The Port of Wilmington, DE, received its first shipment of fresh Moroccan citrus in early December for the 2022-23 winter fruit season.
The first arrival was on the M/V Crown Garnet, a specialized refrigerated vessel. The Crown Garnet immediately discharged her cargo, which exceeded 5,000 pallets of fresh clementines, according to a press release.
During this winter fruit season, which will run through May 2023, the port anticipates receiving approximately 12 shiploads of fruit from Morocco’s Atlantic port of Agadir.
Joe Cruise, chief executive officer of GT USA Wilmington, was on hand to welcome the vessel and “We are privileged to be able to continue as the port of choice to serve our Moroccan partners for the timely distribution of fresh and delicious fruit to U.S. and Canadian consumers. We are looking forward to assisting our partners with another successful season.”
In the release, GT USA Wilmington describes itself as the “U.S.’ foremost marine terminal for perishable cargo.” Wilmington ranks as North America’s top banana port.
Wilmington is a major port of entry and distribution center for the seasonal importation of fresh Moroccan citrus, along with other fruits and juices from around the globe.
Cargo is stored in the Port’s 850,000 square foot on-dock refrigerated warehouse complex, one of North America’s largest facilities, before distribution to markets throughout North America.