Archive For The “News” Category
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.
The Almond Board of California says the state’s almond industry is contracting in part due to a year-over-year decrease in planted almond land area.
According to the organization’s 2025 annual almond standing-acreage survey, California’s total almond acreage is 1,505,997 acres this year, a 1.3 percent decrease from 1,525,638 acres in 2024.
While this decrease may seem modest, it is significant because it marks the fourth consecutive year of declining almond plantings.
Clarice Turner, President and CEO of the Almond Board of California, said this is one of the reasons for the contraction, which, in combination with sustained removals and fewer new plantings, “reflects structural changes in the California almond sector.”
“At the same time, global demand for California almonds remains strong, and the sector is well-positioned to provide a consistent and stable supply of California almonds around the world,” she added.
Productive acreage reached 1,401,097 acres, up from 1,383,332 acres in 2024. Of this total, 19,927 acres are considered potentially abandoned orchards, according to the board.
Non-productive acreage and plantings from 2023, 2024, or 2025 that have not yet entered full production declined to 104,900 acres, down from 142,306 acres a year ago.
Orchard removals in 2025 totaled approximately 49,197 acres. Removals totaled 66,794 acres in 2024 and 82,958 acres in 2023.
By Tamara Dardari, Marketing Assistant, ALC
With the holiday season in full swing, the demand for festive greenery is higher than ever, and so is the need to keep it fresh from farm to home. Christmas tree sales increase every year and are estimated at approximately 25–30 million trees sold annually. Sales of artificial trees continue to climb thanks to their convenience and durability. Wreaths and garlands have become increasingly popular over the years as people blend timeless tradition with modern decor. However, this does not compare to the demand for poinsettias around the holidays. An estimated 70 million poinsettias are sold nationwide annually, and they’re among the most delicate plants to ship. This includes transporting the plant at temperatures of 53°F-57°F and watering it enough to keep the soil moist during transport. Even brief exposure to cold or rough handling can cause leaf loss, making careful transport essential. Like poinsettias, Christmas trees require specialized transport in dry vans or refrigerated trucks with temperature control. The high demand and specific handling requirements for all Christmas greenery make the logistics industry’s services necessary to make the holiday season happen.
Fun Facts & Preservation Tips:
- Poinsettias don’t like cold weather – they thrive in humidity and are damaged when exposed to temperatures below 50°F.
- There are over 100 poinsettia varieties, though classic red remains the best-selling holiday choice.
- Keep garlands and wreaths fresher indoors by using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
- Garlands were among the earliest Christmas decorations, originally made from popcorn and various types of fruit. Since then, they have evolved to include natural elements such as greenery, berries, pinecones, ribbon, and more.
- The top-producing Christmas tree states are: Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Many behind-the-scenes logistics go into bringing cheer and decorations to life during the holiday season. Given the complexities of shipping Christmas greenery, it is essential to handle these products with care and understand how to navigate the transfer process. At ALC, we understand how delicate and time-sensitive the shipping of these plants and trees is. We move quickly and efficiently, providing the right temperature and living conditions as they are transported from the source to your home this Christmas season.
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Tamara Dardari graduated from Chapman University in May of 2025 with a BA in Strategic and Corporate Communication and a minor in Creative and Cultural Industries. She started her career with the Allen Lund Company in the Marketing department this past October.
tamara.dardari@allenlund.com
Everyone’s favorite toast topping may soon claim even more space on US produce shelves, with the Hass Avocado Board (HAB) projecting that shipments will bring avocado volumes to surpass three billion pounds by the end of 2025. The unprecedented avocado volumes signal just how deeply the “green gold” has rooted in American eating habits.
“This is a landmark moment for the avocado industry,” says HAB Executive Director Emiliano Escobedo. “Surpassing 3 billion pounds is not just a number—it’s a testament to the tireless efforts of producers, importers, and marketers who have worked together to meet the growing demand for avocados in the US market.”
HAB says the projected avocado volume represents a four percent increase from 2024 and reflects the ongoing consumer interest in avocados as a versatile, nutrient-dense product. The organization attributes the growth to coordinated promotions, enhanced supply-chain management, and sustained work to ensure year-round quality and availability.
