Supermarket demand for California grapes has doubled exports in the past decade and pushed UK sales to sixth position in the state's export table. Last year more than 1.2 million 21lb cartons were shipped, realising $24m. Programme continuity is often affected by alternative, cheaper European fruit available in late summer. But Susan Day, international marketing director of the state's Table Grape Commission, said there was still great potential. Reseach showed 67% of shoppers continued to buy Californian fruit once they had tasted it. Other players coming on to the market include Brazil which plans to develop the European market as production areas open up in the Minas Gerais region. Varieties include Italia, Red Globe, Ruby and Benitaca. {{FRESH PRODUCE }}

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