Record California Table Grape Crop
March 12, 2013 California shipped a record 101.5 million boxes (100.1 million 19-pound box equivalents) of fresh California grapes during the 2012 season.
The 2012 season started with shipments in early May and continued through January 2013. California produces 99% of the commercial fresh grapes grown in the U.S.
“Grapes from California are a popular choice in the U.S. and around the world,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission. In the U.S., research shows that 99% of primary grocery shoppers prefer California grapes over imports. California preference is also seen in many export markets. In 2012, 41% of the crop was exported.
“We constantly seek new and interesting ways to remind people of the benefits of eating grapes from California and to motivate increased purchase,” said Nave.
The 2013 California table grape season is two months away with retail, consumer, and foodservice campaigns planned to kick off in May.
Since 1971, volume has significantly increased from just over 20 million boxes in 1971, 50 million in 1982, 60 million in 1988, 70 million in 1995, and 90 million boxes in 1997. Shipments approached 100 million boxes in 2008, 2010, and 2011 and broke through in 2012. The California Table Grape Commission was created by the California legislature in 1967 to increase worldwide demand for fresh California grapes.
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