Sun World's Jason Fuller Talks Mexico and Coachella Grapes
BAKERSFIELD, CA - Sun World is in the midst of yet another excellent grape harvest out of Mexico and Coachella Valley this season. Despite an early start, color and taste for the company’s signature grapes are continuing to prove exceptional, and retailers are encouraged to start promoting now to get the most out of this season.
“Crops in Mexico and Coachella are coming off in a controlled steady fashion due to cooler weather in the areas,” said Jason Fuller, Sun World’s Sales Manager. “We’re continuing to watch for any unusual weather patterns as the crop continues to develop, but we anticipate a phenomenal season ahead.”
Sun World started harvesting Flame Seedless grapes on May 6 and has reported excellent color and eating quality, with over 20 brix recorded on the first day of harvest. Likewise, SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® green grapes, which started harvest earlier this month, are also showing outstanding sugar development. Volume, color, and overall quality are expected to remain consistent for the foreseeable future, barring any significant weather changes in Mexico or Coachella.
The atypical cooler weather patterns in Mexico and Coachella, however, could potentially slow down the harvest if these temperatures continue. That looks to change in both areas in the coming week, as temperatures are expected to climb into late next week.
“Both regions have been experiencing unusually cool temperatures that could easily slow both harvest and affect brix levels, yet will improve color development on red and black grapes,” Fuller continued. “Unseasonably warm temperatures may have contributed to a lighter set on the SUPERIOR SEEDLESS® variety out of Coachella, but in spite of that, taste has been exceptional. The Mexico region is experiencing similar volume reductions on SUPERIOR SEEDLESS®.”
In the coming days, Sun World will harvest its first crop of SABLE SEEDLESS® brand grapes out of Coachella, providing earlier than usual availability of the mid-season variety. Summer Royal grapes out of Mexico have started to cross with bigger volume, while Sun World’s premier black seedless grape, MIDNIGHT BEAUTY®, will begin harvest out of Coachella on May 15th and in early June out of Mexico.
Two of Sun World’s newest grapes, STARLETTA SEEDLESS®, an ultra-early black grape, and SONERA SEEDLESS®, an early through midseason red grape, are currently being assessed. More information on these latest grapes from Sun World will be coming shortly, so keep an eye out.
Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow as we continue to track the progress of Mexico and Coachella Valley’s grape season.
