season would develop. Many are now struggling with supply as fruit maturation is delayed. However, with the warm to hot summer months propelling ripening, yields are expected to be close to average.
Further south, the high summer heat has also had an impact on supplies, particularly of colored varieties. Louie Galvan, of Delano-based Fruit Royale, said that table grape supply has been soft, but that production levels for this year are expected to be average. "Supplies have been limited to date this season, especially on colored varieties due to the high heat, as colored grapes need cool nights to take on color", Galvan said.
Steady prices despite supply issues
The price outlook for August remains steady, with the weak supply not appearing to impact greatly on prices. Galvan says that suppliers are not going to see big changes from July into August. "There have been supply issues", he noted, "but the market has maintained steady pricing".
In the meantime, both producers and customers can expect volumes to be on par with previous seasons at around the 4 million-ton mark, while prices will remain steady from now until the end of fall.
For more information:
Louie Galvan
Fruit Royale
Tel: +1 (661) 720-2740