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Favorable growing conditions and a shift to new varieties has Chile bubbling with optimism on a table grape crop which is increasing in volume with the recently started season.
An estimated 64 million boxes is forecast with an emphasis of limiting exports to the U.S. of between 3.5 and 4 million boxes weekly to avoid flooding the market. Now, the Chileans are just hoping the Peruvians can show as much restraint with their grape exports.
Chilean grape company Uvanova reports Ivory, Sweet Globe, Superior, and some Autumn Crisp are already being shipped. In red varieties, some Sweet Celebration, Ralli Seedless, and Allison are moving.
Some late varieties still remain on the vines to complete the mix, marking a gradual and orderly start to the season.
Over 80 percent of Chile’s table grapes are now of the seedless variety.
Meanwhile, Chile has reinforced efforts to diversify destinations. In addition to the United States, shipments have been directed to Latin America, Europe, and, to a lesser extent, Asia.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The first citrus production forecast for the 2025/2026 season, with projections showing a still depressed Florida citrus industry, has been released by the USDA.
The forecast reveals steady national numbers compared to last year, with a slight decline of two percent in total orange production. Numbers show the same drop in Valencia oranges, totaling 4.5 million boxes, and only a one percent drop in non-Valencian oranges, totaling 7.5 million boxes.
The state-by-state numbers show a bit more of a difference. According to the government agency, total orange production in Florida is expected to drop to a new record low of 12 million 90-pound boxes, down 200,000 boxes or 1.6 percent compared to last year.
This projection sets a downward trend for Florida citrus producers, who saw numbers drop dramatically since the 2023/2024 season, when production totaled a breakthrough 18 million boxes. Since then, extreme weather events and citrus greening disease have devastated the state’s once iconic citrus industry, which recorded its lowest numbers in over a century during the 2024/2025 season.
The breakdown is not gentler on Florida citrus growers, either—Valencia and non-Valencia oranges, as well as grapefruit are expected to be a million boxes short this season. Tangerine and mandarin production is forecast to remain steady with 400,000 boxes (down only 80 thousand from the 2022/2023 season), while lemon output will go up by 30,000 boxes compared to last year.
Regardless of these numbers, Florida Citrus Mutual is optimistic and emphasizes other fronts where the industry is seeing signs of a slow rebound.
“While this year’s initial crop estimate is lower than we would like, production is making steady gains on a per-acre basis and the industry is gaining confidence that we’re on the best path toward recovery as growers are reporting healthier trees and larger fruit,” he said.
The executive explained that innovative treatments, therapies and disease-tolerant trees are making “a real difference.”
In a statement, Florida Citrus Mutual noted that back in July the state received $140 million in state funds to support the local citrus industry. “More than $100 million was designated for research, field trials and planting disease-resistance varieties,” the document reads.
The Sunshine state also received USDA funding back in Thanksgiving, as the government agency pledged to buy $30 million of the state’s citrus through the end of 2025.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The U.S is becoming a more significant destination for Chilean cherries this season as exporters are shipping sharply higher volumes to diversify away from China, which still receives about 90 percent of the Andean country’s supplies, according to industry sources.
Shipments to the US have climbed to about 4 million boxes this season, up nearly 53 percent compared to last year, quality control firm Decofrut, which describes the US as a key outlet for balancing global supply amid slower growth in Asia.
The company points out agreements are made under contracts with predefined prices and volumes, which provide greater stability for the exporter and, at the same time, security for the retail customer.
The Chilean cherry season aligns with a strategic winter period in the US, when domestic production is unavailable. Unlike blueberries or grapes, which overlap between hemispheres, cherries only have a marketing window of about three months, making them a seasonal item for retailers.
Grower co-op Copefrut, also reports strong growth for Chilean cherries in the US market.
The cooperative notes the North American market shows a 73 percent increase compared to last season, and projections point to closing the cycle with a total volume 40 percent higher than last year,
Florida strawberry growers breathed a sigh of relief following recent winter weather in the Plant City area. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association, reports no snowfall in west central Florida during the cold snap, where the industry is located.
