Archive For The “News” Category
Philadelphia, PA – PhilaPort capped off a milestone year in 2025, posting record container throughput and outperforming national and regional trade trends to remain a leader among U.S. East Coast container ports.
PhilaPort handled a record 889,268 20-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in 2025, representing a 6% year-over-year increase in container volume. This result exceeded overall U.S. trade growth projections of approximately 3%, underscoring Philadelphia’s continued strength in the container market. Since 2020, PhilaPort’s container volumes have increased by 39%, reflecting sustained, long-term growth.
Through November 2025, PhilaPort also outpaced other North Atlantic container ports, which collectively reported more modest growth, compared to PhilaPort’s 7% increase over the same period.
A key driver of this performance remains PhilaPort’s specialization in temperature-controlled cargo. In 2025, 64% of PhilaPort’s containerized imports were refrigerated, reinforcing the Port’s role as a premier East Coast hub for perishable goods and cold-chain cargo.
“Over the past several years, we have built an operating environment that competes and wins,” said Jeff Theobald, Executive Director and CEO of PhilaPort. “These results show that Philadelphia is not just keeping pace, but pulling ahead, and the foundation is firmly in place for continued success.”
PhilaPort’s container productivity was further underscored by its recognition as the most productive port in North America in the World Bank and S&P Global Market Intelligence Container Port Performance Index, which evaluates ports based on vessel turnaround times and operational efficiency.
With record container volumes and sustained growth, PhilaPort enters 2026 positioned to build on its momentum and remain a top-performing container port on the U.S. East Coast.
By Kenny Lund, ALC Logistics
This past November, the United States stopped the production of the penny. It will take years for the penny to be flushed out of the system, as there are billions in circulation, but slowly, it will end up just a memory of an era gone by.
“Back in the day,” watermelon could be sold for as low as two pennies a pound when there was an oversupply. Changes in produce production and supply chain can be measured in pennies, but they can and should be measured in so many other ways. Likewise, availability, color, size, travel costs, packaging, shelf life, nutrition, and sugar content are just some of the many ways to measure the value of a watermelon. Anyone who has produced, purchased, or sold watermelon over a lifetime will tell you the dramatic complexities in the business compared to “yesteryear.” Like pennies in a jar, over time those changes add up. “Nowadays,” a watermelon’s price might reach 87 cents per pound, but it reflects the cost of delivering a sweeter and higher-quality fruit.
Multiply that complexity by the number of fruits and vegetables in the marketplace today. Some of which did not even exist when our company was founded 50 years ago. Today’s sophisticated shopper wants great produce year-round at a reasonable price. The complexity is managed by the growers, transportation companies, wholesalers, and retailers. These complex processes add pennies to the cost, but more importantly, they add quality and availability of the best produce in the world.
Complex growing systems, sales systems, transportation management systems, monitoring systems, appointment systems, and inventory management systems are working through the process to make things “easier.” AI is being injected into all these systems to make the complex even simpler. While I have my doubts on how seamless this transition will be, the goal is clear: a connected world that delivers fresh produce 365 days a year. Ideally, these advancements won’t just streamline logistics; they will give us the freedom to pause and enjoy the fruits of our labor. Time will tell if AI will free us up to have more time to relax and enjoy a slice of watermelon, purchased for just a few hundred pennies. The copper penny and the produce stand may both be fading into history, but the future of fresh produce is brighter than ever—evolving from a destination down the road to a seamless experience delivered right to our door, wherever we may be.
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Kenny Lund graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in Business Administration. He managed the Los Angeles refrigerated transportation division of the Allen Lund Company for eight years, before shifting full-time into managing the Information and Technology Department in 1997, becoming the Vice President of the department in 2002. Lund was promoted to Vice President – Support Operations in 2005. In 2014, Kenny, in the position of VP of ALC Logistics, began working with that division of ALC to sell their AlchemyTMS software solutions. In 2019, Lund was promoted to Executive Vice President of ALC and ALC Logistics.
ken.lund@allenlund.com
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The Association of Avocado Producers and Export Packers of Mexico (APEAM) began a historic shipping season ahead of the Super Bowl.
The Super Bowl will be played Sunday, February 8th with a clash between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, CA.
The organization is projecting the shipment of 127 thousand tons of Mexican avocados into the United States during the four weeks prior to the event, representing an 11 percent increase over the previous year and a new historical record.
This achievement is the result of the coordinated work between producers and packers in Michoacán and Jalisco. Thanks to their microclimate, soil composition, and decades of agricultural experience, the states are consolidated as strategic regions to guarantee a constant supply of Mexican avocado throughout the year, meeting the growing demand of the American consumer.
APEAM expects fruit of excellent quality, in optimal condition for consumption, for the 2025-2026 season. This is the result of favorable weather patterns, constant rainfall, and the industry’s continuous investment in better agricultural practices.
Out of the total volume programmed for export, 88 percent will come from Michoacán and 12 percent from Jalisco.
The Super Bowl remains the largest consumption event for Mexican avocado in the United States, with more than 114 thousand tons consumed, mainly in the weeks leading up to it. During week 3 alone, 37,807 tons were shipped, but the industry is about more than volume this time of year.
