Organic grapes are a popular item, accounting for 2.6% of all organic produce sales and nearly 4% of the grape category. Grape sales grew nearly 5% in 2016. Capitalize on organic grapes’ universal popularity by marketing them well so they can add profits to your bottom line.
Grapes are most often eaten as a snack, but they can be included in mealtime dishes as well. Grapes and wine are a popular pairing so consider running an organic wine and grapes special. Include organic cheese and crackers in the promotion, as well.
Organic grapes are a sweet addition to salads so include them in promotions with bagged salads.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to market organic grapes to parents. Point out that organic grapes are grown without pesticides and that they are a sweet, healthy treat for the lunch box that kids will love.
Give organic grapes a little love during the winter holidays. They are a great addition to holiday fruit salads and fruit trays.
Grapes are often sold in bags or clamshells, so it is easier to avoid cross-contamination when displaying them near conventional grapes. Organic grape prices compare favorably to conventional grapes so feel free to display them next to each other with the appropriate barriers in between.
Another reason to display conventional and organic grapes on the same table with barriers between is that research from the California Table Grape Commission shows that displays of more than 25 feet can increase sales.
Display organic red and green grapes together to create an eye-catching color combination. Those varieties are also the most popular with consumers.
Avoid stacking clamshells or bags as the grapes on the bottom will end up squished. Grapes can be displayed without refrigeration for 24 hours. Their shelf life is 48 hours on a refrigerated display.
Shipping
Organic grapes are most often shipped in cartons of 16, 1-pound clamshells or bags. They are also available in 18- or 19-pound cartons.
Grades
Table grapes European or
vinifera type
U.S. Extra Fancy Table
U.S. Extra Fancy Export
U.S. Fancy Table
U.S. Fancy Export
U.S. No. 1 Table
U.S. No. 1 Institutional Pack
Handling
Temperature: 30-32 F (-1-0 C)
Relative humidity: 90-95%
Mist: no
Typical shelf life: 56 to 180 days
Odor producer. Grapes fumigated with sulfur dioxide will produce odors that may be absorbed by other fruits and vegetables. Do not store or transport fumigated grapes with other fruits and vegetables.
Odor sensitive. Grapes will absorb odors produced by leeks and green onions.
Moderately sensitive to freezing injury. Although frozen grapes are a good snack, freezing is a poor method of storage.
White or green grapes will have a yellow cast or straw color with a touch of amber at their taste peak. Red varieties are best when red coloring predominates all or most of the berries. Darker varieties should be free of a green tinge.
Minimize shatter by unfastening the lug’s lid. Hold the lid on top while turning the lug upside down. Carefully remove the lug. If lined, the grapes will stay in place. Remove the liner and the grapes will fall free.
