AALPUM revises estimate for Mexican table grapes
As Sonora passes the halfway point of the 2022 grape season, AALPUM, the Sonora table grape producers association, has revised its original estimate downward as a result of several factors.
In March, AALPUM released an estimate of 25 million boxes for the season; however, it now believes the number will be very similar to the total volume to 2021, which was 21.3 million boxes.
Sonoran grape volumes in May were affected by general supply chain issues as well as a large volume of Chilean grapes being shipped to the United States and Canada, and strong demand for domestic product that kept more grapes in Mexico, according to AALPUM.
The group said challenges of a tight labor market also contributed to tough decisions on production and markets. After the Memorial Day weekend, Chilean grape supplies began to subside, retail demand increased in the United States and Canada, and the Mexico market stabilized.
“In the broadest terms, it can be said that the traditional, conventional varieties, such as Flame Seedless, had more of a medium size in May 2022, while ‘patented’ varieties remained large to extra-large,” AALPUM said in a statement. “This loss of volume in the first half of the season cannot be recovered, thus affecting the numbers of June.
“The grape growers of Sonora are committed, as always, to provide the best quality fruit to our markets, and we work continuously to achieve this,” the statement continued. “Shipping will continue from Nogales and other forward distribution points until mid-July.”