The organizaation noted cooler temperatures are good for increasing flavor and sweetness, and the crop is used to thermal variations, making it sturdy in cold weather.
Strawberry fields benefit from a technique similar to citrus’s microjet sprinklers. The main difference is that in the former case, water is sprayed overhead to keep temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather forecast for central Florida indicates a return to warm temperatures, with thermometers expected to reach 79 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the week, and no significant showers until next Tuesday (January 27). As for South Georgia, temperatures will remain mild and climb into the upper sixties by Friday (January).
As the storm moves farther north, both states seem to be in the clear from freezing weather events in the foreseeable future.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The Andean country of Peru reached a new milestone by exporting 540 agricultural products to 115 international destinations in 2025, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development.
Official records of the country’s National Service of Agricultural Health (SENASA), reveal shipments exceeded three million tons. Avocados took the top spot in volume with 767,230 tons (23 percent), followed by table grapes (555,524 tons or 17 percent), and blueberries (343,537 tons or 10%. The top 5 in Peruvian export categories is completed by tangerine (8%) and mango (6%).
The main destination for Peruvian agricultural products was the United States, which accounted for 28 percent of the exported volume shipments, followed by the Netherlands (19 percent). Other markets include Spain, China, Chile, and Mexico, which accounted for 24 percent of total Peruvian exports.
Peru is the world’s leading exporter of table grapes and blueberries, the second in avocados, and one of the main global suppliers of citrus and mango.
The Peruvian export basket continues to diversify, with new emerging categories gaining traction and a bigger market share.
A good example is passion fruit, with exports of 418 tons, mainly to the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and France. The Peruvian government is confident that the category is on track to consolidating itself as a product with high potential in specialized markets.
Likewise, the golden berry reached 199 tons, reaching markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Russia, Dubai, Uruguay, Spain, and Hong Kong.
Chino Hills, CA — Despite a decline in Peruvian grape exports to North America early in the season, is charting a different course thanks to its long-term supply base and the advantages of aligning with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October 2025.
The strategic integration of DDNA brings an additional 1.25 million boxes of grapes to Oppy’s program from Peru and Chile, up 44% over prior year. Oppy ranks among the top ten importers of Peruvian grapes into the U.S. and Canada.
“This is a milestone season for Oppy,” said Executive Director of Grapes and Stonefruit Bill Poulos. “By expanding our program through Dole, we’re not only increasing volume, but adding depth and resilience to our supply. We have exceptional grapes coming from Peru, and our team’s visit to Ica in November confirmed the fruit is outstanding. We are very happy with the quality, and we’re set up for a strong season.”
This year also marks an exciting influx of high-demand varieties, including Sun World favorite AutumnCrisp arriving from Peru, followed by availability from Chile through the end of April.
Director of Domestic Grapes and Sales Manager Marc Serpa shared, “As the import grape season gets into full stride, the market is primed for promotable green and red grapes. Shoppers are eager for grapes with green stems, great sizing and outstanding flavor profiles coming from Sun World and BloomFresh.”
Oppy expects excellent availability across a wide spectrum of colors and varieties, including:
- Red varieties: Allison, Jack’s Salute, and Scarlotta Seedless
- Green varieties: AutumnCrisp, Timpson, Sweet Globe, and Great Green
“Our strategic grower-partners are rated very highly for the quality of their AutumnCrisp, and have the acreage and scale to deliver more than last season. Red and green fresh crop grapes will be available in volume from mid-January till the end of February,” said Vice President of South American Operations David Nelley. “With trusted brands in our portfolio including Dole, Ocean Spray and Sun Grape, Oppy’s grape program offers consistency and quality shoppers will be looking for at shelf.”
With new varieties and consistent brands consumers know and trust, Oppy is well-positioned to help retailers drive sales this season and into the future.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIES: 1-800-404-5863.
