Sunny Cal Farms, a prominent grower and shipper based in Reedley, CA, is set to launch its organic and conventional grape season, featuring a selection of specialty grapes known for their gourmet qualities.

Owned by CJ Buxman, a third-generation San Joaquin Valley grower and former President of Fruit World Company, and his wife Maureen, Sunny Cal Farms aims to deliver consistent and unique products to small and mid-sized retailers.

This season, Sunny Cal Farms will offer a variety of grapes, including Thomcord, Victoria Muscatta, Kyoho, and Niabell. The Thomcord and Victoria Muscatta varieties are seedless, while Kyoho and Niabell are heirloom-seeded favorites.

According to the press release published on Produce Bluebook, these grapes are selected for their unique fragrance and flavor, providing consumers with a memorable eating experience.

CJ Buxman highlighted the mission of Sunny Cal Farms, stating, “We are on a mission to help retailers spice up and expand their table grape programs by providing consumers with unique and memorable eating experiences. These are boutique varieties, some dating back over 100 years, that we have selected and planted because they are uniquely fragrant and flavorful.”

The Thomcord grapes, a hybrid of Concord and Thompson Seedless grapes, offer a rich Concord flavor combined with the tender, seedless qualities of the Thompson. Victoria Muscatta grapes, a Muscat variety cultivated from vines first planted in 1906, have become consumer favorites and top sellers. These seedless varieties are available in various packaging options, including 20×1-pound clamshells, 10×2-pound paper totes, and 12×2-pound cardboard totes.

Niabell Concord grapes are known for their extra sweetness, juiciness, and strong floral perfume aroma. Kyoho slip-skin grapes, with their robust flavor, are highly sought after, especially in Asian specialty markets. These large, round, deep-purple berries are visually stunning and offer an exquisite taste. Niabell and Kyoho grapes are packed in 6×3-pound clamshells.

All of Sunny Cal Farms’ grapes are grown in California’s Central Valley, with shipments beginning in mid to late July. The Kyoho variety will be packed under the Kyoho Gold and Murasaki Queen labels, while the other varieties will carry the Sunny Cal Farms label. Early fruit set indicates strong volumes for Thomcord and Kyoho grapes, while the supply of Victoria Muscatta and Niabell grapes, from younger vines, will be more limited.

CJ Buxman emphasized the focus on quality over quantity, stating, “Generic red, green, and black grapes have become a staple for kids and snacking. We are focused on quality over quantity and fulfilling the increasing demand for the varieties of grapes enjoyed by our parents and grandparents. I’ve nurtured the vineyards from young cuttings to mature vines producing incredible fruit where flavor wins out over size, and seeds become part of the fun.”

Sunny Cal Farms is dedicated to providing high-quality fruit and exceptional customer service. For more information, visit their website at Sunny Cal Farms or contact CJ Buxman directly at cbuxman@sunnycalfarms.com.