Fruit World expands specialty organic grape volume

Overview of organic grapes in the U.S. market, complemented by charts from Agronometrics. Original published on May 28, 2024.

Reedley, Calif.-based Fruit World says it has expanded its specialty organic grape program by introducing new and unique heritage varieties.

Fruit World will kick off the season with Champagne grapes available in mid-July, followed by Thomcords and new heritage varietals at the end of July, according to a news release.

“In addition to our organic Thomcords and other beloved varieties, we are excited to introduce an even more diverse and flavorful range of heritage grape varieties this season,” Fruit World founder and CEO Bianca Kaprielian said in the release. “Our commitment to sustaining family farms continues to inspire our efforts to delight our customers.”

The organic program will also include Natural Flames, available in late July, followed by Natural Thompsons in early August.

Source: USDA Market News via Agronometrics.
(Agronometrics users can view this chart with live updates here)

Additionally, ribier, grenache, and other wine grape varietals that are well suited for fresh consumption will be available, according to the release. Fruit World says it also will continue to ship conventional Kyoho grapes, particularly popular in Asian markets. As the grape season progresses, Fruit World will also offer stone fruit and summer citrus.

For the sixth year running, Fruit World says it is enhancing direct communication with consumers through its “text us” card initiative, Thomcord Tales. Each Thomcord retail unit contains a small card that shares Fruit World’s story and invites customers to send them a text, the release said, adding that Fruit World employees respond to all customer messages.

Fruit World said it is reintroducing fully compostable and recyclable packaging options. Moving from plastic poly bags to now paper totes and recyclable clamshells, the company is taking steps to minimize environmental impact throughout the supply chain, according to the release.

Fruit World says it will showcase the season’s new varieties and its citrus and stone-fruit programs at booth No. 621 of the Organic Produce Summit in July in Monterey, Calif.

The News in Charts is a collection of stories from the industry complemented by charts from Agronometrics to help better tell their story.

Access the original article with this (Link)