With the release of new dietary guidelines, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day for a 2,000-calorie diet and clearly distinguish naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits from added sugars.
The overall emphasis is a diet centered on “real, whole foods.”
Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Fruit Association, said fruits and vegetables were a big part of the previous guidelines in MyPlate, and IFPA expected produce to have a prominent place in the new guidelines.
She said IFPA also supports the focus on reducing added sugars and highly processed foods that Americans often eat instead of fruits and vegetables.
“We’ve been vocal about added sugars and highly processed foods in the past, and we are now,” Van Lieu said.
She said children and their developing diets are receptive to foods high in sugar, and that can be a challenge for forging habits to consume fruits and vegetables.
She also said the government has not defined highly processed foods.
“We have to be cautiously optimistic because Americans haven’t followed the guidelines closely in the past,” she said.
Van Lieu said there is a strong emphasis on protein in the new guidelines, which IFPA isn’t opposed to, but it would have liked to see more emphasis on dietary fiber, which fruits and vegetables provide in abundance.
“Like fruits and vegetables, only about 10 percent of Americans get enough fiber in their diets,” she said.
By lgssale.com
LGS Specialty Sales of New Rochelle, NY, a leading importer of citrus, avocados, grapes, and persimmons, enters its Spanish persimmons season with strong supply driven by improved growing conditions and increased volumes compared to the 2024 season.
This year’s persimmons crop has benefited greatly from remarkably better weather during the growing season, including the absence of freezes which is historically common this time of year. Without the disruption of freezing weather, LGS has been able to position its crop for higher overall yields and strong, consistent supply.
“We are pleased not only with the favorable weather condition that we’ve experienced but also a year of increased supply compared to 2024,” said Lucio Rainelli, Director of Sales at LGS Specialty Sales.
The company anticipates its Spanish persimmons program to run through at least late January, providing an extended sales window for retailers. With volumes expected to exceed the previous season, LGS is positioned to not only support existing customers but open doors for new retail opportunities where persimmons can serve as a seasonal specialty item for shoppers.
LGS’ persimmons are of the Kaki variety with a flavor profile resembling Fuyu offering rich, sweet and creamy vanilla notes.
“Their uniquely sweet characteristics along with exclusive seasonality not only meets shoppers demand for specialty items but also offers customers a way to differentiate and expand their seasonal programs,” added Rainelli.
About LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd.
Born out of love of fresh produce and a desire to bring the world’s best-tasting fruit to U.S. shoppers, LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd. has been importing fruit from select growers around the world for more than 30 years. Today, LGS is a leading importer of clementines, oranges, avocados, grapes, lemons, Minneola’s, Cara Cara oranges and persimmons, with an industry-wide reputation for innovation and excellence in produce quality, service, packaging and food safety.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) and the California Prune Board are leading large clinical trials at Penn State and San Diego State universities to evaluate the impact of prune consumption on bone density and strength in women during the mid-life hormonal transition.
New research is putting prunes under scientific scrutiny to determine whether eating as little as one to two ounces daily can slow osteoporosis development during menopause.
“This is the time when women are losing bone most rapidly,” says Mary Jane De Souza, main investigator at Penn State. “If we can show that a simple food like prunes can help slow that loss, it could change how we prevent osteoporosis.”
The research is funded through USDA NIFA’s Commodity Board Co-funding Topics program, part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Foundational and Applied Sciences grants. Created under the 2014 Farm Bill, the program allows commodity boards to co-invest in federally supported research.
De Souza’s research centers on a three-year window around a woman’s final menstrual period. Bone loss at the hip and spine can reach six to seven percent during this period. Her team will study how a daily intake of about 1.8 ounces of prunes affects bone density, strength, inflammation, and gut health over 18 months.
At San Diego State University, Shirin Hooshmand is leading a separate long-term trial focused on women in late perimenopause. That study will also test whether a smaller, more practical daily intake of about 1.1 ounces provides comparable bone health benefits.
