FRESNO, CA - August in Sacramento, California, means that it is hot, hot, HOT. But that’s not the only thing heating up this summer. The California Table Grape Commission (CGTC) reported that table grape season is in full swing, meaning that retailers can safely ramp up the California heat in the form of dollar-driving programs.

“Quality is excellent and demand is strong in the U.S. and in export markets, and grapes are a perfect fit for consumers in these complicated times: simple, flavorful, versatile, and full of health-enhancing phytonutrients that boost immune health,” Kathleen Nave, President, expressed.

Reporting expectations for a positive season as the backdrop, CTGC revised its estimate for the 2020 table grape crop to 104.9 million 19-lb boxes, down from its April estimate of 106.5 million. A press release remarked that the final harvest in 2019 was 104.99 million 19-lb boxes.

“Estimating the crop is a detailed process that is formally undertaken three times a year and involves volume projections based on growing districts,” said Nave. “The significant amount of vineyard removal in 2019 appears to have been offset by new vineyards coming into production in 2020.”

Although 65 percent of the California table grape crop is typically shipped between September 1 and the end of January, Nave explained that while grapes are indeed a summer fruit, they also fall into autumn and early winter programs, as well.

Over 80 table grape varieties are grown in California, so consumers certainly have lots of different grapes to try. So, let’s heat this summer up and get to grape snacking!

California Table Grape Commission