Oppy is set to double its Mexican grape volume for the 2024 season, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to expanding its 365 program.

The enhanced lineup will now include sought-after Sun World varieties, such as Autumncrisp and Ruby Rush. Initial assessments of the grape crop indicate a promising season ahead, with estimates suggesting industry volumes will fall within the 22-24 million box range.

Mexican grapes are one of the strongest production areas for Grapeco Farms, a Delano, CA-based company that was founded by industry veterans Jared Lane and Robert Cadena.

“We have a large amount of grapes from start to finish, and it’s one of the better varietal makeups,” said Lane, who serves as CEO of the company. “We’ve been redeveloping and planting new vineyards in a huge abundance over the last 4-6 years.”

Grapeco is one of the first farms to get started with the early sheet, and also one of the last to finish.

The annual Mexico Table Grapes Spring Summit will take place April 20 at Hotel Pendry in San Diego, CA.

The Chilean grape industry has shipped 20 million boxes globally through Week 8, and the Chilean Grape Committee estimates they will end the season very close to 62 million boxes. The U.S. will receive roughly 57 percent of the total volume — around 35 million boxes.

Chile has exported 15 million boxes to the U.S. through Week 8. Another 20 million will be shipped between Weeks 9 and 17, with the East Coast receiving approximately 15 million, and the West Coast 5 million. Weeks 11 and 12 have been highlighted as the peak weeks for shipments.

Grupo Alta, the principal grower and agricultural leader of Divine Flavor, hosted La Escuela de Asociados, a two-day social event for all its farm workers in preparation for the upcoming season at its Don Mario vineyard in Jalisco, a location strategic for company’s grape program in the spring.

Focused on the long-term viability of the industry it represents, the California Table Grape Commission is providing USDA with input on ways to enhance competitiveness through formal comments as well as testimony provided at the CDFA state board hearing, which opened the World Ag Expo this week in Tulare, CA.