Pineapple has made Costa Rica the world’s leading pineapple exporter and a symbol of the country’s commitment to quality, innovation, and responsible production, according to the Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER).
Between January and September 2025, pineapple exports reached $992 million, with more than 1.5 million tons shipped worldwide. The fruit accounts for 35 percent of Costa Rica’s agricultural exports and reaches 44 international markets, with the United States (54 percent), Belgium (12 percent), and Spain (8 percent) among the top destinations. Its strong presence in Europe reflects a growing preference for products that combine flavor, traceability, and wellbeing.
“Costa Rican pineapple today stands as a global benchmark for excellence. Its taste, quality, and innovation have positioned it as a favorite in the world’s leading markets. In an increasingly competitive environment, at the Trade & Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica we work to sustain and expand this leadership, opening new opportunities for our exporters and sharing with the world a product that embodies the best of Costa Rica: health, sustainability, and trust,” said Laura López, CEO of PROCOMER.
Costa Rican pineapples are cultivated mainly in the northern, southern, and Caribbean regions of the country, where tropical climates and fertile soils create ideal growing conditions. The industry generates over 81,000 direct and indirect jobs, stimulating rural economies and strengthening the livelihoods of agricultural communities united by a shared principle: producing with care and quality.
BEING THANKFUL FOR HOW WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED, WITH FAMILY, FRIENDS AND LIVING IN THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON EARTH.
WISHING EACH OF YOU A BLESSED AND HAPPY THANKSGIVING! WHETHER YOU ARE ABLE TO BE HOME WITH LOVED ONES, OR ARE ON THE ROAD, MAY YOU FEEL THE PRESENCE OF THE GOOD LORD WATCHING OVER YOU AND THOSE YOU LOVE.
AND MAY GOOD BLESS THESE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
2025 is expected to end with Peru breaking a new record in agricultural exports, with projections indicating it will exceed $14 billion.
Fresh Fruit, a Latin American commercial intelligence firm, reports the country had already exported $11.02 billion worth of agricultural products by October, representing an 18 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
At its current pace, Peru was expected to surpass its total agroexports for 2024 by mid-November, six weeks before the end of the year.
October is a key month for Peruvian agriculture, as it’s the peak season for blueberries and grapes. The 30-day period saw a five percent dip in exportsl from a year ago, which experts mainly attribute to a weaker-than-expected blueberry season.
Average prices dropped to $4.49 per 2.2 lbs. from $6.22 the previous year, cutting blueberry revenues for the month from $600 million in 2024 to $450 million in 2025.
Blueberries continue to lead the agroexport portfolio, with 300,000 tons shipped for $1.79 billion, a 29 percent increase in volume and a 5 percent rise in value compared to the same period in 2024. The decline in global prices was offset by higher yields.
Avocados followed as the second most important product, with over 877,000 tons exported for $1.6 billion, up 42 percent in volume and 18 percent in value, despite a 17 percent decline in average price.
Meanwhile, supported by the overlap of two campaigns, table grapes generated nearly $900 million, reinforcing their role as a core export crop.
The United States remained the leading market, absorbing 33 percent of total exports, about $3.6 billion, mainly blueberries, coffee, and grapes.
The latest data confirms that Peru’s agroexport success is no longer tied to a single product or region. With nearly 15 products already surpassing $100 million in exports, the country has built a diversified, resilient agricultural export sector.
The United States has solidified its position as a strategic market for table grapes. Over the past 20 years, imports have increased by 27 percent, a direct result of an ongoing upward and dynamic trend driven by marked consumer preference for healthy, high-quality products, according to a report by Latin American industry data broker Fluctuante.
In addition to growing per capita consumption—averaging 8.64 pounds per person in 2023—viral trends and promotional campaigns have led to the incorporation of premium varieties such as Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, and Candy Dreams into the American market.
As a result, imports have become a crucial element in ensuring product availability throughout the year, consolidating the US as one of the leading table grape buyers and consumers in the world.
