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Veg Fresh Farms of Corona, CA started a modest fall program focused on traditional carving pumpkins about 5 years ago. Today, that program has rapidly expanded into a robust and diversified offering, distinguishing itself with unique heirloom varieties and custom-tailored mix-and-match bins designed to meet evolving consumer demand.
Veg Fresh Farms’ innovative approach includes offering creative, specialized mixes—like the popular Autumn Mix Bin—featuring sought-after heirloom pumpkins such as the Blue Doll and Marina di Chioggia, along with other unique varieties.
“Pumpkins and gourds have become more about fall decorating and not just for Halloween,” says Chris Jacoby, Sales Director at Veg Fresh Farms “more retailers are selling pumpkins earlier, even around late August or early September, to meet this demand.”
“The growth of the pumpkin program extends beyond traditional grocery stores, with non-traditional retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as foodservice customers. This expansion is fueled by consumers’ willingness to spend a little more on uniquely shaped, colorful, and decorative pumpkins and gourds. The versatility of items like pie pumpkins continues to grow with their expanding use in cooking and other creations” also adds Chris Jacoby.
To support this demand, Veg Fresh Farms has expanded its growing program in both Southern and Northern California.
“Continuing to diversify our offerings is critical to our relationships with our customers,” explains Dino Cancellieri, General Partner. “Our customers rely on vendors like Veg Fresh Farms to provide unique and differentiated items that excite consumers and drive traffic to their stores. Chris Jacoby has been instrumental in spearheading this program, working closely with seed companies and growers to curate the perfect mix for each fall season.”
“We only see upwards potential as this program continues to grow,” adds Dino Cancellieri.
About Veg-Fresh Farms
Veg-Fresh Farms is a third-generation, family-run agribusiness, currently providing fresh produce to national food service chains and national retailers under the Veg-Fresh Farms, Crystal Cove Berry Farms, and Good Life Organic labels.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Logistics company Crowley has announced a “significant expansion” of ocean shipping services with its first-ever route between the U.S. Northeast and Central America.
Utilizing Crowley’s new, state-of-the-art Avance Class vessels, the five-day transit between the Port of Philadelphia’s Gloucester Marine Terminal and ports in Guatemala and Honduras enables the most timely deliveries of food, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods to and from the Central America Northern Zone, which also includes El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Crowley’s Copán container ship will begin the first voyage on July 3 from Central American to Gloucester City, New Jersey, operated by Gloucester Terminals LLC, a client company of Holt Logistics Corp.
“Customers can count on us to support their growth wherever they operate, including now between Central America and the U.S. Northeast. This best-in-class, non-stop service with our new LNG-powered vessels will deliver the fastest transit times in the market,” said Reinier van Delden, vice president of commercial operations at Crowley Logistics.
“This means less inventory idle time, lower supply chain costs, and longer shelf life for critical products like fresh produce. With significant booking commitments already, we’re excited to bring these vessels to Philadelphia to connect our global customers with access to the regional market using superior, reliable operations provided by Crowley and Gloucester Terminals.”
Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the best-in-class Avance vessels reflect Crowley’s commitment to the maritime industry’s innovation and environmental efficiency that provide the most effective solutions for customers.
“Marine service is an important pillar of Philadelphia’s economy, and Gloucester Terminals is proud to be a partner with Crowley to accomplish this milestone for U.S-Central America trade,” said Christian Holt, sales representative for Gloucester and Holt.
“This new route creates faster and more efficient pathways connecting Northeast Atlantic business owners to international customers. We are thrilled to partner with Crowley, another generational family-owned business. Together, with over 200 years of dedicated customer service, we focus on creating jobs, driving economic growth, and making a positive impact in the Philadelphia-South Jersey communities.”
The new route between Philadelphia and Central America expands on Crowley’s operations in the Northeast Atlantic, where it has served Puerto Rico, the Eastern Caribbean and the Virgin Islands with a regular container service for more than 70 years.
Green bell pepper supplies are abundant; markets have eased. Red bell pepper prices are slightly lower as California yields start to increase; demand remains strong, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Green Bells
- Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green Bell Peppers are ample
- California volume is high; quality is very good as multiple coastal regions are in production, including Hollister, Oxnard, and Santa Maria
- Harvesting is steady in the Midwest regions of Michigan and Ohio
- Northeastern production is consistent; all sizes are available
- Central Mexico is shipping limited quantities into South Texas
- Expect low prices this week
Red Bells
- MFC and ESS Red Bell Peppers are available
- California’s coastal production is moderate and expected to increase over the next two weeks due to hot weather; quality is very good
- Supplies are limited out of Central Mexico (crossing into South Texas), but the season will ramp up in mid-September
- Greenhouse yields are snug in Eastern Canada due to past hot weather and disease issues; Western Canada greenhouse stocks are sufficient but not being regularly exported to the U.S.
