As California growers reach the peak of the table grape season, estimates about the volume and quality of this year's crop remain optimistic.“We're really getting into the peak of the harvest,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. Picking in the Coachella region wrapped up last month and harvesting is now under way in the San Joaquin Valley. California is responsible for 90 percent of the nation's total grape production, so most of the country's grapes are on the cusp of being picked. So far, according to Nave, the table grape harvest is going well.
“It looks like we'll reach 100 million boxes this year, which is about what we were expecting,” she said. That figure is in line with production from previous years where the state's haul has hovered around the 98 million boxes mark. Demand for those grapes has been steady and in line with seasons with similar volume. In fact, aside from an early start to the season, which isn't expected to affect the season much, it's been a good, straight-forward year.
“Demand is good and quality is excellent,” noted Nave. But she was quick to add that the bulk of the state's crop is yet to be picked.
“The season is going well,” she said. “But we still have a long way to go.”