The table grape industry faces a recurring challenge each spring: a narrow window where supply can become inconsistent. Late-season fruit from Chile may arrive short or weather-affected, while early production from Sonora and Coachella can be delayed or limited, creating gaps during a key promotional period.

Divine Flavor’s table grape program in Jalisco, Mexico, was developed to address this need, delivering premium fruit at a critical time in the calendar. For the 2026 season, that approach is clearly resonating, with strong early commitments and the program effectively sold out ahead of harvest.

“What really drives demand for our Jalisco program comes down to the fundamentals — varieties, quality and timing,” said Carlos Bon, senior vice president of sales at Divine Flavor. “Our goal has always been to deliver premium grapes when supply is least predictable. Today, our committed customers don’t have to hope — they have supply.

“The transition between the Southern and Northern hemisphere production is the most predictable unpredictable moment in the table grape calendar,” Bon said. “Disruptions happen — whether in Chile, Sonora or at the ports. Jalisco was built to bring stability.”

The Jalisco program, located at Grupo Alta’s Don Mario ranch, was established to bridge supply between South American imports and the start of the Mexican domestic season. Over the past eight years, it has evolved into a key component of Divine Flavor’s year-round strategy.

For 2026, Divine Flavor expects to harvest more than 3 million boxes of grapes from Jalisco — an increase of about 40 percent over last year — with an additional 35 percent growth projected for 2027. That expansion is being driven largely by increased production of the Autumncrisp variety, allowing more customers to secure supply during this critical window.

A major driver of that growth is the program’s focus on high-performing proprietary varieties. Jalisco has become the largest producing region in Mexico for Autumncrisp, with harvest running from April through early June, positioning Divine Flavor as a leading supplier in North America during that timeframe.

The program also includes Cotton Candy grapes, along with Sweet Globe, Timpson and Sweet Celebration, creating a well-rounded premium offering. For 2026, Divine Flavor will debut FlavorCrunch through its Jalisco program, a new variety known for its crisp texture and distinctive flavor.

“These varieties are grown at elevation and timed precisely for peak demand,” Bon said. “The customers who committed early understand the value of having consistent, high-quality fruit when the rest of the market can be uncertain.”

Jalisco fruit continues to stand out for its large berry size, strong Brix levels, excellent shelf life and overall eating experience — attributes that drive repeat purchases and consumer satisfaction.

“Our grapes from Jalisco are among the best quality we produce anywhere,” Bon said. “Consumers recognize it, and retailers respond to it.”

That performance reflects Divine Flavor’s broader approach across its global footprint, with production spanning Mexico, Peru, Chile and California.

“Jalisco is a great example of executing on a clear strategy — delivering the right varieties with the right quality at the right time,” Bon said.

As the program continues to grow, Divine Flavor also recognizes the role of its parent company, Grupo Alta, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.

“Grupo Alta has been a leader in agriculture for decades, not just in production but in how they prioritize people and the land,” Bon said. “They were among the first in Mexico to achieve Fair Trade certification and early leaders in organic farming, a commitment that has grown into one of the largest organic grape programs in the industry today. They’ve always believed that taking care of their people and their fields goes hand in hand. That mindset continues to shape our approach across Divine Flavor and our grower network.”

The Jalisco program at Grupo Alta’s Don Mario ranch started shipping March 18 and is expected to run through early June. Sonora is projected to begin in early May, with the first shipments coming out of Guaymas with early varieties.