The Mexican grape industry is expected to increase shipments by 10% to 16 million cartons in 2012, according to information revealed by Seald Sweet West general manager Rick Eastes. 

The biggest volume jump is expected for Flame grapes, increasing by one million cartons to 8.3 million cartons, while a 26% rise is set for Perlette at 2.4 million cartons.

An 11% increase is forecast for Sugraone grapes at 3.8 million cartons, while Red Globe volumes will be similar to 2011 at 825,000 cartons.

Eastes said both prices and markets have remained strong for the fruit, with good expectations for volume and prices for this Northern Hemisphere season.

Flame grapes have been reported as excellent with with a fairly uniform size and well-formed clusters in all production areas. However, harvests for this variety have been delayed as the fruit was slow to take color and reach full ripeness. Despite these volumes, the harvest peak was expected in week 22, with heavy promotions set to take place in the first three weeks of June.

Sugraone volumes should start to increase this week, with a peak in late-week 23 and early-week 24.

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