Dive Brief:
- California table grape exports hit a new record over the 2013 season, with 48.6 million cartons shipped internationally, representing a 17% increase over last season, according to the Californian Table Grape Commission (CTGC).
- CTGC estimated the total crop value at $1.7 billion, with 41% of the total grape volume exported.
- Canada was again the largest export market, taking 11.9 million cartons; the combined China/Hong Kong market was second with 7.9 million cartons.
Dive Insight:
Kathleen Nave, president of CTGC, reports that California's grape crops have increased steadily over the past decade: “In 2003 the crop was under 80m boxes. In 2012 the 100m box mark was crossed for the first time in history, and in 2013 another record was set with the crop totaling 117.4m boxes.” California has suffered a great deal from the weather, which harmed its citrus crops, and drought, which cut down on its avocado crop. The state is a major fruit supplier to the nation and the world, so it's good news that at least some of its crops are doing well.