Mexican table grape harvest nearing its peak

Flame Seedless short in supply
Mexican table grape harvest nearing its peak

“The first shipments of Mexican table grapes arrived in Nogales, AZ on May 5th and we expect to receive fresh arrivals through most of June,” says Chris DeSana with Seald Sweet International. The Mexican program spans about seven weeks and currently is the company’s largest grape program from a single country of origin. The peak of harvest is expected during the first two weeks of June.

Shipments increase 10% over last year

DeSana expects to ship a total of 780,000 cartons combined between the Hermosillo and Caborca growing regions. Last year, Seald Sweet shipped slightly over 700,000 cartons, so the expectation is for a 10 percent increase over last year.

Cold temperatures in the Hermosillo region in February have caused some fruit loss, mainly in Greens, including Perlettes and Sugraone as well as in Blacks (Summer Royals). Overall, Greens are still readily available. “With fewer Chilean Crimsons being offered in the month of May, Flame Seedless sales and movement has been excellent and is expected to continue through early next week or the peak Memorial Day pull,” added DeSana.