Grapes from Peru and Chile are currently on the lighter side but will ramp up over the next few weeks. Southern Hemisphere shipments will conclude around the late April to early May timeframe.
Growers will be transitioning fully into Mexico at the turn of spring; the beginning of Mexico’s season overlaps the end of Chile’s season slightly. Giumarra’s Early Sweet green seedless grapes from Mexico are scheduled to start in early April, according to Fernando Soberanes. Weather has been generally favorable in the growing regions and even with a season that was a bit delayed, which he says “helped the market finish moving through current stock and be ready for our imports.”
Sweeties grapes
There’s been a notable increase in proprietary varieties across the industry over the last year. “It’s exciting to see the industry focus on flavor and eating experience for the consumer in addition to aesthetics,” he says. The company hopes to continue expanding their own proprietary grape offerings and introduce new varieties to customers. “For many retailers, the produce department is a destination for shoppers and grapes are one of their favorite produce items. We hope to continue partnering with our customers to bring delicious, nutritious grapes to consumers with marketing programs that emphasize quality, flavor, and health.”
PassionFire grapes
Red seedless Flames and Mystic Treat are currently shipping and Giumarra wil add the newer Arra 19 grape in February, then Crimsons in March. “There will be more volumes of our newer Arra proprietary varieties out of Chile and Peru this season. Retailers should expect to see even more of our Arra varieties out of Mexico this spring, with some exciting new packaging additions,” says Soberanes. Green seedless Sweeties and Sugraones are currently being shipped, with Thompsons added in February. “Quality has been good upon arrival with minor under-sizing issues compared to domestic sizing.”
For more information:
Megan Schulz
The Giumarra Companies
Tel: (213) 627-2900