In the heart of California’s grape vineyards, Delano, CA-based Sunview Marketing International has successfully built a farm based on the simple principles of integrity, quality, performance and sustainability.

As a top grape grower-shipper in the state, Sunview’s winning strategy is to constantly optimize its acreage and vineyards to meet the anticipated demands of its customers and consumers.

“The grape business has been good this season,” said Mitch Wetzel, vice president of sales and marketing for Sunview. “We are backing up our message of ‘Your single source’ for all of our customers’ grape needs with excellent quality and availability across conventional and organic varieties.”

The biggest buzz this season has been with the company’s proprietary brands, Stella Bella and Sweet Carnival. Sunview is offering a full complement of grapes this season, with Autumn King, Allison and Sweet Carnival all looking strong.

“These premium brands are in high demand our customers and consumers alike,” Wetzel said. “These Sunview proprietary grapes are a testament to our commitment to providing the highest quality grapes in the marketplace.”

Sunview’s organic grape business has been showing impressive gains in recent seasons. 

“Our customers and consumers realize that our quality is excellent, and we have consistent availability from the beginning of the season in July through the end of the calendar year,” Wetzel said. “We grow a variety of red, green, and black organic grapes as well as our proprietary brands of Rosa, Stella Bella, Gem, Sparkle, and Sweet Carnival in organics.”

He noted the challenges in organics are not fundamentally different than in conventional grapes. 

“We look to grow and offer the highest quality grapes with consistent quality from the beginning of the season until the end,” Wetzel said. “Customers know that they can count on Sunview week in and week out to supply them with all their grape needs whether they are organic or conventional.”

Wetzel views Sunview’s proprietary brands as a significant opportunity for its customers and consumers. 

“They are very high quality and their availability gives our partners the confidence that they can keep excellent grapes on their shelf,” he said. “We are continually looking at new brands to introduce into the marketplace and we have some great ones on the horizon that will be introduced in the next several years.”

The company has adapted well to the “new normal” since the pandemic began, though one challenge has been not being able to meet face-to-face with customers.

“Typically, we have visitors to the vineyards during the season to give them a first-hand look at their grapes, but this season that has not been the case due to COVID-19,” Wetzel said. “We have been sharing videos and pictures of the vineyards and grapes, but it is just not the same as a personal look or visit.”

As 2021 approaches, Sunview’s strategy is to continue to build confidence in its customers as their single-source for grapes.

“Our one-stop-shop for grapes has really resonated with our current customers and new customers are realizing the benefits to their businesses,” Wetzel said.