The evolution of table grape supplying countries
In 2005, the US imported 611,000 tons of fresh grapes, with Chile, Mexico, Brazil, and Peru as its leading suppliers, said Fluctuante.
But the market has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past twenty years. By 2024, imports reached 777,000 tons, reflecting not only increased consumption but also a reconfiguration of suppliers.
Currently, the US table grape market is distributed among five supplying countries: Chile, Peru, Mexico, Brazil, and South Africa. The first three maintain solid positions, and while Brazil and South Africa inject smaller volumes, they hold solid positions as complementary players, ensuring continuous supply.
Together, this scenario reflects how the market has diversified and become more competitive, driven by the new dynamics of a demanding American consumer.
In 2005, Chile led fresh grape exports to the United States with 439,000 tons. Although shipments fell to 317,000 tons in 2024, the Andean country maintains first place thanks to its off-season production and strategic access to Pacific routes, Fluctuante says. Varietal replacement and the commitment to higher-quality fruit have been key to sustaining Chile’s position in an increasingly competitive market.
Meanwhile, in 2024, Peru moved up to become the second-largest US supplier of fresh grapes, hitting the market with 226,000 tons. This meteoric growth is in part explained by the country’s ability to cover the demand window that peaks during the winter months, when US production slows down. Additionally, Peru has been able to capitalize on delayed Chilean shipments, positioning itself as a reliable alternative to ensure continuity of supply.
Fluctuante says Peruvian success is a result of the country’s favorable agroclimatic conditions, which allow for counter-seasonal production, the expansion of cultivated areas, and the diversification of high-demand varieties such as Sweet Globe. But that’s not all, as Peru’s weather has also helped the country meet with rigorous quality standards required by the US market. The Andean country also features highly efficient logistics chains, which ensure a constant flow of fruit to the American market.
Fueled by the country’s geographical proximity, lower logistical costs, and its ability to supply fruit during strategic months of high demand, Mexico has also strengthened its presence in the US table grape market.
In 2005, the United States imported 153,000 tons of fresh grapes from Mexico. In 2024, this number reached new heights with 214,000 tons, solidifying the country’s position as the third-largest supplier of table grapes to the US.
Additionally, Mexico has a well-established harvest season and production concentrated mainly in Sonora, right by the US-Mexico border, which reinforces the country’s ability to offer consistent and quality shipments.
In preparation for what is expected to be a blooming strawberry season in the coming months, Main Street Produce of Santa Maria, CA is expanding its strawberry program with broadened shipping operations across multiple key growing regions in Central Mexico, Baja California, Florida, Santa Maria, and Oxnard.
“Our commitment has always been to provide exceptional strawberries our customers can rely on throughout the year,” said Chris Rivera, director of sales and marketing at Main Street Produce. “As consumer demand continues to grow, we’ve strategically expanded our operations to ensure a consistent, high-quality supply reaching key retail markets across the United States.”
With production spanning several growing regions, Main Street Produce is able to maintain a consistent supply chain, reduce seasonal gaps and better serve its retail and food service partners throughout the year. Both conventional and organic products are offered year-round.
“Each growing region contributes uniquely to our ability to serve customers seamlessly,” Rivera added. “By broadening our footprint, we’re strengthening our year-round supply chain and reaffirming our dedication to delivering premium fruit with the quality and reliability Main Street Produce is known for.”
In addition to this geographic expansion, Main Street continues to invest in its grower relationships and logistics network to ensure timely deliveries and peak product condition.
With expanded shipping from Central Mexico, Florida, Santa Maria, and Oxnard, the company is well-positioned to support customers throughout the spring, summer, and beyond, providing dependable, high-quality fruit and reinforcing its long-standing commitment to excellence and innovation in the berry category.
About Main Street Produce:
Founded in 1976, Main Street Produce is a premier producer and distributor of high-quality strawberries, delivering freshness and consistency to retail and foodservice customers across North America. Main Street takes pride in managing every step of the process — from farming to cooling and shipping, ensuring berries are handled with care and delivered fresh. With decades of experience, sustainable farming practices and a commitment to quality, the company delivers top-notch fruit directly from its fields to store shelves.