After a successful import season and an unusually early start in Mexico, GrapeCo Farms is ready for what could be one of the earliest California grape seasons the company has seen in years.

“The import season performed better than expected overall,” said Jared Lane, co-owner of GrapeCo Farms. “While there was some heavier supply in the middle of the season, the market remained active with solid movement and stable pricing overall.”

Earlier this year, the Shafter, CA-based company expected a supply gap heading into Mexico, but favorable growing conditions quickly shifted expectations.

“Our Sonora program started exceptionally early this season,” Lane said. “It’s the first time in probably 15 years that we started in April.”

That accelerated start created overlap between imported fruit and Mexican production.

“The overlap was more on the reds than the greens,” Lane said. “The reds just don’t quite have the same demand as the greens do right now.”

Attention is now turning toward California, where vineyards across the San Joaquin Valley are also running significantly ahead of schedule.

“California is shaping up to be one of the earliest starts we’ve seen in recent years,” Lane said. “Both districts are early, and a lot of the varieties are trending 14 to 20 days ahead.”

Even with the accelerated timeline, crop conditions have remained strong.

“Vineyard conditions and overall crop potential look very strong,” Lane said. “The biggest issue right now is making sure companies keep up with labor and the cultural practices needed to produce high-quality fruit.”

GrapeCo Farms handles fruit from across the San Joaquin Valley, ensuring customers a reliable, consistent supply throughout the entire California season.

“We’ll be taking fruit every day,” Lane said. “We’ve built a diversified customer base that allows us to maintain consistent movement throughout the season.”

The company currently works with about 2,800 acres and continues refining its varietal lineup to meet market demand and evolving consumer preferences.

“We’re going to start with Flame Seedless and Ivory,” Lane said. “Then we transition into the later varieties as the season progresses.”

Among the company’s major green varieties are Sweet Globe, Great Green and Autumn King, while the red program includes Bebop, Timco, Jack’s Salute, Sweet Celebration and Allison.

One variety that continues to perform particularly well for the company is Bebop, which the company offered for the first time in 2025.

“It’s done very well for us,” Lane said.

While GrapeCo Farms continues exploring future varietal opportunities, Lane noted that quality and service remain the company’s top priorities.

“Our biggest priority is delivering consistently high-quality fruit year-round that provides a great consumer eating experience,” he said. “You also have to provide reliable service to ensure customers have what they need when they need it.”

That disciplined approach is a cornerstone of GrapeCo Farms.

“We continue to expand steadily each year, while remaining focused on service, quality and sustainable long-term growth,” Lane said.

The company has also added to its sales organization with the addition of Christian Roldan, who recently joined the team as a sales account manager.