Supplies of grapes are good out of California. “We just had rain so we’ll have to see if there’s any effect on the fruit that’s remaining to pick,” says Scott Reade with Pandol Brothers. “The fruit condition on the later varieties in the California season has been very good. As opposed to last year when we had the rain earlier and started to experience some condition issues.”
Reade notes that the condition of the fruit has been excellent and can remain in storage for a number of weeks. “We just need to see how the balance of the season progresses through November and December,” he says.
Currently, the industry is moving largely Autumn King for green seedless and on red seedless, it’s mostly Scarlotta, Allison and Jack’s Salute varieties.
Gearing up for Thanksgiving movement
At the same time, demand is good and looks similar to last year at this time. “Next week should be a good shipment week for us in anticipation of the holiday. The week of the holiday, the demand is lighter and then picks back up the first week in December. That’s the typical pattern,” says Reade. “As an industry, movement tends to decline in December as we get closer to the New Year. Typically that’s a function of higher FOB prices and also less demand for December.”
Meanwhile, pricing is also similar to last year, though green seedless grape pricing is slightly stronger. Green seedless pricing will also continue to strengthen due to the supply remaining in California. “The condition of the fruit has been such that it’s allowed us to pick and choose the FOB prices to a certain degree. Whereas last year we had more pressure with the rain we received and the condition of the fruit,” he says. He adds that trying to keep pace on FOB prices with the general growing cost increases to ensure growers are able to continue to plant new vineyards and varieties has been the biggest challenge this season.
Then, over on imports, Reade says Pandol Brothers will receive its first red seedless grapes from Peru on the East Coast this month. It will start transitioning customers as early as week 48 with the majority transitioning to Peruvian fruit in week 52. The transition this year is about one week earlier than last year.
For more information:
Scott Reade
Pandol Brothers Inc.
T: +1 (661) 725-3755
reade@pandol.com
www.pandol.com