Robinson Fresh, a division of Eden Prairie, Minnesota-based C.H. Robinson Worldwide, is currently shipping a combination of legacy and “new age” grapes to complement its customers’ diverse needs.
General manager Andy Kampa defines new age varieties as those created by breeding programs, and it’s a trend that has exploded in recent years: “We are now getting new varietal options annually. It’s something we’re making sure to stay on top of.”
The trends are often difficult for growers to keep up with, however, because big investments in certain varieties can fall out of favor either from a consumer perspective or because of difficulties associated with farming. Today’s retailers are more demanding than ever when it comes to grapes, and Robinson Fresh is raising its game to meet that demand.
Kampa: “There has been a shift in grape purchasing at the retail level to be more focused on not only size and appearance, but also flavor. As we evaluate our crop this season, we are focused on having that diversified supply base to meet three different segments: legacy, new age and high flavor varieties.”
Source: supermarketperimeter.com