Author Archive
Harvesting was been canceled for Friday, December 26 due to persistent rain in California’s Santa Maria and Oxnard growing regions. Expect tight supplies and strong markets through the week of January 5-9, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
Santa Maria/ Oxnard
- These regions received over 2.5 inches of rain in 48 hours; most growers cancelled harvests for at least two days
- During this period, packer label will be substituted as needed
- Expect a demand-exceeds-supply market for the next week
- Quality is average; early signs of decay and bruising have been reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect strong demand and elevated markets through next week
Mexico/South Texas
- Volume will increase through December and reach its peak in mid-January
- Quality concerns include over-ripening and light bruising
- Size is small-medium (19 to 25 berries per one-pound clamshell)
- Expect elevated pricing and tight stocks as Mexico helps fill orders from California
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Volume is rising
- Quality is improving; concerns include white shoulders and green tips
- Size is small-medium (17 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to inch up as Florida supplements California shortages
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Wishing everyone involved in moving our nation’s freight a Happy New Year with good health and prosperity. God Bless. We are so thankful for you!
The Chilean Table Grape Committee, part of the country brand Frutas de Chile, updated its export projection for the 2025-26 season, forecasting a total volume of over 63,6 million 18-pound boxes. This represents a slight 6.4 percent decrease compared to the previous year, but is very much in line with the first projection, standing only 0.5 percent above that previous forecast.
The increasing volume of new varieties has driven growth this year.
This season’s challenge for Chilean exporters lies in managing exit logistics. There’s more fruit between mid February and mid March compared to last year, and less volume in from mid April into May.
New varieties are expected to reach 72 percent of the total shipments, which is higher than the 67 percent of last season and the 71 percent expected in the first estimate.
This updated forecast takes into account data from more growers, accounting for 86 percent of last season’s total export volume.
Frutas de Chile projects that by the end of the country’s export window, new varieties will total over 45 million boxes.
Taking the lead among the newcomers is Sweet Globe, with just over 7 million boxes, representing more than a 30 percent increase over last season and a 17 percent uptick versus the committee’s first estimate.
Runner-up Autumncrisp is totaling over six million boxes, showing 33 percent growth from last year and a 19 percent increase compared to the first forecast.
Traditional varieties will reach over 8 million boxes, with many deflating significantly in volume. This is the case of Thompson Seedless, which is projected to experience a decline in its volumes by over 20 percent compared to 2024, totaling slightly 1.5 million boxes. This represents a dramatic 37 percent decrease compared to the committee’s first projection.
Red Globe, another traditional variety in the Chilean market, is holding steady. Frutas de Chile projects over 9 million boxes for the grape, but the number still falls below the brand’s first estimate, showing a nearly 5 percent drop.
Challenges and market reshuffling
Compared to last season, Chilean table grape volumes are shifting, and while the Latin American market is expected to expand by 20 percent, Asia and North America will decline by 21 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Mango has long been a favorite for their sweet flavor, but there’s even sweeter news for its health benefits. A new 2025 literature review, published in Food & Function Journal, of nearly a decade-worth of mango nutrition science uncovered the role this vibrant fruit plays in supporting satiety, weight maintenance and blood sugar balance, as well as other areas like brain, gut and skin health.
This comprehensive literature review, conducted by the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), evaluated published research about mango nutritional benefits between 2016 and 2025 to understand the role mango can play in overall health and wellness. The study found that across the body of research, mango demonstrated promising benefits across a number of important health needs.
Mango and Weight Maintenance
Within the body of research studied, data showed that mango may support weight maintenance by helping people feel fuller for longer. In one particular study, for example, adult participants who snacked on fresh mango reported feeling more satisfied after two hours than when they ate a low-fat cookie with the same number of calories (100 kcal). After 12 weeks, the mango snackers maintained their weight, while the cookie group gained weight.
The findings on weight maintenance are further substantiated by a separate, recently published study from Florida State University, which found that participants who ate mango daily saw a decrease in waist-to-hip ratio while the control group’s increased. They finished with less body fat and more lean mass than the control group.
