As the fall table grapes season is underway and as the International Fresh Produce Association's annual show is coming, The Packer talked with Divine Flavor's quality assurance and public relations manager, Michael DuPuis, on the international table grape situation.
He reports the table grape season, particularly from its international suppliers, has been mixed. On the one hand, there have been better yields in some growing regions and good supplies of consumer-favorite varieties. For example, during last season, he noted Peru saw “nearly a 48% increase in production compared to last year.”
“Chile also saw a rise in output despite reduced acreage,” he adds.
Divine Flavor's Mexican table grapes season started in March in Jalisco. He describes this region as having become a key region for growing proprietary varieties like Autumncrisp, Cotton Candy and Sweet Globe that are consumer favorites.
“These arrive at an ideal time, when South American grapes are aging and nearing the end of shelf life, making Jalisco fruit a standout during the early import window.”
Challenges of table grape imports
On the other hand, there have also been challenges related to weather, tariffs and oversupplies for Divine Flavor's international table grape operations. Weather repeatedly became a problem for Mexican growers, for instance.
Tropical Storm Alvin struck in late May and early June. This system particularly caused problems for the Flame seedless grapes grown in Sonora, where humidity from the storm caused cracking just before harvest.
“However, through our mother-ship company, Grupo Alta, and other experienced growers, we adapted quickly to navigate through the early rain issues that hit in early June,” DuPuis reports. “By the time our premium varieties came in, quality and consistency were back on track.”
Tariffs can also be a challenge for the grape importer, but because Divine Flavor sources from several different countries throughout the season, the impact varies. DuPuis explains grapes from the Mexican operations enter the U.S. tariff-free due to the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
“This gives our Mexican programs, particularly from Jalisco and Sonora, a strategic advantage in terms of cost and competitiveness,” he says.
The situation is more challenging when it comes to grapes from the South American countries, however. DuPuis describes the tariffs as playing a significant role in the current import landscape for Divine Flavor's South American operations. Chile and Peru are both currently under a 10% tariff.
“Since Peru begins the season earlier, the added cost is immediately felt by exporters and importers, impacting overall pricing and margins,” DuPuis says. “For Chile, the effect could be even more significant. As they finish later in the season — when Mexican fruit starts hitting the market — the 10% tariff could reduce their competitiveness and potentially limit the volume of Chilean grapes shipped to the U.S.”
Potentially the most pressing challenge is an oversupply of table grapes compared to consumer demand, however, which puts pressure on prices for growers. DuPuis says this dynamic is at play in both the international and the California-based table grape industries and for traditional varieties as well as newer proprietary varieties.
“While premium grapes, such as high-flavor varieties and organics, are still performing well, the sheer abundance of grapes across all categories is creating a difficult environment,” DuPuis says. But the company is rising to tackle those obstacles, he adds.
“At Divine Flavor, we manage our programs strategically — timing promotions, client needs and variety selection to stay ahead of these challenges.”
Looking to the table grape future
DuPuis says one of the biggest opportunities for the table grape industry is to deal with the issue of overproduction.
“To address this, it's critical that the grape sector comes together to collectively promote grape consumption,” he says. “We have incredible varieties, both established and in development, but without unified marketing efforts, we risk missing the opportunity to grow demand alongside supply.”
He also describes oversupplies of table grapes as something that “can tempt the system to accept subpar fruit, which ultimately hurts consumer trust and long-term demand.” And keeping consumers' changing demands in mind is key.
“Looking ahead, consumer demand is clearly moving toward grapes that offer both exceptional flavor and enhanced health benefits,” DuPuis adds. “Grapes are already a naturally healthy fruit, but ongoing innovation from breeders is introducing varieties with even higher levels of antioxidants, vitamins and overall nutritional value.”
He additionally praises the ongoing innovation from table-grape breeders to make more sustainable, nutritious grapes one of the most exciting innovations going on in the industry. This is particularly important as consumer preferences become more personalized.
“Variety matters,” he stresses. “People know what they like, and flavor drives their choices.”
Divine Flavor at 2025 Global Produce Show
When it comes to looking to the future, Divine Flavor will have a booth at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association's 2025 Global Produce and Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif. Oct. 16-18.
“Our goal at events like this is to share our story, update our retail partners on the upcoming season, and provide real solutions to their retail needs,” DuPuis says. “While we're best known for our premium table grapes, our footprint continues to grow across our vegetable programs, including bell peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers and other hot house items, available in both conventional and organic. We're working hard to close production gaps and become a true year-round supplier across all our core categories.”
DuPuis adds that the entire Divine Flavor sales team will be out in full force at the event, urging attendees to “come stop by and visit us at Booth 647 to chat more about the opportunities we can create together.”
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