Giumarra Vineyards Prepares for Seamless Grape Transition Ahead of IFPA; Randy Giumarra, Mike Walsh, and More Comment

BAKERSFIELD, CA - From efficient shipping times to closing supply gaps, all with a high focus on quality, Giumarra Vineyards makes it its mission to offer a steady grape supply, even in years like this with potential El Niño challenges.

“The Giumarra team works tactically to ensure our customers’ grape needs are met regardless of the erratic and unprecedented circumstances that continue to arise in recent years,” said Randy Giumarra.

Centered around grape experts who have the knowledge, experience, and confidence to help customers navigate supply constraints and supply abundances alike, Giumarra Vineyards stays in constant communication with field teams and customers. As the company prepares to head to IFPA’s Global Produce & Floral Summit (GPFS), Dan Gomez shares that the team is excited to showcase varieties that continue to perform well with domestic and export customers.

“We will highlight what we do best, which is to grow delicious grapes,” Gomez said. “Quality starts in the vineyard for us. Our focus is on growing the best possible fruit and harvesting it when it reaches its peak, rather than simply harvesting to meet a date on the calendar. We want our customers to enjoy grapes that deliver the eating experience consumers are looking for.”

It is an unwavering focus that the company leans into as a differentiator, combined with the ability to be a year-round partner. Now, as El Niño conditions threaten to disrupt the pending transition from California to the Southern Hemisphere, Giumarra is importing significant volume from Peru starting in November, and thereafter Chile, as they work to provide the best varieties from each breeding program. This year will bring significant growth in Autumn Crisp, Applause, Sweet Globe, Cotton Candy, and some volume of Fire Crunch.

“We provide a seamless transition from all growing regions, and we tailor our program to meet customer needs. We don’t want to be the biggest, we want to be the best and most trusted partner out there. Our strategy is to bring in the right product, from the best growers to service our customers when the grapes are needed with no gaps,”  Mike Walsh said. “This is also the belief we carry into our own ranches in California. We are investing heavily by making varietal changes yearly to meet customer needs.”

Proprietary varieties like Honey Pop, Fire Crunch, and Cherry Crush have become favorites among many of Giumarra Vineyards customers, generating strong interest in both domestic and export markets and speaking directly to its commitment to constant improvement.

“Customers want three things: timely, accurate information, consistent quality, and dependable supply. In an industry where there are many variables, the first is most important because it allows customers to plan around the other two,” Walsh explained. “Without reliable information, retailers are left reacting to changes instead of anticipating supply gaps, developing contingency plans, and planning promotions with confidence. Clear, proactive communication is the foundation for a broader strategy that protects sales, margins, and the shopper experience.

"Giumarra Vineyards’ tailored programs are designed to rotate our fruit much quicker than industry averages, so we’re providing our customers with the freshest grapes possible during," said Mike Rodgers.

You can hear more about it from the grape sales team in person at IFPA booth #3953. Shake hands with Randy Giumarra, Alex Giumarra, Dan Gomez, Mike Rodgers, Mike Walsh, Shauna Rockwell, and Claudia Lagos in Orlando, Florida, October 15-16.