Gold Standard grape program gears up for an early start

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As California’s grape season approaches, excitement for a strong season is building up. “We are particularly looking forward to bringing our IPG Gold Standard grape program to market, which begins the last week of June,” says Dalton Dovolis, Vice President of Sales at International Produce Group (IPG). This program is designed around consistency, luxury presentation, and elite eating quality all season long. “With decades of experience servicing some of the most quality-driven markets in the world, we continue to bring export-level standards and expertise to customers across the United States and overseas.”

The Gold Standard program is focused on delivering the best California grapes the season has to offer. “We are looking for grapes that truly wow the customer when they open the bag and have that first bite.” To make that happen, the company works alongside a carefully selected group of growers that are able to meet the required product specifications. Every lot is evaluated for size, appearance, color, flavor, crunch, and overall eating experience before being selected for the program. “Our goal is simple: providing consumers with grapes that consistently exceed expectations and stand apart from standard commodity offerings,” Dovolis commented.

© International Produce Group (IPG)

Luxury grape experience
For every grape variety and color category that is being offered, a highly curated pack and specification program has been developed. “Months ahead of the start of the season, we have boots on the ground in the vineyards, identifying the best ranches and growers, evaluating crop conditions, and helping plan programs for customers around the globe.” Each week throughout the season, IPG’s teams work closely in the field to ensure every shipment continues to meet the same high standard with no drop-off in quality, performance, presentation, or eating experience.

IPG’s partnerships with its key growers are a major part of what makes the IPG Gold Standard program possible. By working closely together throughout the season, IPG and its grower partners carefully curate the ideal pack styles, sizing, flavor profiles, crunch, and presentation that different customers and markets are looking for around the world. The program is highly detailed and built around constant communication between the field, packing teams, and sales teams to maximize both quality and grower returns while creating a successful long-term business for all partners involved. “The program is built around delivering the most consistent high-end luxury grape experience possible from the first week of the season through the last, allowing us to offer customers the same premium quality week in and week out,” shared Dovolis. This season, all grape bags from the IPG Gold Standard label will feature the phrase “Elite Crunch & Flavor”.

“There is a finite amount of grapes that can truly meet this level of specification and consistency,” commented Dovolis. “That’s what makes the program special.” Not every lot qualifies. IPG is highly selective in what is packed under the IPG Gold Standard label to ensure customers receive the same elite quality, crunch, flavor, and presentation week in and week out. As IPG continues to grow the program, the company is looking forward to further expanding its presence in both the United States and overseas markets and remains open to new business inquiries for the upcoming California season.

© International Produce Group (IPG)

Market outlook for California grapes
“From a market standpoint, the California grape season is shaping up very positively,” added Dovolis. “The season is expected to start earlier than normal this year, potentially by as much as two weeks, with the first Central Valley fruit expected around June 15th out of the Arvin-Bakersfield growing region as the Coachella season begins to wind down. Growing conditions in California have been very favorable so far, with good weather and strong vineyard conditions leading into harvest. The crop is currently estimated to be up roughly 15% year over year, with overall quality looking extremely promising across the board.”

“So far, the domestic market has remained steady. Pricing on Mexican grapes dropped quite quickly due to more average to below-average quality in the market, while pricing on California Coachella grapes has remained steady and on the higher side due to stronger overall quality and demand. As the industry transitions into the Central Valley Bakersfield deal, the market is expected to remain relatively steady into July with continued good movement and solid demand.”

© International Produce Group (IPG)

“Export markets are also very excited for the upcoming California grape season. However, many overseas markets are still working through remaining inventories from both Australia and Chile. Another major factor this season will be fuel and air freight costs from the United States into Asia, which could impact the industry’s ability to remain competitive on air shipments. Air freight has been a major component of the California grape export business over the past five years, particularly for premium grape varieties into Asia. If freight costs remain elevated, it could force more volume onto ocean shipments, which comes with its own logistical and quality challenges for exporters and receivers alike.”

The grapes from IPG’s Gold Standard program are referred to as “Luxury Grapes” because they are not sourced solely for the domestic market, but for some of the most demanding premium markets throughout Asia and the world. “Over the years, we’ve built a reputation across Asia for supplying exceptional grapes known for their flavor, crunch, appearance, and consistency – standards that now continue to drive our expanding U.S. retail business as well.”

The California program will run from late June through October and will feature a full portfolio of premium green, red, black, and candy grape varieties. This broad offering allows IPG to provide customers with one of the industry’s most diverse grape programs while maintaining the premium standards the company is known for.

For more information:
Dalton Dovolis
International Produce Group (IPG)
Tel: (+1) 831-754-9740
[email protected]
www.internationalproducegroup.com

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Source: The Plantations International Agroforestry Group of Companies