Mango and Blood Glucose Control
In the literature review, researchers found that mango consumption consistently showed benefits for blood sugar across multiple studies. Compared to common snack alternatives, eating mangos was linked to improved insulin activity and lower blood sugar. Notably, mango intake increased levels of adiponectin, a natural protein associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced insulin sensitivity, suggesting a potential mechanism behind mangos’ positive effects on insulin-related markers.
These findings suggest that regular mango consumption may improve insulin sensitivity, highlighting the potential for mango to help the body use insulin more efficiently and support long-term metabolic health.
“The growing body of research identifies mango’s promising role in supporting metabolic health,” said Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, MS, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research, Illinois Institute of Technology. “Findings suggest that mango can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet, helping to regulate blood glucose and support weight management – benefits that many people may not always associate with fruit. As we continue to explore mango’s unique nutrient and phytonutrient profile, we’re uncovering even more ways it can contribute to overall well-being.”
Mango Intake and Emerging Research Areas
Early research is also uncovering potentially promising associations between mango intake and brain health, gut microbiome support and even skin appearance. While more studies are needed, bioactives in mango like mangiferin and gallotannins are showing potential in areas like cognitive performance and skin protection.
Naturally invigorating from the inside out, mango delivers over 20 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and feel-good nutrients. Learn more at Mango.org/mango-nutrition.
This literature review was supported through an unrestricted grant from the National Mango Board (NMB). NMB had no influence over the studies or their findings.
About the Study
The literature review examined 29 in vitro and in vivo research studies between 2016 and July 2025 on the health benefits of consuming mango (flesh), with a focus on obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also explored emerging evidence of potential benefits related to brain, gut and skin health.
About Illinois Institute of Technology
Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business,
design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city’s living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board BB #:189984 is an agricultural research and promotion program funded by the mango industry, and an instrumentality of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Board’s vision is “for mango to be an on-going part of every American’s diet based on versatility, taste and nutritional benefits, enabling mango to move toward being a top 10 valued whole fruit in the U.S. market by 2030.” One serving, or ¾ cup of the superfruit mango contains 70 calories, 50 percent of daily value of vitamin C, 15 percent of daily value of folate, 15 percent of daily value of copper, eight percent daily value of vitamin A, eight percent daily value of vitamin B6, seven percent of daily value of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor. Learn more at Mango.org.
Florida Classic Growers of Dundee, FL has announced an outstanding start to the 2025–26 Florida citrus season, marked by exceptional fruit quality, and stronger yields.
“We are extremely pleased with the fruit quality this season,” said Derek Rodgers, Director of Sales and Marketing for Florida Classic Growers. “We’re seeing improved size, higher brix levels, and some of the best external appearance we’ve had in recent years. Our enhanced production practices are paying off in a big way.”
With the state avoiding major hurricane impacts so far this year, Florida Classic Growers is reporting a year-over-year increase in volume—an encouraging trend for both the company and the broader citrus industry.
“This is a very exciting time for Florida citrus and for Florida Classic Growers,” Rodgers added. “The combination of strong quality and increased availability is creating real momentum, and we’re eager to share that with our retail, wholesale, and foodservice partners.”
Florida Classic Growers is now entering peak season for grapefruit, navel oranges, and juice oranges.
About Florida Classic Growers
Florida Classic Growers, a division of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, is a leading marketer of premium Florida citrus, offering a full range of fresh grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, and specialty citrus to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers across the U.S. and abroad.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Peruvian mango exports flooded export markets during the first ten months of 2025, with significantly higher volumes.
Fresh Fruit Peru reports between January and October, the country exported $399.5 million worth of mangoes, a staggering 52 percent year-on-year increase in export value.
In volume terms, exports reached 310,900 short tons, up a whopping 179 percent from the about 111,600 short tons shipped during the same period in 2024. While volume surged, export prices crashed 46 percent, a direct consequence of heavy availability in global markets and a rapid increase in Peru’s own seasonal supply.
