NOGALES, AZ - For Divine Flavor, February is not only the month of love, but also the month for harvesting Chilean table grapes. At the heart of the country’s table grape production is Santa Elena, a grower and partner to the produce brand, and playing a key role in this company is grape specialist and part Owner Gonzalo Tocornal.

“Santa Elena produces at a commercial level, but they are not an industrial farm; rather, what Gonzalo Tocornal does in Santa Elena is an art form fueled by passion,” commented Carlos Bon, Vice President of Sales for Divine Flavor. “There’s a purpose to every decision he makes during pre-production, production, and post-harvesting, and not only does he know how to grow flavorful grapes, but he also grows a piece of finished fruit durable to withstand the supply chain to other countries. He truly is a grape artist.”

Bon met Tocornal in 2013 at a grape field day in South Africa, a release explained. The Vice President of Sales had his eyes set on expanding the portfolio of table grapes for Grupo Alta’s farms and Divine Flavor’s customers. Muscat Beauty, a specialty grape owned by Santa Elena and exclusively produced by a handful of growers around the globe, was one of the varieties that Bon was focused on.

“The Muscat Beauty was a key part to starting our partnership, but we both knew early on after meeting each other the potential of Santa Elena together with Divine Flavor would have a tremendous impact on the future of our companies,” said Tocornal.

So began the partnership between Divine Flavor and Santa Elena. Now, the pair are starting their seventh import program together alongside other grape companies such as Ecosac, Campo Del Sur, and Unifrutti.

“For our company, it is very important to work with grape experts and those who understand the amount of effort which goes into this business. Divine Flavor and Grupo Alta share the same experience as we do in Santa Elena, which is why our partnership excels,” added Tocornal. “They are not only a big grower in Mexico, but a marketer who has built an excellent relationship with customers around the world, so to have this partnership with them is the best way to have consumers eat our fruit.”

The Chilean season is in full steam until April, with fruit supplies lasting until mid-late May. Grape offerings will include varieties such as Sable Seedless, Sweet Celebration, Scarlotta, Muscat Beauty, AUTUMNCRISP®, Cotton Candy, Candy Hearts, and Candy Snaps/Candy Dreams, among others.

To read more about Tocornal and Santa Elena, click here.

What lies ahead for this partnership? Stick with AndNowUKnow to find out.

Divine Flavor