US: Strong demand for California table grapes

Demand for California table grape exports continued to be strong in 2011. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) statistics, exports were 341,589 metric tons (the equivalent of 39.6 million 19-pound boxes) valued at $711 million.

The export volume was the second highest ever recorded, the largest in five years. Using USDA data, a five-year comparison between export volumes in 2007 and 2011 shows that exports increased 16.5 percent.

The California table grape industry’s 2011 shipments to its top 5 export markets, Canada, Central America, China/Hong Kong, Indonesia and Mexico, totaled 26.5 million 19-pound boxes. There are more than 70 varieties of red, green and blue/black table grapes produced in California during its May through January season. Some of the most popular varieties include Sugarone, Flame seedless, Crimson seedless, Autumn Royal and Red Globe.

The California Table Grape Commission implements an export marketing program targeting 25 countries globally with a variety of promotions and advertising campaigns each year aimed at increasing volume movement.

For more information:
Susan Day
California Table Grape Commission
susan@grapesfromcalifornia.com
grapesfromcalifornia.com