Divine Flavor Chilean Grape Program Sees Great Season With Specialty-Flavored Varieties
NOGALES, AZ - The grower/shipper Divine Flavor is currently looking to wrap-up the final shipments from its Peruvian grape partners and transition to its next growing region, Chile. Divine Flavor has started receiving the first loads of the season from Chile, primarily consisting of Thompsons, Sugraone, and Sweet Globes, among other greens.
“This year, we’ll have more Muscat Beauty, which is a great tasting hybrid,” said Gonzalo Mery of Santa Elena, Grower. “We’ve also planted more AUTUMNCRISP® and Sweet Globe, both being specialty and high-flavored greens. Krissy (a red variety) is another special one, having great size, sugar, and acidity. The flavor is quite special. The grape markets in the U.S. will continue seeing more of these grapes because the quality has been excellent and it’s a great tasting product.”
Last season in 2019, Chile exported over 70 million boxes, 60 percent of which were designated for U.S. markets, according to a press release. Despite drought concerns for the growing regions and an estimated 15 percent decrease in overall volume for 2020, Divine Flavor and its Chilean partners anticipate having decent volumes and more exclusive, high-flavored varieties for the North American retailers.
“This movement and our decisions are being backed up by data and testing blocks trials,” said Arturo Hoffmann, Commercial Manager of Don Ricardo. “Next season, we anticipate having 85 percent of our production to be of the specialty, high-flavored varieties.”
In a similar concept, Divine Flavor partners in Peru have also planted more high-flavored varieties. Divine Flavor grower, Agricola Don Ricardo, will be planting more hectors of the exclusive varieties such as the fan-favorite Jellyberries and Gummyberries.
The company’s season in Peru runs from October to the first weeks of February, while its regions in Chile go from January until April, with inventory holding off until the company’s highly anticipated first season of table grapes starting in Jalisco, Mexico. Consumers can find Jellyberries and Gummyberries in stores now.
Keep your eyes peeled for Divine Flavor’s premium grapes! For all the latest in produce and grocery, stick with us here at ANUK.
