Mountain View Fruit Sales' George Matoian Discusses Early Start to California Table Grape Season

REEDLEY, CA - After officially achieving superfood status, grapes are primed for an uptick in demand just as the California table grape season officially kicks off. Mountain View Fruit Sales Grape Grower George Matoian recently offered an exclusive glimpse at the early start to the 2026 season.

“We have increased production on the overall table grape production with newer young vineyards coming into production, and have more volume of two newer varieties, which have been in great demand in recent years,” George tells me.

These standout varieties include:

• Kyoho - specialty black seeded grape with a wonderful Concord taste and aroma
• Solbrio - an XL black, seedless, and crunchy early/mid-season berry that exhibits a slight mango flavor when harvested at full maturity

“The 2026 California San Joaquin Valley table grape season is currently near 20 days ahead of the previous 2025 crop,” George continues. “The San Joaquin Valley had the warmest March on record, with temperatures averaging 15-18 F above normal. The current crop is coming along nicely, with overall production estimated at around 96-98 million boxes. We have had a couple of minor rainstorms over the last month, which is normal for our region and has not impacted the quality or projected pack-out at harvest.”

With the season expected to get off to a strong start, George offers some advice on how retailers can maximize table grape demand over the next couple of months.

“Offer promotional pricing during the peak harvest periods to help move the crop to the consumers,” George advises. “Emphasize all the health benefits that table grapes offer, such as heart health, eye health, immune support, anti-aging benefits, and a high amount of resveratrol and polyphenols, which help in lowering blood pressure, reducing inflammation, and improving gut diversity.”

As more category opportunities arise, ANUK will be here with the latest insights. Stay tuned!