- Demand for California peppers remains strong
- Expect slightly lower prices next week with a larger drop in mid-September
Freshway Produce Inc. of Miami, FL ships dragon fruit the year and is now increasing it’s production grown in the Sunshine State. Optimism is high this year thanks to favorable weather.
Less rainfall, which can csause fungi problems and other potential issues have not been excessive this year.
Production volumes have also seen a significant boost, particularly from one of the company’s Southern Florida farms. There, Freshway Produce dedicates approximately 44 acres to the cultivation of red and white dragon fruit.
The company has been working with Florida-grown dragon fruit since 2018, and to ensure year-round availability, it also sources from four different countries, including Ecuador and Nicaragua. The firm’s red and white locally-produced varieties are typically available from June through November.
The company reports a consistent growth trajectory in production capacity.
Native to tropical South and Central America, dragon fruit cultivation was first introduced in Florida in the early 2000s. While the Sunshine State’s warm climate provides an ideal growing environment, Florida dragon fruit is traditionally smaller than those imported from countries such as Ecuador.
Freshway notes smaller sizes offer a more practical, on-the-go alternative for snacking, although the market usually demands larger sizes.
C&S Wholesale Grocers LLC and SpartanNash have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which C&S will acquire SpartanNash for a purchase price of $26.90 per share of SpartanNash common stock in cash, representing total consideration of $1.77 billion, including assumed net debt.
The transaction price represents a 52.5% premium over SpartanNash’s closing price on June 20, of $17.64, and a premium of 42% to its 30-day volume-weighted average stock price as of June 20, according to a news release.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
SpartanNash’s previously announced quarterly cash dividend of 22 cents per common share will continue to be paid on June 30, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 13, the release said.
”This is an exciting opportunity for our team members, partners and, notably, our customers. C&S and SpartanNash share many of the same values, including a strong emphasis on customers, teamwork and our communities. Together, we are uniting some of the most advanced capabilities and boldest innovations in the distribution market to better serve communities across the nation,” said C&S CEO Eric Winn.
“At C&S, we have a legacy of braggingly happy customers, and our team members strive every day to take care of our customers’ stores as if they are our own,” Winn added. “The combination of our two companies’ capabilities puts our collective customers’ stores and our own retail stores at the center of the plate, supporting their ability to thrive in a highly dynamic and competitive environment. Our customers need us more than ever, and we are building a sustainable platform for our team members to be able to support them long into the future.”
“We are energized by the opportunities this combination provides for our associates and customers,” said SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam. “With our organizational values in close alignment, there will be exciting new career opportunities for our people and a continued commitment to a ‘people first’ culture. For our customers, this transaction creates the necessary scale, efficiency and purchasing power needed to enable independent retailers to compete more effectively with larger big-box chains. Neighborhood grocers are essential pillars of our communities that we want to preserve and strengthen. A thriving hometown grocery store supports local farmers, bolsters the local economy and enhances the overall health and well-being of the community.”
Strategic rationale includes, according to the release:
- Complementary food distribution networks to better support independent retailers — Together, the combined company will operate almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. and will serve close to 10,000 independent retail locations, with collectively more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores.
- Greater efficiency and scale expected to result in lower prices for grocery shoppers — Being able to operate at a larger scale, supported by the combined innovative capabilities of the two companies, enables a more efficient supply chain as well as an ability to secure the best possible delivered cost of goods and promotional discounts, which are expected to translate to better pricing for community retailers and at the shelf for consumers. Profit margins in the grocery industry are very low — averaging only 1.6% — and customers and consumers deserve the best value for food and household goods. The stability of the combined organization will allow the combined company and its customers to better compete against various extremely large global grocers in the U.S. food-at-home space, a more than $1 trillion annual industry.
- Preserves accessible, affordable nutrition and pharmacy services in local communities — Nearly half of all U.S. counties have at least one pharmacy desert (a 10-mile radius with no retail pharmacy), and an estimated 5.6% of the country’s population lives in a food desert. Providing families with access to fresh food, essential prescription medications and health services is at the core of the combined company’s operations, distributing to community retailers and operating corporate grocery stores and pharmacies.
The transaction is expected to close in late 2025, subject to certain customary closing conditions, including, among other things, SpartanNash shareholder approval and applicable regulatory approvals, according to the release. C&S has obtained financing commitment letters for the transaction. Wells Fargo has provided a debt financing commitment for the transaction.
Solomon Partners is serving as the exclusive financial adviser to C&S. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as legal adviser to C&S and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal adviser to C&S in connection with its debt financing, the release said, adding that BofA Securities Inc. is serving as exclusive financial adviser to SpartanNash. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as legal adviser to SpartanNash.
Mexico and the Dominican Republic’s mango supply in the U.S. is set to increase this year if shipments continue as expected.
From April to November, both countries are the U.S.’s main suppliers of the tropical fruit. Last year, by September, the countries sent a total of 89,744,893 mangoes into the United States. This year, the countries have already sent 65,386,990, more than half of the total shipped in 2024, with several months of supply remaining.