Earlier research led by Hooshmand beginning in the mid-2000s found that a daily intake of about 3.5 ounces of prunes preserved bone in postmenopausal women. Subsequent studies showed similar effects on bone density in men aged 50 and older, and that about 1.8 ounces per day prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women while improving bone density in younger women using hormonal contraceptives.
“Prunes are nutrient-rich, shelf-stable, affordable, and safe to eat every day,” Hooshmand explains. “We believe they could be a powerful tool to help women maintain strong bones through midlife.”
Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, with an additional 44 million estimated to have low bone density, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. The condition contributes to more than two million fractures annually, particularly among women over age 50.
The foundation estimates that one in two women and up to one in four men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Osteoporosis-related fractures cost the US healthcare system about $19 billion each year, with costs projected to rise to $25.3 billion by 2025.
“Preventing just one hip fracture can save tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs,” De Souza says. “If prunes prove effective, the return on investment for public health will be massive.”
The Penn State study will run through 2029, while the San Diego State trial is scheduled to conclude in 2030. Both studies will track changes in bone density, inflammation, and gut health, with Hooshmand’s research also evaluating calcium metabolism.
“Women want non-medication options for osteoporosis prevention,” Hooshmand stressed. “We’re excited to continue to test one that’s as simple as eating a few prunes a day.”
The California Prune Board submitted prune consumption and bone health as a research topic for the fiscal year 2024 AFRI funding cycle. Following peer review, both university proposals received funding.
“We’ve long believed in the potential of prunes to support healthy aging, and we’re proud to partner on research that puts real science behind that promise,” said Donn Zea, executive director of the California Prune Board. “These studies could be game-changers, not just for our growers, but for millions of women seeking simple ways to protect their health.”
The US prune crop is valued at roughly $173 million annually and is grown on more than 40,000 acres. California accounts for virtually all domestic production and remains the world’s leading supplier of premium prunes.
Favorable growing conditions and a shift to new varieties has Chile bubbling with optimism on a table grape crop which is increasing in volume with the recently started season.
An estimated 64 million boxes is forecast with an emphasis of limiting exports to the U.S. of between 3.5 and 4 million boxes weekly to avoid flooding the market. Now, the Chileans are just hoping the Peruvians can show as much restraint with their grape exports.
Chilean grape company Uvanova reports Ivory, Sweet Globe, Superior, and some Autumn Crisp are already being shipped. In red varieties, some Sweet Celebration, Ralli Seedless, and Allison are moving.
Some late varieties still remain on the vines to complete the mix, marking a gradual and orderly start to the season.
Over 80 percent of Chile’s table grapes are now of the seedless variety.
Meanwhile, Chile has reinforced efforts to diversify destinations. In addition to the United States, shipments have been directed to Latin America, Europe, and, to a lesser extent, Asia.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The first citrus production forecast for the 2025/2026 season, with projections showing a still depressed Florida citrus industry, has been released by the USDA.
The forecast reveals steady national numbers compared to last year, with a slight decline of two percent in total orange production. Numbers show the same drop in Valencia oranges, totaling 4.5 million boxes, and only a one percent drop in non-Valencian oranges, totaling 7.5 million boxes.
The state-by-state numbers show a bit more of a difference. According to the government agency, total orange production in Florida is expected to drop to a new record low of 12 million 90-pound boxes, down 200,000 boxes or 1.6 percent compared to last year.
This projection sets a downward trend for Florida citrus producers, who saw numbers drop dramatically since the 2023/2024 season, when production totaled a breakthrough 18 million boxes. Since then, extreme weather events and citrus greening disease have devastated the state’s once iconic citrus industry, which recorded its lowest numbers in over a century during the 2024/2025 season.
The breakdown is not gentler on Florida citrus growers, either—Valencia and non-Valencia oranges, as well as grapefruit are expected to be a million boxes short this season. Tangerine and mandarin production is forecast to remain steady with 400,000 boxes (down only 80 thousand from the 2022/2023 season), while lemon output will go up by 30,000 boxes compared to last year.
