Why are 🍇 grapes suddenly unavailable in US stores?

Everybody's making their own wine.

MAGA= Permanent shithole status

I’ve noticed that there are no red grapes but plenty of green grape for the past couple of weeks near me.

Nothing in the stores near me. Cherries are ten dollars per pound. Why?

And why are they $9 a pound?

Why? 3 pounds of grapes cost thirty USD. Why?

3 pounds of cherries cost thirty USD. Grapes are unavailable. Why?

Do you live in Bumfucke, op?

Because my grocery store has plenty of grapes.

According to the Safeway app, my local store (Portland, Or) has grapes in stock at $2.99/lb.

I haven't seen grapes in two weeks after the cotton candy grapes sold out.

Great Caesar’s ghotst!

Ghost!!

[quote]California is in a second year of drought and for many North Bay grape growers, the hot, dry conditions mean lost crops. In 2020 some growers lost 20% or more of their crops because of dry conditions, fires, or smoke tainting the flavor of their grapes.

[quote]Sep 30, 2021

U.S. market witnesses record breaking prices for Chilean grapes

We don't grow 🍇 in the US? The last bunch of grapes I purchased were a product of Peru. delicious red grapes and at 7 dollars, a 40% price increase.

This is outrageous behavior ! Outrageous !

The California grape industry is in a pickle.

[quote]It would be an understatement to say that 2022 was a challenging season for California table grape exports. “Inflation reared its head, but what played a bigger role is that the dollar went incredibly high, which made our product super expensive abroad,” says Nick Dulcich with Pretty Lady Vineyards. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia, and the Philippines used to be big supporters of California grapes, but they reduced their volumes. “The high dollar really affected our exports in a negative way,” commented Dulcich.

[quote]That’s not all. China’s table grape production has been increasing and their excess volume hits all Pacific Rim markets for a fraction of the price due to free trade agreements. “Our competitor has a free trade agreement with every Asian country,” said Dulcich. “This brings California in at a significant disadvantage in an already shrinking market.” Another importer of California grapes, South Korea, now grows Shine Muscat grapes themselves and they have enough supplies until a few months after their season has ended.

[quote]“In addition, shipping costs have risen greatly. I used to pay $4 per box, which turned into $6/box last season,” Dulcich shared. Another disadvantage for California growers is the cost of labor. “We are dealing with a minimum wage that’s north of $15 and closer to $20 in some regions of the state.” If that’s not enough, table grape production has significantly increased around the globe. “China, Spain Brazil, Peru, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, Egypt all grow table grapes, and the list goes on and on and on.” As a result of all of this, California’s competitive advantage has diminished, and exports have dried up.

Thanks. Not eating Chinese produce willingly.

Exotic Japanese red grapes that are literally, hand grown.

Who needs grapes when watermelon and mangoes are in season?