A total of 4,578,808 boxes of mangoes from both countries arrived in the U.S. at the beginning of July, an increase of a little over 357,000 from the same period last year.
Most of that number is made up of three main mango varieties: Kent (59%), Tommy Atkins (21%) and Ataulfo/Honey (18%). There is also a limited supply of Mingolo, Keitt, Mallika, Nam Doc Mai, Thai, Manila, Banilejo and Kesar.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
On the heels of successful asparagus and sweet corn seasons, Todd Greiner Farms Packing, LLC, based in Hart, MI, starts its fall shipping season, with a full lineup of pumpkins and winter squash starting the week of Labor Day (September 1).
Known for premium asparagus and summer sweet corn, TGF is quickly becoming a go-to source for seasonal Michigan-grown vegetables. This fall, the company will be shipping traditional orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, and heirloom varieties, as well as winter squash including acorn, spaghetti, and butternut.
“We’re proud to bring the same quality and service our customers expect from our spring and summer programs into the fall,” said Blake Hansen, National Sales Manager. “Retailers can count on us to deliver picture-perfect pumpkins and flavorful winter squash that are ready to move in produce and seasonal displays.”
Michigan is consistently ranked among the top five pumpkin-producing states in the United States, harvesting nearly 90 million pounds annually. TGF sources only the best seed varieties, ensuring that each harvest yields some of the largest, most vibrant Jack-O’-Lantern pumpkins in the Midwest. Whether for carving, decorating, or culinary use, TGF ships pumpkins nationwide to meet the seasonal surge in demand.
In 2024 alone, Americans spent over $750 million on carving pumpkins for Halloween, with approximately 145 million shoppers purchasing pumpkins at an average of $5.26 each. This fall item isn’t just festive—it’s profitable, driving consumer foot traffic and impulse buys in retail settings.
“Our pumpkins consistently stand out for their size, shape, and color,” Steve Rudat, Account and Supply Chain Manager. “Whether you’re looking for truckloads of uniform bins or decorative assortments with heirlooms and whites, our goal is to help you build successful, eye-catching seasonal programs.”
TGF’s fall offering also includes robust volumes of Michigan-grown winter squash, with promotable volumes of acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash ready to ship alongside pumpkins starting in early September. With Michigan ranked #1 nationally in winter squash production, TGF brings a critical combination of quality, consistency, and Midwest sourcing that today’s retail buyers are seeking.
Todd Greiner Farms is rooted in Michigan’s specialty crop leadership. As the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the United States, Michigan ranks #1 in asparagus, cucumbers for pickling, winter squash, tart cherries, and multiple dry bean varieties, and is a top producer of apples, blueberries, and summer squash.
With its year-round growing partnerships, packing infrastructure, and now expanded sales and marketing programs, TGF is positioned to represent and ship Michigan’s best produce throughout all four seasons.
About Todd Greiner Farms Packing, LLC.: Todd Greiner Farms Packing, LLC., located in Hart, MI, is a family-owned and operated fruit, vegetable, and evergreen grower/packer/shipper. Since its founding in 1994, TGF has maintained a reputation for quality and integrity, operating two packing/shipping facilities and holding a Primus Labs – Superior food safety rating. TGF’s diverse product offerings include asparagus, cherries, zucchini, sweet corn, peaches, hard squash, pumpkins, apples, and evergreens.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Peru is predicted to surpass Chile as the region’s leading fruit exporter in 2025, which would be a significant shift in South American trade dynamics.
The General Directorate of Agricultural Policies under Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), reports Peru’s fruit export value is expected to reach $10.194 billion, slightly outpacing Chile’s forecast of $9.979 billion.
This milestone reflects more than a decade of rapid growth in Peru’s agricultural industry. From 2012 to 2022, Peruvian agricultural exports grew at an impressive average annual rate of 11%, almost double the 6.1% rate recorded by Chile. The 2024 figures already show the narrowing gap, with Peru’s exports totaling $9.185 billion—just short of Chile’s $9.403 billion.
The surge in Peru’s agricultural trade is primarily attributed to its booming fruit exports, which have grown at an average annual rate of 19.6% between 2010 and 2024. In contrast, Chile’s fruit export growth in the same period was 6.8%. Should this trend continue, Peru’s fruit export revenues are projected to reach $11.064 billion by 2027, placing it well ahead of Chile by approximately 9%.
Peru’s fruit export success has been driven by high-demand products such as blueberries and avocados, which have far outpaced Chilean exports in these categories. While Chile still leads slightly in table grapes, favorable weather conditions and improved cultivation practices could see Peru claim the global top spot in grape exports in 2025.
Globally, Peru is set to become the fifth-largest fruit exporter in 2025, overtaking Chile and trailing behind Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico and the US. Within Latin America, this transition marks a significant realignment, with Mexico, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica being the primary exporters. Peru’s rise to regional leadership signifies its strengthening role on the global fruit trade map.
As part of its 2025 Outlook Conference, the U.S. Apple Association announced its first official crop estimate for the 2025-26 season.