Regardless of these numbers, Florida Citrus Mutual is optimistic and emphasizes other fronts where the industry is seeing signs of a slow rebound.
“While this year’s initial crop estimate is lower than we would like, production is making steady gains on a per-acre basis and the industry is gaining confidence that we’re on the best path toward recovery as growers are reporting healthier trees and larger fruit,” he said.
The executive explained that innovative treatments, therapies and disease-tolerant trees are making “a real difference.”
In a statement, Florida Citrus Mutual noted that back in July the state received $140 million in state funds to support the local citrus industry. “More than $100 million was designated for research, field trials and planting disease-resistance varieties,” the document reads.
The Sunshine state also received USDA funding back in Thanksgiving, as the government agency pledged to buy $30 million of the state’s citrus through the end of 2025.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The U.S is becoming a more significant destination for Chilean cherries this season as exporters are shipping sharply higher volumes to diversify away from China, which still receives about 90 percent of the Andean country’s supplies, according to industry sources.
Shipments to the US have climbed to about 4 million boxes this season, up nearly 53 percent compared to last year, quality control firm Decofrut, which describes the US as a key outlet for balancing global supply amid slower growth in Asia.
The company points out agreements are made under contracts with predefined prices and volumes, which provide greater stability for the exporter and, at the same time, security for the retail customer.
The Chilean cherry season aligns with a strategic winter period in the US, when domestic production is unavailable. Unlike blueberries or grapes, which overlap between hemispheres, cherries only have a marketing window of about three months, making them a seasonal item for retailers.
Grower co-op Copefrut, also reports strong growth for Chilean cherries in the US market.
The cooperative notes the North American market shows a 73 percent increase compared to last season, and projections point to closing the cycle with a total volume 40 percent higher than last year,
Florida strawberry growers breathed a sigh of relief following recent winter weather in the Plant City area. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association, reports no snowfall in west central Florida during the cold snap, where the industry is located.
The organizaation noted cooler temperatures are good for increasing flavor and sweetness, and the crop is used to thermal variations, making it sturdy in cold weather.
Strawberry fields benefit from a technique similar to citrus’s microjet sprinklers. The main difference is that in the former case, water is sprayed overhead to keep temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather forecast for central Florida indicates a return to warm temperatures, with thermometers expected to reach 79 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the week, and no significant showers until next Tuesday (January 27). As for South Georgia, temperatures will remain mild and climb into the upper sixties by Friday (January).
As the storm moves farther north, both states seem to be in the clear from freezing weather events in the foreseeable future.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The Andean country of Peru reached a new milestone by exporting 540 agricultural products to 115 international destinations in 2025, according to the Peruvian Ministry of Agrarian Development.
Official records of the country’s National Service of Agricultural Health (SENASA), reveal shipments exceeded three million tons. Avocados took the top spot in volume with 767,230 tons (23 percent), followed by table grapes (555,524 tons or 17 percent), and blueberries (343,537 tons or 10%. The top 5 in Peruvian export categories is completed by tangerine (8%) and mango (6%).
The main destination for Peruvian agricultural products was the United States, which accounted for 28 percent of the exported volume shipments, followed by the Netherlands (19 percent). Other markets include Spain, China, Chile, and Mexico, which accounted for 24 percent of total Peruvian exports.
Peru is the world’s leading exporter of table grapes and blueberries, the second in avocados, and one of the main global suppliers of citrus and mango.
The Peruvian export basket continues to diversify, with new emerging categories gaining traction and a bigger market share.
A good example is passion fruit, with exports of 418 tons, mainly to the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and France. The Peruvian government is confident that the category is on track to consolidating itself as a product with high potential in specialized markets.
Likewise, the golden berry reached 199 tons, reaching markets such as Germany, the Netherlands, Canada, Russia, Dubai, Uruguay, Spain, and Hong Kong.
Chino Hills, CA — Despite a decline in Peruvian grape exports to North America early in the season, is charting a different course thanks to its long-term supply base and the advantages of aligning with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October 2025.
