LOS ANGELES, CA - Giumarra Companies is ready to meet the buy-side demand for import table grapes and nectarines. I recently had the chance to chat with Fernando Soberanes, Vice President, Sales, Long Beach, and Kellee Harris, Vice President, Retail Merchandising Services, to discuss what’s in store for this season.

“For nectarines, we offer yellow flesh and white flesh. We offer a full line of both traditional and new nectarine varieties from our grower partners in Chile. The new varieties are from the PSB Producción Vegetal genetics providing extended shelf-life and exceptional eating profiles,” Fernando began telling me.

Additionally, Giumarra offers premium white flesh nectarine varieties, such as Andeneccinco and Arctic Red, to complement the company’s yellow flesh offerings. Fernando stated that Giumarra will have steady volume coming in until the season concludes at the end of February.

“We are currently in the thick of nectarine volumes,” Kellee confirmed. “While consumers are still focused on healthy eating, offering flavorful stonefruit in the produce department can encourage additional purchases as shoppers look to have options for healthy snacks.”

Fernando went on to note that grapes will have steady supplies on both green and red seedless varieties through the rest of the season.

“We continue to offer a wide selection of traditional, new, and ultra-premium grape varieties to meet our customers’ needs,” he continued. “Our South American import grapes include fruit from Chile and Peru. For our new varieties, we offer Sweet Globe™, Ivory™, Timpson™, Allison™, Jack’s Salute™, Sweet Celebration™, Timco™, and Sweeties™, among others.”

Fernando added that Giumarra is adding Sun World varieties to its varietal offerings from South America and Mexico.

“With this new addition of Sun World varieties, we will extend our late-season grape offerings with premium varieties such as AUTUMNCRISP® and SCARLOTTA SEEDLESS®, allowing for smoother transitions from one origin to another,” said Fernando.

He also noted that Peru is entering the final weeks of exporting significant volumes for a season that will likely set a new production record for Peru with over 75 million boxes. Chile is expected to produce its full grape crop (67 million boxes, 40 million of which are anticipated to come to the U.S. market) after having ideal growing conditions with sufficient chill hours and rain when the vines needed it the most.

“We can expect heavy volumes of green seedless to arrive prior to April 10, with only top quality green seedless arriving post-marketing order,” Fernando explained. “Red seedless will continue to come in steady volumes throughout April and into May, weather permitting. From there, we will transition into product from Mexico and expect similarly robust volumes.”

Kellee noted that Giumarra works with its retail partners to support them with merchandising both in-store and online. This includes signage to create eye-catching displays and recipe content for online.

“Grapes are exhibiting year-over-year growth from all origins, including domestic production,” she said. “It’s important for retailers to keep the grape category front and center, as many consumers consider grapes a staple snacking item that is highly flavorful and requires little to no preparation other than rinsing with water. Well-stocked, attractive grape displays featuring multiple varieties will help boost sales. Consumers are also seeking value, and regularly putting grapes on ad will encourage repeat purchases and devotion to the category.”

Referencing grape category data from Circana, Kellee noted that grapes benefit from social media exposure, particularly on TikTok where viral trends encourage consumption among consumers, especially Gen Z.

“Gen Z spent over 40% more per buyer on grapes last year,” Kellee said. “Retailers can continue to capitalize on consumer interest in grapes and even work with influencers, dietitians, and partners like Giumarra on developing the next creative viral moment.”

You heard it here first! Make room on those shelves for import nectarines and grapes, because Giumarra Companies is coming in hot.