Using both USDA data as well as insights from state representatives, the association projects about 278.5 million bushels, which is up about 1.3% from the 2024-25 season estimate. These figures are slightly down from the USDA estimate of about 290.1 million bushels. This figure, though, is about 3.6% above the five-year average.
One thing Chris Gerlach, vice president of insights and analytics with the U.S. Apple Association, points out that this crop estimate will not necessarily reflect the true size of the 2025-26 harvest.
“That’s a capacity number that is not necessarily what’s going to be picked and packed,” he says.
State estimates
Leading the country in production is Washington, with a forecast record crop of about 180 million bushels, which is up 1.1% year-over-year.
Gerlach says he also coordinated to get additional context behind these figures and the state representatives he spoke with indicated a mild summer and ideal weather has set the crop up well. He says the insiders he talked to say gala and red delicious will be smaller than average but good color and quality while Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp and fuji will have a good medium to large profile.
“Discipline will be required to leave smaller fruit on the tree — money will be tight to pick everything,” he says.
New York, taking the No. 2 spot, will come in with about 30.5 million bushels, which is about a 0.7% decrease from last season.
Insiders tell Gerlach that a cold and wet spring and a hot and dry summer have impacted the crop this year. Gerlach reports insiders told him growers in the state struggled with chemical thinners this year, which may have impacted size. The state expects to have good volume with a light Honeycrisp season this year, light processing varieties such as Idared and Rome but a decent red delicious crop this year.
In the third spot, Michigan projects to be up about 10% with about 30 million bushels. A cold spring and thinning issues impacted the crop, but Gerlach says insiders told him the crop is shaping up well. Insiders indicate Honeycrisp and gala volume will be up this year in the state, but fuji will be down.
Fourth in production in the country, Pennsylvania production, forecast at 10.5 million bushels, will be up about 2% year-over-year.
Gerlach says state representatives indicate fruit is clean and sizing well. As far as varieties, Honeycrisp and fuji volumes will be down this year and gala volumes will be up. Insiders indicate variable volumes on red delicious and processing varieties.
“Effective thinning after the April freeze in Pennsylvania and a wet May can lead to a larger crop,” he says.
Virginia, in the fourth spot, forecasts to be down by 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
“A considerable frost freeze event in April was preceded by three days of warm weather, which maximizes that impact,” Gerlach says. “The natural thinning event will reduce volume but may help sizing.”
In terms of volume, insiders from Virginia tell Gerlach that gala, golden delicious and granny smith look to be in good supply, but York, red delicious and pink lady will be down this year.
In the fifth spot, Oregon projection is forecast to be up 40% year-over-year with an estimated crop size of 3.9 million bushels.
Variety estimates
Remaining in the top spot is gala, with a projected 47 million bushels or about 16% of U.S. production. Red delicious remains in the second spot with about 39 million bushels, or about 13% of total U.S. production. Honeycrisp is up a spot, coming in third with 34 million bushels or 12% of the U.S. total production. Rounding out the top five are granny smith at 32 million bushels, 11% of U.S. total production, and fuji at 25 million bushels or 9% of the U.S. total production.
Gerlach says this year’s forecast shows pink lady and Cosmic Crisp both trending upward.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Almond shipments will reach 3 billion pounds, a 10% increase from 2024’s crop, according to the 2025 USDA-NASS California Almond Objective Measurement Report estimate.
This objective estimate is 7% higher than the USDA-NASS’s May subjective forecast and surpasses the 2024 harvest of 2.73 billion pounds. The 2024 crop was 2.5% below the previous year’s objective estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precise forecasting amid fluctuating weather and economic conditions.
“The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Almond Board of California CEO Clarice Turner. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”
Weather during the bloom period was variable, with storms bringing rain, wind, and hail that hindered bee activity and blossom development. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating crop progress.
Mild spring temperatures and timely rainfall supported nut growth and reduced heat stress in orchards, with reports indicating lower-than-normal pest and disease pressure. Harvest is expected to start on schedule.
The USDA-NASS forecasted yield per acre for 2025 is 2,160 pounds, up from 1,980 pounds in 2024. The average nut set per tree is projected at 4,364 nuts, an increase of 7% from last year, with Nonpareil trees averaging 4,526 nuts. This is up 9% year-on-year.
Kernel weight averaged 1.60 grams across sampled varieties, representing a 0.6% decrease from 2024. The Nonpareil variety specifically averaged 1.60 grams, down 2% from the previous year.
The 2025 report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. Sampling was conducted from May 24 to June 28, covering 1,892 trees in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS produces the Objective Report, Subjective Forecast, and Nursery Survey annually to support industry decision-making.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Veg Fresh Farms of Corona, CA started a modest fall program focused on traditional carving pumpkins about 5 years ago. Today, that program has rapidly expanded into a robust and diversified offering, distinguishing itself with unique heirloom varieties and custom-tailored mix-and-match bins designed to meet evolving consumer demand.