The strategic integration of DDNA brings an additional 1.25 million boxes of grapes to Oppy’s program from Peru and Chile, up 44% over prior year. Oppy ranks among the top ten importers of Peruvian grapes into the U.S. and Canada.
“This is a milestone season for Oppy,” said Executive Director of Grapes and Stonefruit Bill Poulos. “By expanding our program through Dole, we’re not only increasing volume, but adding depth and resilience to our supply. We have exceptional grapes coming from Peru, and our team’s visit to Ica in November confirmed the fruit is outstanding. We are very happy with the quality, and we’re set up for a strong season.”
This year also marks an exciting influx of high-demand varieties, including Sun World favorite AutumnCrisp arriving from Peru, followed by availability from Chile through the end of April.
Director of Domestic Grapes and Sales Manager Marc Serpa shared, “As the import grape season gets into full stride, the market is primed for promotable green and red grapes. Shoppers are eager for grapes with green stems, great sizing and outstanding flavor profiles coming from Sun World and BloomFresh.”
Oppy expects excellent availability across a wide spectrum of colors and varieties, including:
- Red varieties: Allison, Jack’s Salute, and Scarlotta Seedless
- Green varieties: AutumnCrisp, Timpson, Sweet Globe, and Great Green
“Our strategic grower-partners are rated very highly for the quality of their AutumnCrisp, and have the acreage and scale to deliver more than last season. Red and green fresh crop grapes will be available in volume from mid-January till the end of February,” said Vice President of South American Operations David Nelley. “With trusted brands in our portfolio including Dole, Ocean Spray and Sun Grape, Oppy’s grape program offers consistency and quality shoppers will be looking for at shelf.”
With new varieties and consistent brands consumers know and trust, Oppy is well-positioned to help retailers drive sales this season and into the future.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIES: 1-800-404-5863.
With the release of new dietary guidelines, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommend three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit per day for a 2,000-calorie diet and clearly distinguish naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits from added sugars.
The overall emphasis is a diet centered on “real, whole foods.”
Mollie Van Lieu, Vice President of Nutrition and Health, International Fresh Fruit Association, said fruits and vegetables were a big part of the previous guidelines in MyPlate, and IFPA expected produce to have a prominent place in the new guidelines.
She said IFPA also supports the focus on reducing added sugars and highly processed foods that Americans often eat instead of fruits and vegetables.
“We’ve been vocal about added sugars and highly processed foods in the past, and we are now,” Van Lieu said.
She said children and their developing diets are receptive to foods high in sugar, and that can be a challenge for forging habits to consume fruits and vegetables.
She also said the government has not defined highly processed foods.
“We have to be cautiously optimistic because Americans haven’t followed the guidelines closely in the past,” she said.
Van Lieu said there is a strong emphasis on protein in the new guidelines, which IFPA isn’t opposed to, but it would have liked to see more emphasis on dietary fiber, which fruits and vegetables provide in abundance.
“Like fruits and vegetables, only about 10 percent of Americans get enough fiber in their diets,” she said.
By lgssale.com
LGS Specialty Sales of New Rochelle, NY, a leading importer of citrus, avocados, grapes, and persimmons, enters its Spanish persimmons season with strong supply driven by improved growing conditions and increased volumes compared to the 2024 season.
This year’s persimmons crop has benefited greatly from remarkably better weather during the growing season, including the absence of freezes which is historically common this time of year. Without the disruption of freezing weather, LGS has been able to position its crop for higher overall yields and strong, consistent supply.
“We are pleased not only with the favorable weather condition that we’ve experienced but also a year of increased supply compared to 2024,” said Lucio Rainelli, Director of Sales at LGS Specialty Sales.
The company anticipates its Spanish persimmons program to run through at least late January, providing an extended sales window for retailers. With volumes expected to exceed the previous season, LGS is positioned to not only support existing customers but open doors for new retail opportunities where persimmons can serve as a seasonal specialty item for shoppers.
