California grapes should reach 96 million boxes

(Sept. 18) California’s table grape crop is on track to reach 96 million 19-pound boxes, Tucson’s Arizona Daily Star reported.

That volume would be 5% higher than 2007, said Barry Bedwell, president of the Fresno-based California Grape and Tree Fruit League, in the report.

Although the harvest was lighter than expected in the Coachella Valley, "it's (overall) a very good-quality crop," he said.

The popular thompson seedless variety is reportedly facing competition this year from the princess, a bigger white, muscat-flavored variety, and the white/green sugraone.