Mango prices had already been under pressure through 2024, sliding steadily from about $1.27 per pound in January to roughly $0.54 per pound by year-end as oversupply—particularly from northern production regions—flooded the market. Although early 2025 brought a modest recovery, with prices climbing to around $0.86 per pound in May, they remain well below levels seen at the start of 2024.
The United States strengthened its role as Peru’s most important market, receiving $145.1 million in mango shipments—36 percent of Peru’s total export value—and about 113,400 short tons. This represents roughly double the value shipped in 2014, underscoring sustained growth over the past decade. The Netherlands followed as the second-largest market, importing $78.3 million (20 percent) and around 80,200 short tons, while Spain ranked third with $27.5 million (7 percent). Other notable destinations included Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, all of which posted gains in both value and volume.
Peru’s mango industry also continues to diversify beyond fresh fruit. During the period analyzed, 55 percent of export value came from fresh mango, 38 percent from frozen mango, and 7 percent from other processed items, including dried mango, pulp, and purée. This ongoing shift toward higher-value processed formats reflects strategic efforts by exporters to reduce price volatility and expand market reach.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Chilean fruit shipments to the United States got underway on schedule in December. The first vessel with fruit was loaded at the Valparaíso Port Terminal. This event marks the beginning of the 2025–2026 Chilean horticultural export season to the US.
On December 1, port and export representatives gathered in front of the vessel handling the first shipment of stonefruit, including cherries, along with table grapes and berries, all set to reach the US by December 12.
The reefer uses advanced technology to preserve the fruit, helping Chilean products arrive in top condition.
The Blueberry Committee of the national brand Frutas de Chile, reports service comes at a crucial moment, as blueberry production reaches its seasonal peak. The United States is the main destination for the crop, and the Koru ensures short transit times—a key factor for quality.
Last season, Chile shipped 43% of its total blueberry volume to the United States.
Frutas de Chile’s Cherry Committee, notes last year the South American country sent just under four million boxes to the US, with a possible increase coming this season.
The first boat was carrying nearly 3,200 pallets of cherries which arrived in Philadelphia on December 16.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Mexico has solidified its position as a key supplier of fresh produce to the US, with peak import season from November to May.
The US Department of Agriculture reports that Mexico supplies 63% of vegetable imports and 47% of fruits and nuts to the US. Avocados from Mexico are particularly vital, meeting year-round demand when other sources are out of season.
Greenhouse technology has enabled year-round production of items like bell peppers and cucumbers. However, challenges such as rising transportation costs, border logistics and tariffs have affected sales, particularly for tomatoes.
Top imports from Mexico include avocados, tomatoes, bell and hot peppers, cucumbers, squash, berries, limes and mangos.
The USDA reports avocados and berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, have grown the fastest among Mexico-to-U.S. horticultural imports over the past decade, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash remaining core vegetables being imported.
Mission Produce of Oxnard, CA notes Mexico supplies about 80% of avocados in the U.S. and is also the largest importing country of mangos to the U.S., representing about 67% of mango imports.
The supply chain linking Mexico and the U.S. is very efficient. For example, you can have a fresh avocado in two to five days, from orchard to your table.
Pacific Northwest growers are experiencing a rebound this season, with USA Pears putting 2025’s harvest at 19 million boxes. The 78 percent from a year ago, follow a sharply reduced 2024 crop.
Oregon and Washington producers, who account for about 88 percent of US fresh pear volume, wrapped the season with broad varietal gains and heightened marketing plans heading into December.
