Novelda's mayor, Fran Martínez, has underscored the dedication of Vinalopó's farmers in cultivating bagged table grapes, calling it a "great hallmark" and "our star product".
These remarks were made during the launch of the DOP's 2026 campaign, held in Agost. The event featured the traditional symbolic cutting of the first bunch by the President of the Generalitat Valenciana, Juan Francisco Pérez Llorca.
Martínez highlighted the producers' year-round commitment to ensuring "assured and exceptional quality," a differentiating factor for Vinalopó grapes both domestically and internationally.
The mayor expressed confidence in a positive market response, despite a potentially slightly lower production compared to previous years. He stressed the importance of the quality offered being reflected in the prices farmers receive.
Current weather conditions have not impacted the fruit's quality, and the farmers' ability to overcome cultivation challenges has been acknowledged.
The 2026 campaign anticipates an registered production of approximately 29 million kilograms. The DOP emphasizes that the primary value lies in the brand's differentiation and quality, beyond mere quantity.
Vinalopó bagged table grapes are exclusively cultivated in municipalities such as Aspe, Novelda, Hondón de las Nieves, Hondón de los Frailes, Monforte del Cid, Agost, and La Romana. The season runs from late August to mid-January, featuring varieties like Victoria, Ideal, Red Globe, Doña María, Dominga, and the traditional Aledo, essential for Christmas festivities.
This sector serves as a significant economic driver for the region, generating between 9,000 and 11,000 direct jobs during the campaign, underscoring its economic importance to Vinalopó.