Veg Fresh Farms’ innovative approach includes offering creative, specialized mixes—like the popular Autumn Mix Bin—featuring sought-after heirloom pumpkins such as the Blue Doll and Marina di Chioggia, along with other unique varieties.
“Pumpkins and gourds have become more about fall decorating and not just for Halloween,” says Chris Jacoby, Sales Director at Veg Fresh Farms “more retailers are selling pumpkins earlier, even around late August or early September, to meet this demand.”
“The growth of the pumpkin program extends beyond traditional grocery stores, with non-traditional retailers like Lowe’s and Home Depot, as well as foodservice customers. This expansion is fueled by consumers’ willingness to spend a little more on uniquely shaped, colorful, and decorative pumpkins and gourds. The versatility of items like pie pumpkins continues to grow with their expanding use in cooking and other creations” also adds Chris Jacoby.
To support this demand, Veg Fresh Farms has expanded its growing program in both Southern and Northern California.
“Continuing to diversify our offerings is critical to our relationships with our customers,” explains Dino Cancellieri, General Partner. “Our customers rely on vendors like Veg Fresh Farms to provide unique and differentiated items that excite consumers and drive traffic to their stores. Chris Jacoby has been instrumental in spearheading this program, working closely with seed companies and growers to curate the perfect mix for each fall season.”
“We only see upwards potential as this program continues to grow,” adds Dino Cancellieri.
About Veg-Fresh Farms
Veg-Fresh Farms is a third-generation, family-run agribusiness, currently providing fresh produce to national food service chains and national retailers under the Veg-Fresh Farms, Crystal Cove Berry Farms, and Good Life Organic labels.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Logistics company Crowley has announced a “significant expansion” of ocean shipping services with its first-ever route between the U.S. Northeast and Central America.
Utilizing Crowley’s new, state-of-the-art Avance Class vessels, the five-day transit between the Port of Philadelphia’s Gloucester Marine Terminal and ports in Guatemala and Honduras enables the most timely deliveries of food, apparel, industrial products and consumer goods to and from the Central America Northern Zone, which also includes El Salvador and Nicaragua.
Crowley’s Copán container ship will begin the first voyage on July 3 from Central American to Gloucester City, New Jersey, operated by Gloucester Terminals LLC, a client company of Holt Logistics Corp.
“Customers can count on us to support their growth wherever they operate, including now between Central America and the U.S. Northeast. This best-in-class, non-stop service with our new LNG-powered vessels will deliver the fastest transit times in the market,” said Reinier van Delden, vice president of commercial operations at Crowley Logistics.
“This means less inventory idle time, lower supply chain costs, and longer shelf life for critical products like fresh produce. With significant booking commitments already, we’re excited to bring these vessels to Philadelphia to connect our global customers with access to the regional market using superior, reliable operations provided by Crowley and Gloucester Terminals.”
Powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), the best-in-class Avance vessels reflect Crowley’s commitment to the maritime industry’s innovation and environmental efficiency that provide the most effective solutions for customers.
“Marine service is an important pillar of Philadelphia’s economy, and Gloucester Terminals is proud to be a partner with Crowley to accomplish this milestone for U.S-Central America trade,” said Christian Holt, sales representative for Gloucester and Holt.
“This new route creates faster and more efficient pathways connecting Northeast Atlantic business owners to international customers. We are thrilled to partner with Crowley, another generational family-owned business. Together, with over 200 years of dedicated customer service, we focus on creating jobs, driving economic growth, and making a positive impact in the Philadelphia-South Jersey communities.”
The new route between Philadelphia and Central America expands on Crowley’s operations in the Northeast Atlantic, where it has served Puerto Rico, the Eastern Caribbean and the Virgin Islands with a regular container service for more than 70 years.
Green bell pepper supplies are abundant; markets have eased. Red bell pepper prices are slightly lower as California yields start to increase; demand remains strong, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Green Bells
- Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green Bell Peppers are ample
- California volume is high; quality is very good as multiple coastal regions are in production, including Hollister, Oxnard, and Santa Maria
- Harvesting is steady in the Midwest regions of Michigan and Ohio
- Northeastern production is consistent; all sizes are available
- Central Mexico is shipping limited quantities into South Texas
- Expect low prices this week
Red Bells
- MFC and ESS Red Bell Peppers are available
- California’s coastal production is moderate and expected to increase over the next two weeks due to hot weather; quality is very good
- Supplies are limited out of Central Mexico (crossing into South Texas), but the season will ramp up in mid-September
- Greenhouse yields are snug in Eastern Canada due to past hot weather and disease issues; Western Canada greenhouse stocks are sufficient but not being regularly exported to the U.S.
- Demand for California peppers remains strong
- Expect slightly lower prices next week with a larger drop in mid-September
Freshway Produce Inc. of Miami, FL ships dragon fruit the year and is now increasing it’s production grown in the Sunshine State. Optimism is high this year thanks to favorable weather.
