REEDLEY, CA - If there are two things that consumers love, its organics and table grapes, and bringing together the two into one highly anticipated offering, Fruit World has announced that it will begin shipping its organic Thomcord grapes by the end of July. Ahead of shipping, the fruit purveyor anticipates strong, promotable volumes that will be available from mid-August through early-October, giving retailers a several month window to merchandise the popular variety, racking up shopper dollars.
"We are already getting text messages from consumers asking when our organic Thomcords will be available," said Co-Founder Bianca Kaprielian. "They love the Thomcord flavor profile and appreciate the opportunity to communicate directly with the growers through our Thomcord Tales promotion campaign, which is now in its fourth year."
Thomcord seedless grapes are a hybrid of the well-known Concord variety and Thompson Seedless grapes, embodying the rich, full flavor of the Concord and the tender skin and seedless qualities of Thompson. According to a press release, Fruit World planted the variety seven years ago, and its vines are now fully mature and have a multitude of purple clusters.
"The recent warm weather in California’s Central Valley is rapidly increasing the color and brix, so we’ll begin harvesting 7–10 days earlier than last year," explained CJ Buxman, Co-Founder.
This season, the company’s Thomcord grapes are available in 10 x 2 lb recyclable and compostable paper totes, featuring bright, colorful graphics to catch the eyes of consumers. Additionally, Fruit World will be shipping 20 x 1 lb clamshells.
Following the start of its shipment of organic Thomcord grapes across the U.S. and air freighting to customers in Asia, Fruit World anticipates a successful 2021 season and urges retailers to begin contacting the company early to confirm orders.
"While we anticipate this year’s crop to be heavier than in 2020, last year we sold out in mid-September," Kaprielian added. "We encourage retailers to contact us early to confirm their orders and meet the high consumer demand for this popular variety."
In addition to its Thomcord grapes, the company will also be shipping Kyoho grapes this season. Known for their robust flavor, especially in Asian markets, the seeded, slip-skin variety offers large, round, black berries that will surely entice shoppers.
"People get together to share the Kyoho eating experience," said Buxman. "It’s much more than a casual snacking fruit."
The vines for the Kyoho variety are still young, so Fruit World will have limited quantities available this season. The variety will be offered in 2 lb, 3 lb, and 4 lb clamshells, with specialty packs also available upon request.
Fruit World will also offer exclusive limited supplies of legendary black, red, and green heirloom grape varieties from mid-July through October, grown by Pete Wolf, one of California’s first organic growers, a well-respected grape expert and long-time Fruit World growing partner.
With so many unique varieties to offer, how will you display Fruit World grapes to drive register rings in your store? I, for one, can’t wait to see!
