DINUBA, CA - Domestic table grapes continue to be a hot commodity in the United States. With high-quality supplies coming out of California, growers are working to maintain their market share. To get a better glimpse at domestic operations, I got in touch with Keith Wilson, President of King Fresh Produce LLC.
“The California Table Grape Commission does a great job promoting California-grown grapes. Grapes grown in California have always been known as a great quality product and consumers look for the ‘California Grown’ label and the American flag when buying grapes,” Keith began telling me.
As Keith pointed out, table grapes are a great item to promote at the retail level, as they produce very little shrink and people love to eat them fresh off the vine, in salads, desserts, and frozen.
“California has withstood the test of time as a premier location with warm, dry climates and soil that produces quality grapes. Not to mention, most growers have generations of family members who have been involved or are still involved in vineyard management. Most table grape growers have been trained by previous generations to grow quality product as well as many knowledgeable people in the industry who are happy to share cultural secrets. Our ag-based universities also continue to educate grape growers,” Keith concluded.
Quality and dedication to the craft are what set California table grape growers apart from the rest. ANUK will continue to highlight this top-dollar crop whenever we get the chance, so stay tuned.
