Growers and shippers are signaling that the California table grape season could end earlier than usual. According to Philippe Markarian of Mirabella Farms, harvest volumes are exceeding what's currently being shipped because fruit is ripening ahead of schedule — but that early timing could mean a shorter overall window before the season wraps.
California table grapes have already been flagged in recent Ripe coverage for a supply-demand imbalance, with volumes up sharply versus demand. An earlier-than-expected close to the season would be a meaningful market development, accelerating the transition to import supply from Peru and Chile.
Buyers and category managers running grape programs through September and October should get updated timing estimates from their California suppliers now. A compressed domestic window affects promotional planning, retail pricing, and when import supply needs to step in to bridge the gap.