The Mexican table grape deal may be getting off to a slightly later start than usual this season, but grower-shippers expect volume to be significantly higher than last year.

Specialty grape production is on the rise in Mexico as growers adopt varieties that have gained popularity in the U.S.

The Watsonville-based California Strawberry Commission has a wealth of programs on tap this season to encourage consumers to buy California strawberries.

Judging from numbers from Nielsen Co. LLC, consumers in the western part of the U.S. are particularly fond of California avocados.

Even with this year’s smaller-than-usual crop, California avocado shippers may find some profitable opportunities outside of the domestic market.

The Irvine, Calif.-based Hass Avocado Board has been spreading the word about the nutrition benefits of hass avocados.

California avocado growers will focus mainly on California and the West, and marketing programs will be targeted to and customized for those customers.

Many of the produce items shipped from West Mexico during the spring are similar to those that arrive in winter. However, fruit items, like melons and mangoes, tend to have a greater presence as the weather warms up.

Every year, Mexican producers are growing more of their product under protected agriculture.

Growth of the organic mango category is showing no signs of slowing.