The San Joaquin Valley officially kicked off its table grape harvest last week, projecting good yields and quality as Mexican supplies slow to a close. The timing is especially important this year given the well-below-average Mexican volume, which has left the market unusually short heading into summer.
California is stepping into that gap, and early reports on fruit condition are encouraging. The relay from Mexican to California supply is a critical seasonal transition that determines availability and pricing through late summer and fall.
For buyers watching the current supply crunch on grapes, California volume ramping up is the primary relief valve. How quickly that volume builds will shape the market through the Fourth of July window and beyond.