The California Table Grape Commission was established by an act of the state’s legislature in 1967.  Approved by a grower referendum in 1968, the commission has been affirmed through grower referenda every five years since its inception.  The commission’s importance to the state and its mandate - to maintain and expand markets for fresh California grapes and to create new and larger intrastate, interstate, and foreign markets – has been reaffirmed repeatedly by the legislature. 

The commission’s activities are divided into five programs, each of which utilizes a combination of research, trade and issue management, outreach and education, and/or advertising.

Increases movement of fresh California grapes from field to market or professional kitchen.  The program targets table grape sales at the retail and foodservice levels.

Advertising

Uses paid media to keep California grapes top-of-mind for consumers in a way that drives increased purchases.

Consumer Education

Educates consumers and others about the product and the industry in order to increase demand for California table grapes.

International Marketing

Works to increase exports of fresh California grapes in approximately 50 countries on five continents through strategic trade management programs tailored for each market.

Viticulture and Technical Issues

Directs and funds production research performed by scientists from research institutions including the University of California and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  Advises the commission and the industry on a variety of export and trade issues.