"Freight is more expensive than the product, it's killing us", Juan Laborin, General Director of the Mexican table grapes association AALPUM told the Grape Reporter.

Pacific Trellis Fruit expects to see growth coming from its Mexico table grape program, which includes over 20 varieties and will start shipping in the middle of May.

Projections suggest a significant increase of imports of Mexico white seedless varieties during this year's table grape season.

Rio Blanco's Terramara operation will be used by the JV to deploy new premium table grape varieties in the region.

The shift in varieties has resulted in more spread throughout the season, which is expected to extend past the July 4th holiday in the U.S.

In addition, if forecasts are realized, this year could also mark the first time Peru surpasses Chile in production, the USDA report said.