LGS’ persimmons are of the Kaki variety with a flavor profile resembling Fuyu offering rich, sweet and creamy vanilla notes.
“Their uniquely sweet characteristics along with exclusive seasonality not only meets shoppers demand for specialty items but also offers customers a way to differentiate and expand their seasonal programs,” added Rainelli.
About LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd.
Born out of love of fresh produce and a desire to bring the world’s best-tasting fruit to U.S. shoppers, LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd. has been importing fruit from select growers around the world for more than 30 years. Today, LGS is a leading importer of clementines, oranges, avocados, grapes, lemons, Minneola’s, Cara Cara oranges and persimmons, with an industry-wide reputation for innovation and excellence in produce quality, service, packaging and food safety.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) and the California Prune Board are leading large clinical trials at Penn State and San Diego State universities to evaluate the impact of prune consumption on bone density and strength in women during the mid-life hormonal transition.
New research is putting prunes under scientific scrutiny to determine whether eating as little as one to two ounces daily can slow osteoporosis development during menopause.
“This is the time when women are losing bone most rapidly,” says Mary Jane De Souza, main investigator at Penn State. “If we can show that a simple food like prunes can help slow that loss, it could change how we prevent osteoporosis.”
The research is funded through USDA NIFA’s Commodity Board Co-funding Topics program, part of the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative’s Foundational and Applied Sciences grants. Created under the 2014 Farm Bill, the program allows commodity boards to co-invest in federally supported research.
De Souza’s research centers on a three-year window around a woman’s final menstrual period. Bone loss at the hip and spine can reach six to seven percent during this period. Her team will study how a daily intake of about 1.8 ounces of prunes affects bone density, strength, inflammation, and gut health over 18 months.
At San Diego State University, Shirin Hooshmand is leading a separate long-term trial focused on women in late perimenopause. That study will also test whether a smaller, more practical daily intake of about 1.1 ounces provides comparable bone health benefits.
Earlier research led by Hooshmand beginning in the mid-2000s found that a daily intake of about 3.5 ounces of prunes preserved bone in postmenopausal women. Subsequent studies showed similar effects on bone density in men aged 50 and older, and that about 1.8 ounces per day prevented bone loss in postmenopausal women while improving bone density in younger women using hormonal contraceptives.
“Prunes are nutrient-rich, shelf-stable, affordable, and safe to eat every day,” Hooshmand explains. “We believe they could be a powerful tool to help women maintain strong bones through midlife.”
Osteoporosis affects about 10 million Americans, with an additional 44 million estimated to have low bone density, according to the Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation. The condition contributes to more than two million fractures annually, particularly among women over age 50.
The foundation estimates that one in two women and up to one in four men will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime. Osteoporosis-related fractures cost the US healthcare system about $19 billion each year, with costs projected to rise to $25.3 billion by 2025.
“Preventing just one hip fracture can save tens of thousands of dollars in medical costs,” De Souza says. “If prunes prove effective, the return on investment for public health will be massive.”
The Penn State study will run through 2029, while the San Diego State trial is scheduled to conclude in 2030. Both studies will track changes in bone density, inflammation, and gut health, with Hooshmand’s research also evaluating calcium metabolism.
“Women want non-medication options for osteoporosis prevention,” Hooshmand stressed. “We’re excited to continue to test one that’s as simple as eating a few prunes a day.”
The California Prune Board submitted prune consumption and bone health as a research topic for the fiscal year 2024 AFRI funding cycle. Following peer review, both university proposals received funding.
“We’ve long believed in the potential of prunes to support healthy aging, and we’re proud to partner on research that puts real science behind that promise,” said Donn Zea, executive director of the California Prune Board. “These studies could be game-changers, not just for our growers, but for millions of women seeking simple ways to protect their health.”
The US prune crop is valued at roughly $173 million annually and is grown on more than 40,000 acres. California accounts for virtually all domestic production and remains the world’s leading supplier of premium prunes.