Demand for AUTUMNCRISP green grapes surprises Divine Flavor

Big, green and crunchy AUTUMNCRISP grapes lead demand for Divine Flavor’s table grape crop again this year, showing a trend from grape customers. 

“Stores are really looking for this product,” said Alán Aguirre Camou, chief marketing officer for Divine Flavor, Mexico’s largest organic and specialty grape grower. “Consumers are educating us.” 

Alán Aguirre Camou, Chief Marketing Officer, Divine Flavor

Typically, the red grape reigns with customers, with green grapes landing second and black grapes a distant third. Recent Superior and Sweet Globe green grape varieties caused some commotion, but never enough to compete with iconic red table grapes. But the response to the firm, seedless AUTUMNCRISP grapes has surprised Nogales, Arizona-based Divine Flavor, the marketing arm that distributes produce from the organic growers of Grupo Alta.  

“Green grapes have never picked up as strong as the push for AUTUMNCRISP,” Aguirre Camou said. AUTUMNCRISP grapes grow as dense clusters of round, milky-green globes with a tight snap and sweet flavor. This variety joins an extensive lineup of table grapes from Divine Flavor, from traditional red Flame or Thompson green grapes to specialty Cotton Candy and Gummyberries varieties. AUTUMNCRISP are considered premium table grapes, alongside varieties like Sable black grapes and Jellyberries red grapes. 

“Right now, we are full-on with the grape season,” Aguirre Camou said. 

“Stores are really looking for (AUTUMNCRISP grapes). Consumers are educating us.” - Alán Aguirre Camou

Divine Flavor grows grapes nearly year-round on the Pacific Coasts of the United States, Mexico and South America. The earliest region begins in the Jalisco region of Mexico, with grapes coming to market in April. This region, formerly considered inhospitable to a permanent crop like grapes, was developed by Divine Flavor in 2018 to achieve an earlier growing window. Aguirre Camou reported fields in the Jalisco region of western Mexico were wrapping its season in mid-May.  

The Sonoran grape season follows closely after Jalisco. Next comes the California season from August to October, with fields in Peru producing grapes in November and December. Production in Chile wraps the grape-growing year each February. Worldwide, Divine Flavor ranks as one of the top five importers of grapes to the U.S. 

“Achieving a year-round promise” ranks as one of the top priorities for Divine Flavor, said Aguirre Camou. The grower-shipper also produces organic bell and mini peppers, and a full lineup of melons. Cucumbers, including English and Persian varieties, zucchinis and squash round out Divine Flavor’s collection of summer fruits and vegetables. 

Tomatoes, from beefsteak to Romas and tomatoes-on-the-vine, are all distributed by Divine Flavor. The company also produces convenience products, such as organic grape tomatoes.