The Sonora Grape Growers Association (AALPUM) projects 21.5 million 18 lb. (8.2 kg) cartons to be packed and shipped between early May and mid-July, 2021. AALPUM association president Marcos Camou, AALPUM general manager Juan Laborin and FPAA grape division chairman John Pandol presented the crop estimate via Zoom on March 30. This estimate is 2 percent less than the 2020 harvest and 11 percent less than the 2019 crop.
The largest volume is white seedless varieties at 44%, followed by red seedless varieties at 43%, then black seedless varieties at 7% and then ‘other’ 6%, which includes Red Globes and specialty varieties like Cotton Candy. Sonora is the only growing area supplying North America that produces a majority of green seedless. Between 3 and 5 percent of the grape crop is certified organic.
The harvest season is subdivided into four sections:
- Preseason: 10% of volume. Everything prior to May 15 including other early areas.
- Early Season: 16% of total volume, shipped May 16-30 .
- Peak Season: 53% and shipped May 31 – June 20
- Late Season: 21% post June 21 into July.
Shipping will continue from Nogales and other forward distribution points will continue until mid-July.
Photo: Dreamstime.
The estimate had a new look that reflects changes in the industry. Not long ago 80 percent of the volume was three varieties. Today, 40 percent is over two dozen newer proprietary varieties. “To give a rundown of individual varieties, each with beginning and end of harvest date for each growing area is no longer a useful description of the crop” , said FPAA grape division chairman John Pandol. “The purpose of giving an estimate is so our supply chain partners; operational service providers, government agencies and commercial partners can prepare”
“It is always exciting for American consumers to get their first fresh crop grapes of the spring. This year’s Mexican grape harvest will provide great opportunities for promotions,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer.
AALPUM estimated the following carton packout, compared to last season:
| 2020 packout | 2021 estimate | |
| Early greens | 4,492,581 | 4,260,611 |
| Red seedless | 9,488,920 | 9,320,105 |
| Mid greens | 5,198,653 | 5,271,696 |
| Red globe | 458,380 | 365,000 |
| Black grapes | 1,641,040 | 1,551,132 |
| Cotton candy | 753,310 | 726,490 |
| TOTAL | 22,034,884 | 21,495,034 |
AALPUM general manager Juan Laborin addressed rumors of a light crop circulating in the industry. “There are reports of vineyards or parts of vineyards with very low yield prospects. While those cases exist, it is far from the norm and not representative of the majority of vineyards. Over the years AALPUM has developed a robust methodology to create the crop estimate. The numbers that come out of the statistical model at the end of March predict within +/- 5 percent of the final crop.”
Click below to see a recording of the virtual presentation.
For more information:
Andrea C. Ortega
Fresh Produce Association of the Americas
Tel: 520-287-2707
www.freshfrommexico.com