Produce News Facebook  Produce News Twitter  Produce News LinkedIn  Produce News Instagram

Mexico’s grape industry foresees a bright future

The future of Mexico’s grape industry “is very strong,” in the view of Jerry Havel, the director of sales and marketing for Fresh Farms, in his office in Rio Rico, AZ.  

Mexico consistently produces grapes that are “very sweet and large in size year in and year out.  The grape quality is outstanding.”

Specifically of the coming season, he said, “I am looking forward to another great year.”

The industry indicates that green Mexican grape shipping will begin about May 5. The deal will last until about July 4.  

Carlos Bon, Jr, a partner in Grupo Alta, based in Hermosillo, Sonora, and its marketing arm, Divine Flavor, LLC, indicated, “It’s a normal Mexican season.  There is a lot of Chilean fruit still around,” he said April 2.  

“It is in the interest of our company and the Mexican industry’s interest to promote grapes from the get-go and invite our customers and consumers to switch from old grape varieties in a different hemisphere to fresh grapes grown nearby.”  

According to a December 2014 USDA Foreign Agriculture Service report, Mexico is the Western Hemisphere’s fourth-largest grape exporter. Chile, the United States and Peru, respectively, lead Mexican grape export volume.  

Including 2014-15 estimates, Chile has averaged exporting 810,000 metric tons of grapes since the 2009-10 season.  The United States has averaged exporting 358,000 metric tons in the same time period.  

Chile, the United States and Mexico have both shown seasonal ups and downs but not a great change in annual export volumes in the six-season period.

Peru, on the other hand, has steadily increased from 75,000 metric tons of exports in 2009-10 to an estimated 290,000 metric tons for the 2014-15 season.

Mexico has averaged 151,000 metric tons of grape exports in the six year period.  

Indications from the trade to The Produce News are that new varieties and plantings will bring a fast growth in production and exports in coming years.

These and other related matters will be discussed April 22-24 in Hermosillo, Sonora, at the annual grape marketing meeting presented by Asociación Agricola Local de Productores Uva de Mesa Frutas y Hortalizas, (A.A.L.P.U.M.), which is the Sonoran Spring Grape Association. The Produce News will be providing the latest news from this event.

Print
Read more

A crisp standard that redefines organic freshness

In the organic produce category, cucumbers are expected to deliver freshness, crunch, and reliability. While that sounds straightforward, achieving it at scale across seasons and retail environments is complex. Quality can vary with growing conditions, making dependable performance a defining factor in shopper trust and repeat purchase behavior.

CPMA advances action to reduce food loss and waste

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association is advancing a coordinated, sector-led response to food loss and waste, focused on practical policy, industry collaboration and targeted investment to unlock environmental and economic value across Canada’s fresh produce supply chain.

Walmart goes with the nuclear option

Walmart and Constellation announced a long-term nuclear power purchase agreement for emissions-free electricity from Constellation’s Dresden Clean Energy Center in Illinois. The agreement includes approximately 176 megawatt of wholesale supply, including 30 megawatt of expanded generating capacity.

Naturipe delivers record volumes of premium blueberries

Naturipe is heading into the heart of blueberry season with plenty of fruit and some of the best quality it has seen in years. Its northern region crops across New Jersey, Michigan and the Pacific Northwest are producing excellent conventional and organic blueberries, with particularly strong supplies of Mighty Blues and Sweet Selections available throughout the season.

Hy-Vee to host supplier summit

Hy-Vee Inc. will host this year’s Hy-Vee Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit Sept. 9-10 at Hy-Vee corporate headquarters in West Des Moines, IA.

The Opportunity Supplier Impact Summit provides small businesses and entrepreneurs with valuable resources and gives them a chance to pitch their products directly to Hy-Vee category managers.

Titan Farms celebrates America’s 250th birthday with limited-time America’s Peach Box

Titan Farms is bringing back its America’s Peach Box for a limited time, giving retailers a unique opportunity to celebrate peak peach season alongside America’s 250th birthday.

Now being packed and shipped to select retailers, the America-themed boxes will be available in stores for a limited time through mid-July. With peach volume typically at its highest around the Fourth of July, America’s Peach Box offers a timely way to support customers, drive excitement in the produce department, and create seasonal displays that stand out.

Copyright © 2025 The Produce News • Covering Fresh Produce Around the Globe Since 1897