Less rainfall, which can csause fungi problems and other potential issues have not been excessive this year.
Production volumes have also seen a significant boost, particularly from one of the company’s Southern Florida farms. There, Freshway Produce dedicates approximately 44 acres to the cultivation of red and white dragon fruit.
The company has been working with Florida-grown dragon fruit since 2018, and to ensure year-round availability, it also sources from four different countries, including Ecuador and Nicaragua. The firm’s red and white locally-produced varieties are typically available from June through November.
The company reports a consistent growth trajectory in production capacity.
Native to tropical South and Central America, dragon fruit cultivation was first introduced in Florida in the early 2000s. While the Sunshine State’s warm climate provides an ideal growing environment, Florida dragon fruit is traditionally smaller than those imported from countries such as Ecuador.
Freshway notes smaller sizes offer a more practical, on-the-go alternative for snacking, although the market usually demands larger sizes.
C&S Wholesale Grocers LLC and SpartanNash have entered into a definitive merger agreement under which C&S will acquire SpartanNash for a purchase price of $26.90 per share of SpartanNash common stock in cash, representing total consideration of $1.77 billion, including assumed net debt.
The transaction price represents a 52.5% premium over SpartanNash’s closing price on June 20, of $17.64, and a premium of 42% to its 30-day volume-weighted average stock price as of June 20, according to a news release.
The transaction has been unanimously approved by the boards of directors of both companies.
SpartanNash’s previously announced quarterly cash dividend of 22 cents per common share will continue to be paid on June 30, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on June 13, the release said.
”This is an exciting opportunity for our team members, partners and, notably, our customers. C&S and SpartanNash share many of the same values, including a strong emphasis on customers, teamwork and our communities. Together, we are uniting some of the most advanced capabilities and boldest innovations in the distribution market to better serve communities across the nation,” said C&S CEO Eric Winn.
“At C&S, we have a legacy of braggingly happy customers, and our team members strive every day to take care of our customers’ stores as if they are our own,” Winn added. “The combination of our two companies’ capabilities puts our collective customers’ stores and our own retail stores at the center of the plate, supporting their ability to thrive in a highly dynamic and competitive environment. Our customers need us more than ever, and we are building a sustainable platform for our team members to be able to support them long into the future.”
“We are energized by the opportunities this combination provides for our associates and customers,” said SpartanNash President and CEO Tony Sarsam. “With our organizational values in close alignment, there will be exciting new career opportunities for our people and a continued commitment to a ‘people first’ culture. For our customers, this transaction creates the necessary scale, efficiency and purchasing power needed to enable independent retailers to compete more effectively with larger big-box chains. Neighborhood grocers are essential pillars of our communities that we want to preserve and strengthen. A thriving hometown grocery store supports local farmers, bolsters the local economy and enhances the overall health and well-being of the community.”
Strategic rationale includes, according to the release:
- Complementary food distribution networks to better support independent retailers — Together, the combined company will operate almost 60 complementary distribution centers covering the U.S. and will serve close to 10,000 independent retail locations, with collectively more than 200 corporate-run grocery stores.
- Greater efficiency and scale expected to result in lower prices for grocery shoppers — Being able to operate at a larger scale, supported by the combined innovative capabilities of the two companies, enables a more efficient supply chain as well as an ability to secure the best possible delivered cost of goods and promotional discounts, which are expected to translate to better pricing for community retailers and at the shelf for consumers. Profit margins in the grocery industry are very low — averaging only 1.6% — and customers and consumers deserve the best value for food and household goods. The stability of the combined organization will allow the combined company and its customers to better compete against various extremely large global grocers in the U.S. food-at-home space, a more than $1 trillion annual industry.
- Preserves accessible, affordable nutrition and pharmacy services in local communities — Nearly half of all U.S. counties have at least one pharmacy desert (a 10-mile radius with no retail pharmacy), and an estimated 5.6% of the country’s population lives in a food desert. Providing families with access to fresh food, essential prescription medications and health services is at the core of the combined company’s operations, distributing to community retailers and operating corporate grocery stores and pharmacies.
The transaction is expected to close in late 2025, subject to certain customary closing conditions, including, among other things, SpartanNash shareholder approval and applicable regulatory approvals, according to the release. C&S has obtained financing commitment letters for the transaction. Wells Fargo has provided a debt financing commitment for the transaction.
Solomon Partners is serving as the exclusive financial adviser to C&S. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP is serving as legal adviser to C&S and Sullivan & Cromwell LLP is serving as legal adviser to C&S in connection with its debt financing, the release said, adding that BofA Securities Inc. is serving as exclusive financial adviser to SpartanNash. Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP is serving as legal adviser to SpartanNash.
Mexico and the Dominican Republic’s mango supply in the U.S. is set to increase this year if shipments continue as expected.
From April to November, both countries are the U.S.’s main suppliers of the tropical fruit. Last year, by September, the countries sent a total of 89,744,893 mangoes into the United States. This year, the countries have already sent 65,386,990, more than half of the total shipped in 2024, with several months of supply remaining.
