CALIFORNIA - While overcoming challenges caused by the highs of 110–115 degrees in California's San Joaquin Valley, Fresh Farms has maintained a strategic eye on shifting consumer preferences, ensuring all its grapes cover aspects such as flavor, appearance, and attractive packaging.

“The intense heat has had a pronounced effect, especially on colored grapes like Flames and Summer Royals, [which] were very slow to gain color and have only begun to color up in the past week,” said Shaun Ricks, Sales Representative. “The green grapes were delayed only slightly but resumed maturation when the heat broke and are now about two weeks ahead of last year. Colored grapes are running about the same as last year.”

Fresh Farms has also been focused on logistics. The company implemented delivery practices by using refrigerated trucks for transporting grapes from the field to properly store them, rather than flatbed bobtails. A press release explained this change ensures that the grapes are kept in good condition, maintaining their quality throughout the supply chain.

As Fresh Farms navigates this unusual season, it remains dedicated to delivering top-quality grapes. It’s this commitment to excellence that has led to Fresh Farms' continued success in the industry.

This dedication is seen when grapes arrive at the store as the company ensures that retailers know exactly how to preserve the grapes’ quality, providing full-service support in grape category management. Fresh Farms emphasizes that selling grapes involves more than simply storing them in refrigerated cases.

Fresh Farms will be concentrating on these varieties this season: Sweet Globe, Great Green, Allison, Krissy, and Candy Hearts.

The industry-wide estimate for these grapes is a total pack out of 94 million. The final figures are expected to be confirmed in December.

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