Market Update for Table Grapes

Week of September 9 – September 15

California table grape growers have been packing peak volumes for several weeks, topping 4 million boxes shipped for three straight weeks. Week ending 8/30, volumes touched 4.5 million boxes and spot market pricing held steady. Strong export demand is also contributing to the firming market, as growers are directing their very best fruit to markets willing to pay a premium. Expect growers to continue packing peak volumes through the month and well into October. It feels as if supply and demand is right in line, supporting profitable pricing for growers. It’s been hot in the central San Joaquin valley, but the extended forecast looks great, with warm days and cool nights for the next three weeks. This will set the table with very good quality for fall promotions in October.

Red Seedless

Strong retail promotions ranging from $1.29 to $1.99 per pound have kept market pricing stable, even with growers packing peak volumes of Scarlet Royals. Inventories are well under control and many marketers are day to day on spot market availability. Retail programs are pulling most of the fruit, so the spot market has held firm with pricing ranging from $22.95 to $24.95. Proprietary varieties like Sweet Celebrations and Allison are fetching higher prices. With less acreage of red grapes in California compared to previous seasons, growers are very optimistic that they can stay profitable. Over the past few years, September peak harvests has meant below cost spot markets, but the outlook looks good heading into the fall season.

Green Seedless

September is prime time for green seedless promotions, as growers are packing excellent volumes of Great Green, Sweets Globes and other proprietary varieties. We saw the spot market suffer some in August, but it has completely rebounded. We should see a continuation of weekly ads, with very aggressive store level pricing through the balance of the month. Some growers have started to scratch early volumes of Autumn Kings, so don’t expect to see the spot market move off these current levels. Pricing for good quality XLG Great Green and Sweet Globes ranges from $22.95 to $24.95 FOB, with other premium varieties trading $2.00 to $4.00 higher.