“As we move into the Peruvian imports, it’s logistically challenging, with quite a few delays at the port,” said Jared Lane, co-owner of Grapeco. “Things are still moving and fruit is still readably available and in a wide range of quality.”
But as it transitions into the Chilean grape season, things are looking “normal” though the back end is projected to be a little lighter than normal, and year-over-year, Chile is 12-14 days later than last year.
“The projection for Chile is about 66 million boxes,” Lane said. “Predominantly, we bring the majority of our fruit to the West Coast.”
Each season, Grapeco programs out how much volume it will need weekly, and looks to grow its customer base annually.
For the past several years, Grapeco has invested in the Chilean grape segment, bringing in fruit to both coasts with a full line up of blacks, reds, greens and flavor varieties. Lane is no stranger to working with Chilean grapes, having been working with the segment for more than 15 years.
“There’s not as much fruit delivered to the West Coast compared to the East, so there are some more challenges with that,” Lane said. “We look to provide great quality and build strong relationships with our customers.”
Chile and Peru, which run about the same time, both help the company bridge the gap between California and Mexico.
“We pack two- and three-pound clamshells with a lineup of extremely good varieties,” Lane said. “We start extremely early, right before Christmastime and we will finish up right before we start in Mexico. We’re not one of the bigger ones, but we’re one of the ones with the best quality.”
Some of the more popular Chilean grapes are Sweet Globe, Autumn Crisp, Jack’s Salute, Sweet Celebration and Allison.
The company plans to grow the Chilean grape business at a steady pace in the years ahead, and expect steady growth with the best fruit available.
“I feel overall, we’ve settled into the proper volume. We’re not oversupplied or undersupplied; but have the proper supply to fit what the demand is in the U.S.,” Lane said. “The biggest challenge is having all the varieties available at the same time.”
Elsewhere at the company, Grapeco has a news sales representative in Adrienne Akers, an experienced rep who is the latest member of the strong team.
“From our logistic people to operations to quality control, all the people who have been with me for numerous years, they know exactly what our customers need and help us ensure the right customers get the right piece of fruit,” Lane said.