Hermosillo Sonora, Mexico March 30th, 2021 — The Sonora Grape Growers Association (AALPUM) projects 21.5 million 18 lb. (8.2 kg) cartons to be packed and shipped between early May and mid-July, 2021.
AALPUM association president Marcos Camou, AALPUM general manager Juan Laborin and FPAA BB #:144354 grape division chairman John Pandol presented the crop estimate via Zoom on March 30. This estimate is 2% less than the 2020 harvest and 11% less than the 2019 crop.
The largest volume is white seedless varieties at 44%, followed by red seedless varieties at 43%, then black seedless varieties at 7% and then ‘other’ 6%, which includes Red Globes and specialty varieties like Cotton Candy.
Sonora is the only growing area supplying North America that produces a majority of green seedless. Between 3 and 5% of the grape crop is certified organic.
The harvest season is subdivided into four sections:
Preseason — 10% everything prior to May 15 including other early areas
Early Season — 16% May 16-30
Peak Season — 53% May 31 – June 20
Late Season — 21% post June 21 into July
Shipping will continue from Nogales and other forward distribution points will continue until mid-July. A promotion calendar with load dates ex-Nogales were included in the presentation.
The estimate had a new look that reflects changes in the industry. Not long ago 80% of the volume was three varieties. Today 40% is over a two dozen newer proprietary varieties.
“To give a rundown of individual varieties, each with beginning and end of harvest date for each growing area is no longer a useful description of the crop,” said FPAA grape division chairman John Pandol. “The purpose of giving an estimate is so our supply chain partners; operational service providers, government agencies and commercial partners can prepare”
“It is always exciting for American consumers to get their first fresh crop grapes of the spring. This year’s Mexican grape harvest will provide great opportunities for promotions,” said FPAA President Lance Jungmeyer.
AALPUM estimated the following carton packout, compared to last season:
| 2020 packout | 2021 estimate | |
| Early greens | 4,492,581 | 4,260,611 |
| Red seedless | 9,488,920 | 9,320,105 |
| Mid greens | 5,198,653 | 5,271,696 |
| Red globe | 458,380 | 365,000 |
| Black grapes | 1,641,040 | 1,551,132 |
| Cotton candy | 753,310 | 726,490 |
| TOTAL | 22,034,884 | 21,495,034 |
AALPUM general manager Juan Laborin addressed rumors of a light crop circulating in the industry.
“There are reports of vineyards or parts of vineyards with very low yield prospects. While those cases exist, it is far from the norm and not representative of the majority of vineyards. Over the years AALPUM has developed a robust methodology to create the crop estimate. The numbers that come out of the statistical model at the end of March predict within +/- 5% the final crop.”
A recording of the virtual presentation will be posted on AALPUM’s social media sites: https://www.facebook.com/MexicoTableGrapes or YouTube Mexico Table Grapes, and FPAA’s website www.freshfrommexico.com
AALPUM About the Mexican Table Grape Growers Association:
This Association was founded in 1977 thanks to the initiative of a small group of growers who saw the importance of being united, and found in the vine a new alternative to the existing crops on the coast of Hermosillo, such as: grains, orange and cotton, among others.
It is important to highlight that the Association has 98% of the producers’ register in the Hermosillo area, and that thanks to this, we currently represent 78% of the national table grape production; In this way, the state of Sonora (Hermosillo and Caborca) represents 95% of the total production, thanks to the great coordination and leadership that the same Association has in collaboration with the Local Association of Producers of Fruits and Vegetables of Caborca, related body, with which it works in a coordinated and constant way to achieve these goals.
FPAA About the Fresh Produce Association of Americas:
Founded in 1944 in Nogales, Arizona, the Fresh Produce Association of the Americas has grown to become one of the most influential agricultural groups in the United States. Today, the FPAA provides a powerful voice for improvement and sustainability by serving the needs of more than 100 North American companies involved in the marketing, import, and distribution of produce.
