Product Offerings
Product Categories:
fruits and vegetables, Fruits, Fruits and Vegetables, Fresh Fruits
Products:
Red Grapes, Black Grapes, Green Grapes, Table Grapes, Fresh California Table Grapes
The California Table Grape Commission (CTGC), established by the California State Legislature in 1967, serves as the official body responsible for promoting California-grown table grapes in domestic and international markets. Headquartered in Fresno, California, the Commission represents approximately 340 table grape farming operations, advocating for the economic sustainability and global competitiveness of one of the United States' most valuable fruit crops.
Overview
- Established: 1967
- Location: Fresno, California, USA
- Jurisdiction: State of California (primarily San Joaquin and Coachella Valleys)
- Growers Represented: ~340
- Primary Focus: Market development, research, and education
The Commission operates under the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and is funded through assessments paid by growers based on production volume.
Industry Scale and Economic Impact
California is the only state in the U.S. that produces table grapes commercially, and it dominates the national and global table grape market:
- Annual Production: ~95% of U.S. table grapes
- Acreage: Over 80,000 bearing acres
- Annual Shipments: Over 100 million 19-lb boxes per season (approx. 1.9 billion pounds)
- Season Duration: May through January
- Export Volume (2023): Over 35% of total production exported to 50+ countries
- Economic Contribution: Over USD $2.1 billion in farmgate value annually
California’s table grape industry generates billions in downstream economic activity, including packaging, transportation, labor, and retail distribution.
Key Varieties Promoted
The Commission promotes over 80 table grape varieties under the Grapes from California brand, which includes:
- Red Seedless: Flame, Scarlet Royal, Crimson Seedless
- Green Seedless: Thompson Seedless, Sugraone, Autumn King
- Black Seedless: Autumn Royal, Summer Royal
- New Varieties: Sweet Celebration, Sweet Globe, Allison, Jack’s Salute, Ivory
These grapes are known for their high quality, flavor profile, and long shelf life, supported by California’s advanced agricultural practices and climate conditions.
Global Marketing and Promotion
CTGC leads comprehensive marketing and advertising campaigns to drive consumer awareness and retail demand:
- Markets Served: U.S., Canada, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, Philippines, Australia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and the Middle East
- Tactics Used:
- Television, print, and digital advertising
- In-store merchandising support
- Trade show participation and point-of-sale materials
- Influencer and chef partnerships
- Health and nutrition messaging based on peer-reviewed research
Marketing campaigns are multilingual and tailored to each target market’s consumer behavior and regulatory context.
Research and Innovation
CTGC invests heavily in scientific and industry research to support grape quality, shelf-life, production efficiency, and sustainability:
- Postharvest Studies: Cold chain optimization, fungicide reduction, storage extension
- Sustainability Initiatives: Water efficiency, pesticide reduction, soil health
- Health Research: Studies exploring links between grape consumption and cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and inflammation reduction
The Commission partners with institutions such as University of California, USDA, and industry labs for evidence-based studies that feed into marketing and advocacy programs.
Compliance and Regulatory Representation
CTGC provides regulatory advocacy and technical support for grape growers regarding:
- Food safety and FSMA compliance
- International export protocols and phytosanitary requirements
- Trade barriers, tariffs, and labeling laws
- Labor standards and immigration policy related to seasonal workforce
The Commission liaises with government agencies including the USDA, CDFA, USTR, and international trade authorities to protect market access.
Digital Presence and Tools
The Commission provides digital tools and educational resources for:
- Retailers: Customizable merchandising materials, category management guides
- Consumers: Recipes, nutrition facts, storage tips via website and social media
- Growers: Real-time harvest updates, pest alerts, and export compliance updates
Official website traffic and social media reach have grown substantially, with digital campaigns achieving over 50 million impressions annually.
Funding and Governance
- Funding: Self-funded through per-box assessments paid by grape growers
- Governance: Board of industry-elected growers
- Transparency: Annual public reports and audits in compliance with CDFA rules
Funds are exclusively used for marketing, research, and education — no lobbying activity is permitted by law.
Strategic Vision
The California Table Grape Commission aims to:
- Sustain and expand global demand for California-grown grapes
- Support grower profitability and sustainability
- Strengthen the scientific understanding of grape-related health benefits
- Promote innovation in farming and post-harvest technologies
- Ensure the long-term viability of California’s grape industry
By integrating marketing science, global outreach, and grower representation, CTGC continues to serve as a model agricultural commission, strengthening one of California’s signature crops in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.