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Grapes add more than $3 billion annually to the bottom line of retailers. They are popular with most shoppers, and kids love them. Capitalize on grapes’ popularity to grab your share of grape sales.

After falling in 2016, grape retail sales rose nearly 3% on a nearly 7% increase in volume. Per-pound retail prices dropped 3.5%.

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.

  • Grapes are helpful in fighting certain diseases. Grapes contain resveratrol, which is known to help fight breast, liver and colon cancers. Phytonutrients found in grapes may also help fight the flu. Nutrients found in grapes have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits. Eating grapes can help with the regulation of blood pressure.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved the following nutrient content descriptors for grapes: fat-free, saturated fat-free, sodium-free, and cholesterol-free.