A total of 4,578,808 boxes of mangoes from both countries arrived in the U.S. at the beginning of July, an increase of a little over 357,000 from the same period last year.
Most of that number is made up of three main mango varieties: Kent (59%), Tommy Atkins (21%) and Ataulfo/Honey (18%). There is also a limited supply of Mingolo, Keitt, Mallika, Nam Doc Mai, Thai, Manila, Banilejo and Kesar.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
On the heels of successful asparagus and sweet corn seasons, Todd Greiner Farms Packing, LLC, based in Hart, MI, starts its fall shipping season, with a full lineup of pumpkins and winter squash starting the week of Labor Day (September 1).
Known for premium asparagus and summer sweet corn, TGF is quickly becoming a go-to source for seasonal Michigan-grown vegetables. This fall, the company will be shipping traditional orange pumpkins, white pumpkins, and heirloom varieties, as well as winter squash including acorn, spaghetti, and butternut.
“We’re proud to bring the same quality and service our customers expect from our spring and summer programs into the fall,” said Blake Hansen, National Sales Manager. “Retailers can count on us to deliver picture-perfect pumpkins and flavorful winter squash that are ready to move in produce and seasonal displays.”
Michigan is consistently ranked among the top five pumpkin-producing states in the United States, harvesting nearly 90 million pounds annually. TGF sources only the best seed varieties, ensuring that each harvest yields some of the largest, most vibrant Jack-O’-Lantern pumpkins in the Midwest. Whether for carving, decorating, or culinary use, TGF ships pumpkins nationwide to meet the seasonal surge in demand.
In 2024 alone, Americans spent over $750 million on carving pumpkins for Halloween, with approximately 145 million shoppers purchasing pumpkins at an average of $5.26 each. This fall item isn’t just festive—it’s profitable, driving consumer foot traffic and impulse buys in retail settings.
“Our pumpkins consistently stand out for their size, shape, and color,” Steve Rudat, Account and Supply Chain Manager. “Whether you’re looking for truckloads of uniform bins or decorative assortments with heirlooms and whites, our goal is to help you build successful, eye-catching seasonal programs.”
TGF’s fall offering also includes robust volumes of Michigan-grown winter squash, with promotable volumes of acorn, butternut, and spaghetti squash ready to ship alongside pumpkins starting in early September. With Michigan ranked #1 nationally in winter squash production, TGF brings a critical combination of quality, consistency, and Midwest sourcing that today’s retail buyers are seeking.
Todd Greiner Farms is rooted in Michigan’s specialty crop leadership. As the second-most agriculturally diverse state in the United States, Michigan ranks #1 in asparagus, cucumbers for pickling, winter squash, tart cherries, and multiple dry bean varieties, and is a top producer of apples, blueberries, and summer squash.
With its year-round growing partnerships, packing infrastructure, and now expanded sales and marketing programs, TGF is positioned to represent and ship Michigan’s best produce throughout all four seasons.
About Todd Greiner Farms Packing, LLC.: Todd Greiner Farms Packing, LLC., located in Hart, MI, is a family-owned and operated fruit, vegetable, and evergreen grower/packer/shipper. Since its founding in 1994, TGF has maintained a reputation for quality and integrity, operating two packing/shipping facilities and holding a Primus Labs – Superior food safety rating. TGF’s diverse product offerings include asparagus, cherries, zucchini, sweet corn, peaches, hard squash, pumpkins, apples, and evergreens.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Peru is predicted to surpass Chile as the region’s leading fruit exporter in 2025, which would be a significant shift in South American trade dynamics.
The General Directorate of Agricultural Policies under Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), reports Peru’s fruit export value is expected to reach $10.194 billion, slightly outpacing Chile’s forecast of $9.979 billion.
This milestone reflects more than a decade of rapid growth in Peru’s agricultural industry. From 2012 to 2022, Peruvian agricultural exports grew at an impressive average annual rate of 11%, almost double the 6.1% rate recorded by Chile. The 2024 figures already show the narrowing gap, with Peru’s exports totaling $9.185 billion—just short of Chile’s $9.403 billion.
The surge in Peru’s agricultural trade is primarily attributed to its booming fruit exports, which have grown at an average annual rate of 19.6% between 2010 and 2024. In contrast, Chile’s fruit export growth in the same period was 6.8%. Should this trend continue, Peru’s fruit export revenues are projected to reach $11.064 billion by 2027, placing it well ahead of Chile by approximately 9%.
Peru’s fruit export success has been driven by high-demand products such as blueberries and avocados, which have far outpaced Chilean exports in these categories. While Chile still leads slightly in table grapes, favorable weather conditions and improved cultivation practices could see Peru claim the global top spot in grape exports in 2025.
Globally, Peru is set to become the fifth-largest fruit exporter in 2025, overtaking Chile and trailing behind Spain, the Netherlands, Mexico and the US. Within Latin America, this transition marks a significant realignment, with Mexico, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, and Costa Rica being the primary exporters. Peru’s rise to regional leadership signifies its strengthening role on the global fruit trade map.
