San Miguel has carried out its first shipment of table grapes to the US from its farms in Peru. The move follows its acquisition last year of Peru’s biggest mandarin producer, Agrícola Hoja Redonda, that allowed it to strengthen its citrus portfolio and introduce table grapes and avocados to its offer.
The first consignment of grapes arrived in Philadelphia in early January, with the company expecting to ship around 2,000 tonnes to the US, Europe and Asia this season.
These will comprise premium IFG varieties including Jack’s Salute and Sweet Globe.
“The new patented seedless varieties we have in our fields respond to the main requirements of today’s consumers, having a high brix level, great flavour and good sized berries,” said Agustina Fabbio, San Miguel’s business development manager.
“Generally supermarkets ask for a minimum size of 13-18mm – these grapes are more than 20mm.”
“With its varied climates and wide market access, Peru is a strategic country of key importance for the global supply of fresh fruit,” San Miguel said.
“With the incorporation of this new origin we are expanding our supply window and approaching the goal of maintaining relationships throughout the year with our customers.”