“It is about certainty in quality, in the availability of sizes, in promotional supply, and in programs designed to support our partners throughout the year, especially during moments of high demand like the Big Game,” said Álvaro Luque, President and CEO of Avocados From Mexico.
In addition to this event, the demand for Mexican avocado continues to strengthen with key dates such as Cinco de Mayo and the summer season, which continue to drive consumption in the North American market.
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,
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.
Church Brothers Farms of Salinas, CA has announced completion of its acquisition of key assets and operations of Mann Packing from Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. solidifying the company’s leadership position in value-added vegetables and accelerating its long-term retail growth strategy.
The acquisition immediately expands Church Brothers’ annual volume with capacity to grow through the newly integrated Gonzales, CA facility: a 200,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art fresh-cut plant that includes 160,000 square feet of production and cold storage space, 40,000 square feet of offices, and
7.5 acres designated for future expansion.
With the acquisition now complete, Church Brothers becomes one of the only suppliers with the scale and capability to deliver a full retail fresh-vegetable offering – from value-added cut vegetables and packaged salads to specialty items and a broad assortment of field-packed products.
“This is a pivotal moment in our company’s growth,” said Brian Church, Chief Executive Officer at Church Brothers Farms. “By bringing Mann Packing into the Church Brothers family, we are significantly expanding our retail capabilities while sharpening our operational focus. We’re moving with urgency,
discipline, and ambition because our goal isn’t just to participate in the retail category; it’s to be a significant player.”
The acquisition allows Church Brothers to support both sides of its business more effectively. All retail processing will move to the Gonzales plant, providing year-round dedicated retail production while freeing up its San Juan Bautista, Yuma and Northern Mexico facilities for continued foodservice growth.
“This deal creates immediate advantages across our business,” said Jeff Church, Chief Operating Officer. “Retail customers gain a simplified, stable, single-location supply chain, while our foodservice customers benefit from expanded capacity and focus at our other facilities. It’s a meaningful win for our customers, our employees, and our long-term growth strategy.”
Founded in Salinas in 1937, Mann Packing is known for category-defining products such as Broccolini, Stringless Sugar Snap Peas, Broccoli Cole Slaw, and its leadership in cut vegetables and specialty items. Church Brothers will continue to nurture iconic trademarks like Broccolini while conducting a full evaluation of Mann’s branded products as part of the integration process.
“Mann’s has been an innovator in our valley for nearly nine decades,” said Brian Church. “We’re proud to steward that legacy forward—with the same commitment to quality and creativity, but now with the scale, farming network, and operational capabilities that only Church Brothers can provide.”
With full operational integration targeted for April 1, 2026, the combined organization will be focused on executing a strong launch year, expanding retail salad production, and leveraging its vertically integrated farming model to deliver consistent quality and supply across all channels.
For more information about the company and its products, visit ChurchBrothers.com.
About Church Brothers Farms
Church Brothers Farms is a vertically integrated family-owned and operated company that produces a full line of fresh vegetables year-round. Church Brothers has an in-house farming/harvest program and state of the art processing plants in the U.S. and Mexico. The Church family has a legacy of service and innovation in the Salinas Valley that spans multiple generations.
Global almond production is expected to rise next season, primarily thanks to increased output in the United States, the European Union, and Australia, according to the US Department of Agriculture.
The agency’s latest biannual report, Tree Nuts: World Markets and Trade, projects global almond production will increase by nearly 10 percent to 1.8 million metric tons (shelled), the highest since 2020-21.
The United States, the world’s leading almond producer, is forecast to harvest around 1.4 million tons, up 122,000 tons.
According to the agency, the US benefited from favorable spring temperatures and rainfall that supported crop development, leading to a 13 percent increase in output.
The European Union and Australia are also two major contributors to the global pot.
Global almond exports are forecast to reach 1.1 million tons, supported by a modest increase in trade from the United States and Australia.
EU imports are projected to rise by 10,000 tons to 275,000, while India’s imports are expected to increase slightly to 180,000.
The report notes that market gains will be partially offset by a nearly 25 percent decline in China’s imports to 100,000 tons, due to reduced shipments from the United States.
Wishing everyone involved in moving our nation’s freight a Happy New Year with good health and prosperity. God Bless. We are so thankful for you!
Mexico has solidified its position as a key supplier of fresh produce to the US, with peak import season from November to May.
The US Department of Agriculture reports that Mexico supplies 63% of vegetable imports and 47% of fruits and nuts to the US. Avocados from Mexico are particularly vital, meeting year-round demand when other sources are out of season.
Greenhouse technology has enabled year-round production of items like bell peppers and cucumbers. However, challenges such as rising transportation costs, border logistics and tariffs have affected sales, particularly for tomatoes.
Top imports from Mexico include avocados, tomatoes, bell and hot peppers, cucumbers, squash, berries, limes and mangos.
The USDA reports avocados and berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, have grown the fastest among Mexico-to-U.S. horticultural imports over the past decade, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash remaining core vegetables being imported.
Mission Produce of Oxnard, CA notes Mexico supplies about 80% of avocados in the U.S. and is also the largest importing country of mangos to the U.S., representing about 67% of mango imports.
The supply chain linking Mexico and the U.S. is very efficient. For example, you can have a fresh avocado in two to five days, from orchard to your table.