California Table Grape Harvest Begins; Ian LeMay Comments



California Table Grape Harvest Begins; Ian LeMay Comments



FRESNO, CA - The 2025-26 California table grape season is officially underway, with harvesting beginning in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. Grapes will continue to be harvested in the Coachella Valley through mid-July before shifting north to the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes are harvested into December.

To support the season, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign strategically developed to motivate the trade to stock and promote California table grapes, while inspiring consumers in the U.S. and across 21 export markets to choose more California grapes more often.

The 2025-26 California table grape season is officially underway, with harvesting beginning in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California

To encourage retailer participation, the campaign offers a comprehensive suite of promotional tools and incentives. These include bonus opportunities, digital promotions, a registered dietitian (RD) retail program, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling. On the consumer side, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California-grown fresh grapes.

Ian LeMay, Commission President, California Table Grape Commission

“Grapes from California enjoy a long season, with plenty of opportunity for promotion, from summer celebrations to fall gatherings,” said Ian LeMay, commission president, in a recent press release. “With a product that has global appeal, strong demand, and a strategic marketing campaign executed by a dedicated team, the commission is yet again ready to continue promoting California table grapes in markets around the world,” said LeMay.

Throughout the season, the commission marketing team attends trade shows and expos to connect with industry partners. This week, the team is exhibiting at the West Coast Produce Expo and can be found at booth B709 and welcomes anyone interested in learning more about California table grape promotions.



Companies in this Story


California Table Grape Commission

Generations of families have been growing grapes in California since 1839. That wealth of knowledge and care has been…