Bearing acreage also saw an increase, with an estimated 41,000 acres, up two percent from last year, according to a May summary by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
USA Pears, which distributes ten pear varieties year-round, reports higher yields across all categories. However, Bosc pears lead the resurgence, with production up more than 250 percent over last year.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Harvesting was been canceled for Friday, December 26 due to persistent rain in California’s Santa Maria and Oxnard growing regions. Expect tight supplies and strong markets through the week of January 5-9, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
Santa Maria/ Oxnard
- These regions received over 2.5 inches of rain in 48 hours; most growers cancelled harvests for at least two days
- During this period, packer label will be substituted as needed
- Expect a demand-exceeds-supply market for the next week
- Quality is average; early signs of decay and bruising have been reported
- Maintaining the cold chain will be vital for shelf-life; Markon recommends ordering for quick turns
- Expect strong demand and elevated markets through next week
Mexico/South Texas
- Volume will increase through December and reach its peak in mid-January
- Quality concerns include over-ripening and light bruising
- Size is small-medium (19 to 25 berries per one-pound clamshell)
- Expect elevated pricing and tight stocks as Mexico helps fill orders from California
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- Volume is rising
- Quality is improving; concerns include white shoulders and green tips
- Size is small-medium (17 to 25 berries per 1-pound clamshell)
- Expect pricing to inch up as Florida supplements California shortages
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Wishing everyone involved in moving our nation’s freight a Happy New Year with good health and prosperity. God Bless. We are so thankful for you!
The Chilean Table Grape Committee, part of the country brand Frutas de Chile, updated its export projection for the 2025-26 season, forecasting a total volume of over 63,6 million 18-pound boxes. This represents a slight 6.4 percent decrease compared to the previous year, but is very much in line with the first projection, standing only 0.5 percent above that previous forecast.
The increasing volume of new varieties has driven growth this year.
This season’s challenge for Chilean exporters lies in managing exit logistics. There’s more fruit between mid February and mid March compared to last year, and less volume in from mid April into May.
New varieties are expected to reach 72 percent of the total shipments, which is higher than the 67 percent of last season and the 71 percent expected in the first estimate.
This updated forecast takes into account data from more growers, accounting for 86 percent of last season’s total export volume.
Frutas de Chile projects that by the end of the country’s export window, new varieties will total over 45 million boxes.
Taking the lead among the newcomers is Sweet Globe, with just over 7 million boxes, representing more than a 30 percent increase over last season and a 17 percent uptick versus the committee’s first estimate.
Runner-up Autumncrisp is totaling over six million boxes, showing 33 percent growth from last year and a 19 percent increase compared to the first forecast.
Traditional varieties will reach over 8 million boxes, with many deflating significantly in volume. This is the case of Thompson Seedless, which is projected to experience a decline in its volumes by over 20 percent compared to 2024, totaling slightly 1.5 million boxes. This represents a dramatic 37 percent decrease compared to the committee’s first projection.
Red Globe, another traditional variety in the Chilean market, is holding steady. Frutas de Chile projects over 9 million boxes for the grape, but the number still falls below the brand’s first estimate, showing a nearly 5 percent drop.
Challenges and market reshuffling
Compared to last season, Chilean table grape volumes are shifting, and while the Latin American market is expected to expand by 20 percent, Asia and North America will decline by 21 percent and 9 percent, respectively.
ORLANDO, Fla. — Mango has long been a favorite for their sweet flavor, but there’s even sweeter news for its health benefits. A new 2025 literature review, published in Food & Function Journal, of nearly a decade-worth of mango nutrition science uncovered the role this vibrant fruit plays in supporting satiety, weight maintenance and blood sugar balance, as well as other areas like brain, gut and skin health.
This comprehensive literature review, conducted by the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), evaluated published research about mango nutritional benefits between 2016 and 2025 to understand the role mango can play in overall health and wellness. The study found that across the body of research, mango demonstrated promising benefits across a number of important health needs.
Mango and Weight Maintenance
Within the body of research studied, data showed that mango may support weight maintenance by helping people feel fuller for longer. In one particular study, for example, adult participants who snacked on fresh mango reported feeling more satisfied after two hours than when they ate a low-fat cookie with the same number of calories (100 kcal). After 12 weeks, the mango snackers maintained their weight, while the cookie group gained weight.
The findings on weight maintenance are further substantiated by a separate, recently published study from Florida State University, which found that participants who ate mango daily saw a decrease in waist-to-hip ratio while the control group’s increased. They finished with less body fat and more lean mass than the control group.