As part of its 2025 Outlook Conference, the U.S. Apple Association announced its first official crop estimate for the 2025-26 season.
Using both USDA data as well as insights from state representatives, the association projects about 278.5 million bushels, which is up about 1.3% from the 2024-25 season estimate. These figures are slightly down from the USDA estimate of about 290.1 million bushels. This figure, though, is about 3.6% above the five-year average.
One thing Chris Gerlach, vice president of insights and analytics with the U.S. Apple Association, points out that this crop estimate will not necessarily reflect the true size of the 2025-26 harvest.
“That’s a capacity number that is not necessarily what’s going to be picked and packed,” he says.
State estimates
Leading the country in production is Washington, with a forecast record crop of about 180 million bushels, which is up 1.1% year-over-year.
Gerlach says he also coordinated to get additional context behind these figures and the state representatives he spoke with indicated a mild summer and ideal weather has set the crop up well. He says the insiders he talked to say gala and red delicious will be smaller than average but good color and quality while Honeycrisp, Cosmic Crisp and fuji will have a good medium to large profile.
“Discipline will be required to leave smaller fruit on the tree — money will be tight to pick everything,” he says.
New York, taking the No. 2 spot, will come in with about 30.5 million bushels, which is about a 0.7% decrease from last season.
Insiders tell Gerlach that a cold and wet spring and a hot and dry summer have impacted the crop this year. Gerlach reports insiders told him growers in the state struggled with chemical thinners this year, which may have impacted size. The state expects to have good volume with a light Honeycrisp season this year, light processing varieties such as Idared and Rome but a decent red delicious crop this year.
In the third spot, Michigan projects to be up about 10% with about 30 million bushels. A cold spring and thinning issues impacted the crop, but Gerlach says insiders told him the crop is shaping up well. Insiders indicate Honeycrisp and gala volume will be up this year in the state, but fuji will be down.
Fourth in production in the country, Pennsylvania production, forecast at 10.5 million bushels, will be up about 2% year-over-year.
Gerlach says state representatives indicate fruit is clean and sizing well. As far as varieties, Honeycrisp and fuji volumes will be down this year and gala volumes will be up. Insiders indicate variable volumes on red delicious and processing varieties.
“Effective thinning after the April freeze in Pennsylvania and a wet May can lead to a larger crop,” he says.
Virginia, in the fourth spot, forecasts to be down by 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
“A considerable frost freeze event in April was preceded by three days of warm weather, which maximizes that impact,” Gerlach says. “The natural thinning event will reduce volume but may help sizing.”
In terms of volume, insiders from Virginia tell Gerlach that gala, golden delicious and granny smith look to be in good supply, but York, red delicious and pink lady will be down this year.
In the fifth spot, Oregon projection is forecast to be up 40% year-over-year with an estimated crop size of 3.9 million bushels.
Variety estimates
Remaining in the top spot is gala, with a projected 47 million bushels or about 16% of U.S. production. Red delicious remains in the second spot with about 39 million bushels, or about 13% of total U.S. production. Honeycrisp is up a spot, coming in third with 34 million bushels or 12% of the U.S. total production. Rounding out the top five are granny smith at 32 million bushels, 11% of U.S. total production, and fuji at 25 million bushels or 9% of the U.S. total production.
Gerlach says this year’s forecast shows pink lady and Cosmic Crisp both trending upward.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Almond shipments will reach 3 billion pounds, a 10% increase from 2024’s crop, according to the 2025 USDA-NASS California Almond Objective Measurement Report estimate.
This objective estimate is 7% higher than the USDA-NASS’s May subjective forecast and surpasses the 2024 harvest of 2.73 billion pounds. The 2024 crop was 2.5% below the previous year’s objective estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precise forecasting amid fluctuating weather and economic conditions.
“The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Almond Board of California CEO Clarice Turner. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”
Weather during the bloom period was variable, with storms bringing rain, wind, and hail that hindered bee activity and blossom development. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating crop progress.
Mild spring temperatures and timely rainfall supported nut growth and reduced heat stress in orchards, with reports indicating lower-than-normal pest and disease pressure. Harvest is expected to start on schedule.
The USDA-NASS forecasted yield per acre for 2025 is 2,160 pounds, up from 1,980 pounds in 2024. The average nut set per tree is projected at 4,364 nuts, an increase of 7% from last year, with Nonpareil trees averaging 4,526 nuts. This is up 9% year-on-year.
Kernel weight averaged 1.60 grams across sampled varieties, representing a 0.6% decrease from 2024. The Nonpareil variety specifically averaged 1.60 grams, down 2% from the previous year.
The 2025 report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. Sampling was conducted from May 24 to June 28, covering 1,892 trees in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS produces the Objective Report, Subjective Forecast, and Nursery Survey annually to support industry decision-making.
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