The Allison™ grape (SHEEGENE 20) is a premium red seedless table grape cultivar (Vitis vinifera), grown in California, United States, and marketed in this format under the Bulls-Eye® brand. Originally developed through the Sheehan Genetics breeding program, now part of Bloom Fresh, Allison™ is distinguished by its large berries, attractive red coloration, exceptionally crisp texture and sweet, balanced flavor. This very late-season variety is particularly valued for its firmness, excellent eating quality and favorable performance during storage and distribution.
Organoleptic Properties
Large to extra-large berries, generally oval to slightly elongated, with smooth skin ranging from red to deep red. The flesh is firm, fleshy, juicy and remarkably crisp, providing a refreshing and consistent bite. Flavor is predominantly sweet, clean and well balanced, with moderate acidity and a delicate fruity aroma, without pronounced Muscat-like notes. Bloom Fresh varietal references indicate an approximate berry diameter of 20–25 mm and an optimal soluble solids content of 18–20 °Brix, depending on growing conditions and maturity. Allison™ is commercially classified as seedless, although occasional small, soft seed traces may occur.
Suggested Uses
Ideal for fresh consumption, snacks, lunch boxes, buffets, fruit bars, hotels, restaurants and catering services. Its large berry size, attractive red color and crisp texture make it particularly suitable for fruit and cheese boards, charcuterie, fresh salads, bowls, yogurt, oatmeal and granola. It can also be incorporated into fruit skewers, dessert decorations, tarts, chilled pastries and gourmet salads. Served well chilled, Allison™ provides an especially refreshing eating experience, while its berries may also be frozen for snacks and beverages.
Format
Cardboard carton (C-CTN) containing approximately 9.07 Kg (20 lb) of fresh Allison™ red seedless grapes, Bulls-Eye® brand. Packed in 10 clamshells, each containing an average net weight of approximately 907 Gr (2 lb), subject to the packer's specifications. Individual clamshell packaging facilitates handling, protection, distribution and retail display.
Storage and Handling
Store preferably at approximately 0–1 °C (32–34 °F) and 90–95% relative humidity, maintaining an uninterrupted cold chain. Avoid abrupt temperature fluctuations, prolonged heat exposure and excessive condensation inside the clamshells. Maintain sufficient ventilation for uniform storage conditions while avoiding excessive direct airflow that may accelerate berry and rachis dehydration. Keep clusters in their original packaging and avoid compression or improper stacking. Wash only immediately before consumption. Allison™ is recognized for its favorable postharvest performance, although commercial shelf life depends on proper handling and storage conditions.
Quality and Selection Criteria
Select clusters with large, firm, plump, crisp and characteristically red berries, good pedicel attachment and no visible damage. The rachis should retain a fresh appearance without excessive dehydration. A fine whitish natural coating known as bloom may be present on the berries; this consists of protective fruit waxes and should not be considered a defect. Avoid soft, shriveled, split or crushed berries, juice leakage, fermentation, mold or excessive berry shatter. Clamshells should remain intact and free from abnormal moisture accumulation.
Season
Allison™ is a very late-seong>ason table grape variety, developed to extend the commercial availability of red seedless grapes. According to Bloom Fresh, its harvest generally occurs approximately two to three weeks after Crimson Seedless, depending on growing region and production conditions. In California, commercial availability is concentrated during fall and the final part of the table grape season, potentially extending through appropriate refrigerated storage.
Origin
United States.
The Allison™ grape, with the official varietal denomination SHEEGENE 20, was developed through conventional plant breeding, using crosses and selection to combine desirable table grape characteristics. Its development is associated with Sheehan Genetics, a breeding program that subsequently became part of Bloom Fresh, an organization specializing in fruit varietal innovation. Allison™ was selected for its combination of large berry size, crisp texture, sweetness, productivity and late-season ripening. Its commercial importance lies in providing high-quality red seedless grapes when many other cultivars have already completed their harvest, helping extend the availability of fresh table grapes into the fall. Allison™ illustrates how conventional breeding has transformed modern table grapes by prioritizing not only visual appearance but also eating quality, berry consistency and postharvest performance.