Mango and Blood Glucose Control
In the literature review, researchers found that mango consumption consistently showed benefits for blood sugar across multiple studies. Compared to common snack alternatives, eating mangos was linked to improved insulin activity and lower blood sugar. Notably, mango intake increased levels of adiponectin, a natural protein associated with reduced inflammation and enhanced insulin sensitivity, suggesting a potential mechanism behind mangos’ positive effects on insulin-related markers.
These findings suggest that regular mango consumption may improve insulin sensitivity, highlighting the potential for mango to help the body use insulin more efficiently and support long-term metabolic health.
“The growing body of research identifies mango’s promising role in supporting metabolic health,” said Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, MS, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research, Illinois Institute of Technology. “Findings suggest that mango can be a valuable addition to a balanced diet, helping to regulate blood glucose and support weight management – benefits that many people may not always associate with fruit. As we continue to explore mango’s unique nutrient and phytonutrient profile, we’re uncovering even more ways it can contribute to overall well-being.”
Mango Intake and Emerging Research Areas
Early research is also uncovering potentially promising associations between mango intake and brain health, gut microbiome support and even skin appearance. While more studies are needed, bioactives in mango like mangiferin and gallotannins are showing potential in areas like cognitive performance and skin protection.
Naturally invigorating from the inside out, mango delivers over 20 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and feel-good nutrients. Learn more at Mango.org/mango-nutrition.
This literature review was supported through an unrestricted grant from the National Mango Board (NMB). NMB had no influence over the studies or their findings.
About the Study
The literature review examined 29 in vitro and in vivo research studies between 2016 and July 2025 on the health benefits of consuming mango (flesh), with a focus on obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It also explored emerging evidence of potential benefits related to brain, gut and skin health.
About Illinois Institute of Technology
Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, Illinois Tech was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, architecture, business,
design, science and human sciences, and law. Illinois Tech students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university’s one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city’s living lab, Illinois Tech fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board BB #:189984 is an agricultural research and promotion program funded by the mango industry, and an instrumentality of the United States Department of Agriculture. The Board’s vision is “for mango to be an on-going part of every American’s diet based on versatility, taste and nutritional benefits, enabling mango to move toward being a top 10 valued whole fruit in the U.S. market by 2030.” One serving, or ¾ cup of the superfruit mango contains 70 calories, 50 percent of daily value of vitamin C, 15 percent of daily value of folate, 15 percent of daily value of copper, eight percent daily value of vitamin A, eight percent daily value of vitamin B6, seven percent of daily value of fiber and an amazing source of tropical flavor. Learn more at Mango.org.
Florida Classic Growers of Dundee, FL has announced an outstanding start to the 2025–26 Florida citrus season, marked by exceptional fruit quality, and stronger yields.
“We are extremely pleased with the fruit quality this season,” said Derek Rodgers, Director of Sales and Marketing for Florida Classic Growers. “We’re seeing improved size, higher brix levels, and some of the best external appearance we’ve had in recent years. Our enhanced production practices are paying off in a big way.”
With the state avoiding major hurricane impacts so far this year, Florida Classic Growers is reporting a year-over-year increase in volume—an encouraging trend for both the company and the broader citrus industry.
“This is a very exciting time for Florida citrus and for Florida Classic Growers,” Rodgers added. “The combination of strong quality and increased availability is creating real momentum, and we’re eager to share that with our retail, wholesale, and foodservice partners.”
Florida Classic Growers is now entering peak season for grapefruit, navel oranges, and juice oranges.
About Florida Classic Growers
Florida Classic Growers, a division of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, is a leading marketer of premium Florida citrus, offering a full range of fresh grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, and specialty citrus to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers across the U.S. and abroad.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Peruvian mango exports flooded export markets during the first ten months of 2025, with significantly higher volumes.
Fresh Fruit Peru reports between January and October, the country exported $399.5 million worth of mangoes, a staggering 52 percent year-on-year increase in export value.
