Introduction to Grapes in Mexico
Grapes hold a special significance in Mexico during the December season, thanks to the tradition of eating 12 grapes at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing wishes for the upcoming year. This fruit has been an integral part of Mexico’s gastronomic history since Spanish missionaries introduced viticulture to the country.
Today, grapes are crucial for fresh consumption, wine production, juices, canned goods, and even cosmetic applications. Mexico produced 499,140 tonnes of grapes in 2025, with nearly 80% being table grapes. The primary producing states are Sonora, Zacatecas, and Jalisco, with over 90% of exported grapes heading to the United States.
Grape Classifications and Benefits
The Procuraduría Federal del Consumidor (Profeco) categorizes grapes into three types: table grapes, raisin grapes, and industrial grapes. Table grapes are consumed fresh and are fleshier, raisin grapes result from dehydration, and industrial grapes are more acidic and suitable for wine and juice production.
Nutritionally, grapes provide antioxidants, fiber for digestion, tannins, and catechin with bactericidal properties. They are also rich in potassium, magnesium, and calcium, which support muscle and cardiac function. Moreover, they contain folate and vitamin B6, essential for brain performance and red blood cell formation.
Price Variations: Up to 120 Pesos Difference per Kilogram
Profeco’s monitoring from December 15-19 revealed substantial price differences among stores and markets across the country.
- Globe Grapes: The average price was 89.57 pesos per kilo. The cheapest option was found in Saltillo, Coahuila, at 36.90 pesos/kilo, while the highest price was recorded in Coyoacán, Mexico City, at 122.13 pesos/kilo.
- Thompson Grapes: These white seedless grapes averaged 102.17 pesos per kilo. The lowest price was in La Paz, Baja California, at 59.90 pesos/kilo, while the highest was found in Guadalajara, Mexico City, Oaxaca, Tuxtla Gutiérrez, and Veracruz, reaching 160 pesos/kilo.
- Red Seedless Grapes: These were priced at an average of 90.67 pesos per kilo. More affordable options were available in Cancún and Morelia, around 49.90 pesos/kilo, while the priciest grapes were found in León, Guanajuato, and Cancún, Quintana Roo, at 149 pesos/kilo and 147 pesos/kilo, respectively.
Profeco advises consumers to check the “Quién es Quién en los Precios” (qqp.profeco.gob.mx) portal for city-wise and establishment-specific prices before making their end-of-year purchases.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are the main grape varieties in Mexico? The primary types are table grapes, raisin grapes, and industrial grapes.
- Why are grapes significant in Mexico during the holiday season? Grapes are central to the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight on New Year’s Eve, symbolizing wishes for the new year.
- What are the nutritional benefits of grapes? Grapes offer antioxidants, fiber, tannins, catechin, potassium, magnesium, calcium, folate, and vitamin B6.
- How do grape prices vary across Mexico? Prices can differ significantly, with up to 120 pesos difference per kilo between the cheapest and most expensive options in various cities.
