Mexican grapes

Oppenheimer has said that it is going into the upcoming Mexican grape season 'with confidence', as it prepares for a ninth straight year marketing the fruit.

The Canada-based group sources its grapes from Hermosillo at Agro Premier, La Florida and Maria Alejandra, with a full range of varieties produced including conventional Red and Green Seedless, Black Seedless and Red Globes.

'Despite some uncertainty across the Mexican grape industry where volume forecasts are fluctuating, Oppenheimer can be counted on for steady supplies of preferred varieties, produced by Primus Labs certified growers,' said Oppenheimer's grape category director Josh Leichter.

Additionally, the group will market its organic Flame variety for the second year, with the grapes sourced from Agricola Sonorg.

'Retailers responded well to our organic fruit last season,' said Mr Leichter. 'We're bringing in similar volumes this year, with an eye to recent research indicating that despite the economy, core organic shoppers remain committed to this sector. We can help our customers satisfy their appetite for sweet, juicy, high-quality grapes.'

The Mexican season rounds out Oppenheimer's year-round programme, with grapes also sourced from Chile, California, Brazil and Peru.

Mr Leichter added that grape promotions helped drive incremental volume at retailers during the winter period, and that advertising activity could increase again towards the end of the spring.