Recent storms and rain in the summer have been factors in the lighter table grape volume this season in California. With good demand, prices are good and the market is steady.“Volumes have not been quite as big as they were last season,” said Jared Lane of Stevco. “The rain damaged the fruit earlier in the year and the last rain damaged it a little, too. But there have been quite a few variety changes as older varieties are taken out, so I think volumes will climb in the next few years as there are more plantings.” Supplies are expected to continue to come out of California through Christmas, and while there are already some Peruvian imports on the East Coast, those will start to ramp up later this month as California's supplies wind down.
“The market's been good and we've had good movement,” said Lane. “Prices have been a little above average for a normal season.” On November 5, prices for a 19-pound container of extra-large bagged seedless Crimson grapes from the Kern District were between $18.95 and $22.95, and prices for a container of extra-large Red Globes were between $16.95 and $20.95. A container of extra-large Autumn Kings was going for between $18.95 and $22.95, and prices for a container of extra-large Autumn Royals were also between $18.95 and $22.95.
For more information:
Jared Lane
Stevco, Inc.
+1 661 392 1719