MADERA, CA - Perfect when fresh and eaten by the handful or frozen in a glass of chardonnay, grapes bring a certain kind of happiness to snacking that is uniquely easy to simply pluck and enjoy. With a need to know how one of consumers’ favorite treats was doing this season, I head straight to the source for the inside scoop.
Because of a light crop in the southern district and a hurricane that swept through Mexico, the market is strong for good grapes right now, Kirk Cerniglia with Royal Madera Vineyards explains to me, sharing that the weather in Madera has been kind to the company’s produce. He tells me that Royal Madera Vineyards’ crop is looking excellent this year, as the company focuses on quality to deliver the best product yet—including its newest additions.
“The new varieties that will be available this year are Scarlet Royal, Allison, Autumn King, and Autumn Royal. Other standard varieties—such as Thompson Seedless, Fantasy, Crimson, and Red Globe—round out this year’s offering,” Kirk explains. “Coming soon will be Timpson and Ivory, with Flame Seedless available in 2019. The addition of these new varieties helps keep our cost down with an increase in production.”
Kirk tells me that the company’s new varieties are not the only thing to get excited about. With so much to offer, Royal Madera Vineyards has point-of-sale materials to boost retailers’ sales and consumer engagement, all available through the California Table Grape Commission. In addition to promotional resources, it’s all about the look of the produce and the support offered to make the magic happen, and Kirk tells me that the company has retailers covered on that front too.
“We offer all phases of packaging—standard pack with bagged fruit, pre-weighed bagged product, clamshell—basically, we offer it all,” Kirk says of its packing options.
Further, Royal Madera Vineyards is bringing more than quality service and incredible produce to the table—the company just released two new premium labels to adorn its offerings, which are sure to capture the hearts and interests of consumers meandering produce aisles. For the American label, a bald eagle is proudly positioned next to the American flag. On the other hand, the Rosebud's label takes on a softer tone with a pink rose next to ripe and freshly rinsed grapes.
“The company’s mainstay is service. When an order is placed with us, the customer can depend on getting the very best in quality and service,” Kirk assures.
With promises like that, I’m at ease knowing our summer staple is in great hands, and I look forward to finding these gems of produce; fresh and ready to be eaten!