In volume terms, exports reached 310,900 short tons, up a whopping 179 percent from the about 111,600 short tons shipped during the same period in 2024. While volume surged, export prices crashed 46 percent, a direct consequence of heavy availability in global markets and a rapid increase in Peru’s own seasonal supply.
Mango prices had already been under pressure through 2024, sliding steadily from about $1.27 per pound in January to roughly $0.54 per pound by year-end as oversupply—particularly from northern production regions—flooded the market. Although early 2025 brought a modest recovery, with prices climbing to around $0.86 per pound in May, they remain well below levels seen at the start of 2024.
The United States strengthened its role as Peru’s most important market, receiving $145.1 million in mango shipments—36 percent of Peru’s total export value—and about 113,400 short tons. This represents roughly double the value shipped in 2014, underscoring sustained growth over the past decade. The Netherlands followed as the second-largest market, importing $78.3 million (20 percent) and around 80,200 short tons, while Spain ranked third with $27.5 million (7 percent). Other notable destinations included Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, all of which posted gains in both value and volume.
Peru’s mango industry also continues to diversify beyond fresh fruit. During the period analyzed, 55 percent of export value came from fresh mango, 38 percent from frozen mango, and 7 percent from other processed items, including dried mango, pulp, and purée. This ongoing shift toward higher-value processed formats reflects strategic efforts by exporters to reduce price volatility and expand market reach.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Chilean fruit shipments to the United States got underway on schedule in December. The first vessel with fruit was loaded at the Valparaíso Port Terminal. This event marks the beginning of the 2025–2026 Chilean horticultural export season to the US.
On December 1, port and export representatives gathered in front of the vessel handling the first shipment of stonefruit, including cherries, along with table grapes and berries, all set to reach the US by December 12.
The reefer uses advanced technology to preserve the fruit, helping Chilean products arrive in top condition.
The Blueberry Committee of the national brand Frutas de Chile, reports service comes at a crucial moment, as blueberry production reaches its seasonal peak. The United States is the main destination for the crop, and the Koru ensures short transit times—a key factor for quality.
Last season, Chile shipped 43% of its total blueberry volume to the United States.
Frutas de Chile’s Cherry Committee, notes last year the South American country sent just under four million boxes to the US, with a possible increase coming this season.
The first boat was carrying nearly 3,200 pallets of cherries which arrived in Philadelphia on December 16.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Mexico has solidified its position as a key supplier of fresh produce to the US, with peak import season from November to May.
The US Department of Agriculture reports that Mexico supplies 63% of vegetable imports and 47% of fruits and nuts to the US. Avocados from Mexico are particularly vital, meeting year-round demand when other sources are out of season.
Greenhouse technology has enabled year-round production of items like bell peppers and cucumbers. However, challenges such as rising transportation costs, border logistics and tariffs have affected sales, particularly for tomatoes.
Top imports from Mexico include avocados, tomatoes, bell and hot peppers, cucumbers, squash, berries, limes and mangos.
The USDA reports avocados and berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, have grown the fastest among Mexico-to-U.S. horticultural imports over the past decade, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash remaining core vegetables being imported.
Mission Produce of Oxnard, CA notes Mexico supplies about 80% of avocados in the U.S. and is also the largest importing country of mangos to the U.S., representing about 67% of mango imports.
The supply chain linking Mexico and the U.S. is very efficient. For example, you can have a fresh avocado in two to five days, from orchard to your table.
Pacific Northwest growers are experiencing a rebound this season, with USA Pears putting 2025’s harvest at 19 million boxes. The 78 percent from a year ago, follow a sharply reduced 2024 crop.
Oregon and Washington producers, who account for about 88 percent of US fresh pear volume, wrapped the season with broad varietal gains and heightened marketing plans heading into December.
Bearing acreage also saw an increase, with an estimated 41,000 acres, up two percent from last year, according to a May summary by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
USA Pears, which distributes ten pear varieties year-round, reports higher yields across all categories. However, Bosc pears lead the resurgence, with production up more than 250 percent over last year.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.