The supply of California table grapes has been affected due to a prolonged heat wave, with vines halting production and reduced working hours for picking crews as the state's primary growing area, the San Joaquin Valley, enters peak harvest season. The region, responsible for the majority of the nation's fresh-market grapes, has seen damage to some grape varieties and inhibited growth in others due to the excessive temperatures. To avoid the intense afternoon heat, pickers have been working predominantly six-hour shifts in the morning, leaving some fruit unharvested.

According to Kern County grower Mark Hall, "It's just taking longer to pick it." The heat wave, which brought triple-digit temperatures with the onset of harvest in early July, has compromised the quality of certain grape varieties. Hall noted that while some of his early Flame Seedless grapes were unaffected, the prolonged high temperatures are now impacting quality, with overripe fruit becoming mushy and melted. His Sugraone grapes are potentially a complete loss due to heat damage and mildew, leading to weakened skin, berry cracking, and rot. The Autumn King variety has also shown signs of sunburn.

The situation has led to reduced market supply, inadvertently supporting prices at a time when they typically decline. Meanwhile, production issues in Mexico have shortened its shipping season, contributing to less imported fruit in domestic markets as California's harvest began.

In 2023, California's table grape acreage was reported at 125,000, a slight decrease from the previous year, contrasting with the state's wine and raisin grape cultivation. The San Joaquin Valley's harvest period extends through December, with cold-storage grapes available into January. Additionally, the Coachella Valley contributes early-season fruit, starting in mid-to late May. Last year, the region's table grape volumes were also impacted by a rare tropical storm during peak harvest.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com