USA–Flame Seedless_SJV 2012_Californiagrapes

The quality of California’s early season seedless grape crop is exceptional this year despite the drought, according to Maricopa-based grower-exporter Sunlight International. The company, which recently kicked off its Pretty Lady for the Summer promotion, said 2015 is shaping up to be a vintage year, with ideal growing conditions producing excellent size and flavour.

“What else makes high quality table grapes happier than sunny, warm and dry conditions?” said sales director George Galloway. “Between the unusual warm weather trend, harvest being a few days earlier than last year and new vineyards in the Maricopa area we are beyond excited about this strong start of the season and can’t wait for consumers to see our beautiful grapes in our one-of-a-kind retail promotional bins and bags.”

Harvesting of the company’s main variety, Flame Seedless, and its new green seedless grape Early Sweet got underway last week. Three new varieties, Lucky Red, Sweet Sixteen and Esteem Green Seedless are due to follow in the coming days.

Sunlight International said it would have a steady supply of various red and green seedless to enjoy throughout the season and black varieties to follow in mid-July.

“Pretty Lady for the Summer and Green Emerald programme promotional resources are available upon request,” the company said. “Each programme includes full colour display bins, posters and eye-catching materials that will best present the largest, crispiest, and greatest-tasting California table grapes in retail aisles.”