"U.S. producers do not want this system to be implemented and the fact that Chilean importers want it should hold no weight for the USDA," says the President of the California Table Grape Commission, Kathleen Nave.

The loss of 25 million boxes was felt by international importers, especially by some Asian clients experiencing lower volume and difficulty guaranteeing the quality of the fruit arriving at port. However, there are exceptions.

The São Francisco Valley accounts for 95% of all Brazilian grapes produced for export, but the valley has only five agricultural inspectors to analyze and release the product.

The vestiges of Tropical Storm Hilary, previously classified as a Category 4 hurricane when it was raking across the Pacific before crashing ashore in Mexico, brought record-breaking rainfall to Southern California.

With approximately 30% of the crop harvested when the hurricane hit, it is projected that 35% of the remaining crop – 25 million boxes – has been lost.

The collaboration agreement will bring more than 3 million boxes of Mexico-grown table grapes to market, supplying South American products during the months of Dec.-May with Sun World’s premium green seedless.

"As an industry, we need to review where we are, where we are going, and how to get there. This means looking at exciting technological advances, new varieties, and how to protect company secrets, yet at the same time share best practices," said McClarty.

Researchers have found that the antioxidants in grapes can protect the brain against developing dementia by improving the function of neurons or nerve cells.

The figure of $1.92 billion means that imports during the first six months of each year have more than doubled over the last decade.

The Commission has bolstered its global marketing focus with the promotion of Alyson Dias to the new position of Chief Marketing Officer, supported by two new Assistant Directors of Marketing.