There is little to be said you haven’t already heard through the grapevine—or so we thought. This category has undergone so much innovation, expansion, and adversity in recent years. It stands to reason its presentation on the plate and in the store should innovate as well. And so we have brought quite the bunch of experts together to help inspire even more rings at the register when it comes to some delectable California table grapes…
“It’s time to forget about tariffs and trade deficits, and concentrate on satisfying customers with sweet, crunchy, flavorful California grapes. If you want to start the season with delicious proprietary varieties that will set the tone for summer and follow up with more tasty offerings through the entire fall, Giumarra Vineyards has one unique variety after another to keep your customers coming back for more. This has proven to drive repeat sales and build grape category numbers. And yes, we’re very happy to ship grapes all over North America!”
“We are seeing more refrigerated space in stores, and we are seeing that store investment pay off for grapes, because it has become known that we don’t need the lowest retail price. We need great positioning and great fruit. It’s attractive, crisp, firm product that drives sales these days. Even when you look at grapes at $3.00 or more a pound, consumers are still seeing a great deal compared to other perishable section alternatives.
Across the industry, the varietal offerings have come far, with a solid product offering top to bottom for just about the entire 26 weeks we ship from California’s San Joaquin Valley. Two years ago, we had an unprecedented rain event some called a hurricane; the following year, we had unprecedented heat—still, the industry was able to pack and deliver great fruit that drove demand. The tried-and-true strategy is: If it is in a prominent position, whether an endcap or upon entry to the produce department, and the quality is great, it drives sales.”
“We are excited to kick off our season in early June. Buyers have told me they see an upswing when the California table grape season starts. The consumers expect the outstanding quality that we produce. Crunchy berries, excellent size, and, of course, the flavor, this is an outstanding snack any time of the day. Who can resist a big bowl of grapes, whether on a cheese platter or frozen for a refreshing treat on a hot summer day? This makes for outstanding promotions throughout the season. When the retailers can have a front-of-door display showing all three colors, they see an increase in foot traffic.”
“Promote, promote, promote. Promotion is key, with displays front and center of the produce department or front of the store in high-traffic areas. When the quality of the grape looks good on the shelf, it is going to sell, and that process is at its best when everyone does their part. As growers, moving boxes of high-quality grapes is our highest priority so retailers have the best ingredients in-store to inspire impulse buys. This is proven to happen the most when the lighting, display, and bag look fresh and enticing. The produce department is the true driver of the store during the California grape season, and we are proud to do our part for retail partners to get the most possible out of this window.”
“As we look ahead to California’s upcoming table grape season, we know that consumers are looking for more than just fruit—they’re looking for an experience. Enter a branded grape like AUTUMNCRISP®. With its signature crunch, juicy sweetness, and striking appearance, this late-season grape has carved out a loyal following, proving that branded grapes can drive excitement and repeat purchases well beyond the traditional window. Much like what happened with apples, we’re seeing momentum build around branded grapes. Shoppers are starting to ask for grapes by name, and that opens the door to more creative storytelling, display strategies, and cross-promotional opportunities. For example, retailers are embracing strategic displays and storytelling around California-grown grapes, using signage, QR codes, and pairing ideas to deepen the connection with shoppers.
AUTUMNCRISP® shines especially well when cross-merchandised with seasonal favorites like specialty cheeses or chilled sparkling waters to encourage that elevated snacking moment. As California growers gear up for harvest, there’s no better time to spotlight the flavor, quality, and innovation coming straight from our vineyards.”
“Consumers are increasingly valuing health, quality, and convenience, and with grapes excelling in all three areas, consumption is expected to rise. At SGS, we focus on harvesting at the perfect time to ensure our grapes are the ideal size, vibrant in color, and bursting with flavor. Our commitment goes beyond visual appeal—we strive to deliver an exceptional eating experience. Offering creative recipe ideas can effectively encourage consumers to incorporate grapes into their diets in 2025. Grapes are rich in antioxidants, and their heart-healthy properties, along with the presence of resveratrol—an antioxidant known to support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation—make them particularly appealing to health-conscious buyers. Educating consumers about how to enjoy grapes in various ways and reap the health benefits they have to offer will be key to driving consumption. When people understand how grapes can enhance their lifestyle, they’re more likely to make them a regular part of their diet and a staple for both their taste buds and well-being!”
“Grapes are one of the most versatile and delicious fruits you’ll find in the produce aisle. With so many colors, textures, and flavors to choose from, there’s something to satisfy every consumer! At Pacific Trellis Fruit, we’ve built a strong sourcing program that brings you the best grapes from Mexico, California, and beyond, ensuring top-notch quality and incredible taste all year long.
When it comes to buying grapes, you’ve got options! Whether you prefer a grab-and-go random weight bag or a convenient 2 lb or 3 lb clamshell, there’s a size to fit any need. And if you’re looking for something extra special, check out our 1 lb specialty varieties like Cotton Candy™, Candy Hearts®, Candy Snaps™, and Jam grapes—my personal favorite! Jam grapes are a seedless black variety that tastes just like Concord jelly, with a crisp snap and just the right amount of tartness. If you have joined in on the frozen grape trend, this one is a no-brainer!”
“There has been a revolution in grape varieties over the last decade. When you mention new varieties, most tend to think of specialty items, but the real breakthrough has been the advancements of our everyday red, green, and black grapes. These new varieties are crunchy, sweet, and absolutely delicious. We love grapes, and have found a few unique ways to enjoy them that are now a favorite in our house. My son adds grapes as a healthy way to sweeten up his cereal in the morning, we include grapes in on our pizzas for a surprising burst of flavor, and the whole family loves grape salsa.”
“When it comes to selling grapes, quality and flavor are everything. Well-maintained grapes not only have a longer shelf-life but also look more appealing on store shelves, ultimately offering customers a truly exceptional eating experience. We take great pride in hand-selecting the finest grape bunches, ensuring we never pick too early and always wait for the grapes to reach their peak flavor on the vine. As one of the largest grape growers in the Northern Hemisphere, consistency in flavor is paramount—especially with the diverse varieties we grow, including AUTUMNCRISP®, Cotton Candy™, Sweet Globe™, Sweet Celebration™, and our signature Gummyberries™ and Jellyberries™. Each of these varieties has a unique flavor profile, and we are committed to growing them so they deliver the same delicious taste every time a customer purchases them. Ultimately, flavor is the cornerstone of our grape success!” 
