California reports record table grape volume
The California Table Grape Commission reported record volume of 117.4 million boxes for the 2013-14 season in the Golden State.
The season, running from early May 2013 to February 2014, brought in an estimated US$17 million in revenue.
Exports also reached record numbers, growing 17% up to 48.6 million boxes. Top markets included Canada (11.9 million boxes), China and Hong Kong (7.9 million boxes) and Mexico (6.6 million boxes).
Kathleen Nave, commission president, reflected on the significant growth that state has experienced in recent years, building off of extensive research and variety development efforts.
"Over the past 10 years the volume has significantly increased," Nave said.
"In 2003 the crop was under 80 million boxes. In 2012 the 100 million box mark was crossed for the first time in history, and in 2013 another record was set with the crop totaling 117.4 million boxes."
The start of the 2014 season is just over a month away.
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