Organic and conventional grape growers in Mexico’s Sonora region had a rocky start to their season. “We had a last minute delay which nobody saw coming,” said Carlos Bon, category manager of Divine Flavor. Temperature records were broken with the lowest high temperatures in the growing region. “The pipeline was pretty empty. All of our customers were really in need of grapes.” All of the people in the field were trying to stay warm with extra layers, which Bon said has never happened in May.
Peak volume & late grapes
Weather should normally be similar to Phoenix, Arizona, which has similar weather and dry conditions year-round as where Bon’s grapes are grown. “It was a tough start but we got through by communicating. I think the key was communicating to the customer what was going on but we got by.” Priority accounts received fruit for their shelves and they were able to get a lot of fruit out for the Memorial Day push. This week is the start of peak volume. Fruit coming out now, according to Bon, is amazing quality. “The late grapes are always better and we’re starting the high flavor varieties now which is the exciting time for Divine Flavor.” Cotton Candy is being packed this weekend, and Sweet Celebration and Sable have already begun. The new Gummy Berry variety has started in small volume (Bon’s favourite grape). “It’s the fun part of the year,” he said.
Older varieties should be replaced
There are some varieties he feels shouldn’t be planted anymore, since newer varieties have more flavor, but some older ones are harder to grow. Bon said they only have six hectares of Perlette left. Next year they won’t be producing Sugraones. “It’s not a bad grape for the consumer or retailer but it’s (not great) for the grower. The yields are very uneven from year to year.” It will be replaced with better varieties like Ivory, Sweet Globe, and Autumn Crisp. Regarding Flame grapes, he says they should be replaced but there isn’t currently a variety available that can truly replace it because of the fruit’s timing. “What we are replacing is instead of having early flames and late flames, are better red varieties (for later in the season) like Sweet Celebration, Krissy, and Jack Salute.”
Bon says there is a shift happening within Mexico as they plant more and more of the newer varieties. In the future, comparing 2015 to 2020 he says it will look completely different because he feels not everyone will have access to the new varieties but larger companies are creating and leading the shift. All of Divine Flavor’s varieties are offered in organic and some also are conventional. Strictly organic varieties include Gummy Berry, Concord Divine, Sweet Sapphire and Cotton Candy.
Chile finished early; not a factor for Mexico this year
Chile is usually a factor in Mexico’s season, but not this year, because Bon says they finished sooner than anticipated. ‘They had good grapes but they were really early,” he said, adding that Egypt is a little bit late, which could benefit the UK. “Australia still has some late crimsons in the Asian markets but by the time we get there (they should be done) and of course Coachella is going now.” They’re producing flame grapes, getting started with green. Coachella represents about a 4th of what Mexico represents in the market, Bon noted. The way he looks at it is they have a responsibility. “It’s our responsibility to find the best way to provide this amazing fruit to customer.”
For more information:
Carlos Bon
Divine Flavor / Grupo Alta
Ph: 520-281-8328
