Archive For The “News” Category
Wonderful® Pistachios of Los Angeles is bringing a layer of indulgence to its fan-favorite snack lineup with the introduction of two products: Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee. With these launches, Wonderful Pistachios marks its debut in the confectionary category without straying from its commitment to premium quality products and innovation.
Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee pistachios deliver protein with a sweet punch and dark chocolate antioxidant goodness, offering consumers better-for-you ingredients when sweet cravings strike. Both products feature Wonderful Pistachios’ signature California-grown roasted pistachios, thinly dipped in rich dark chocolate made with 50% cacao, delivering a crave-worthy combination of salty and sweet that offers an indulgent twist on the brand’s award-winning portfolio.
“Consumers are increasingly looking for snacks that hit the sweet spot, literally and nutritionally,” said Diana Salsa, vice president of marketing for Wonderful Pistachios. “With Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee, we’re giving snackers the best of both worlds: The crisp crunch of pistachios paired with a bite-sized amount of dark chocolate decadence. We’re excited to introduce a treat that delivers indulgence without compromise.”
Designed for those who want to treat themselves while still making mindful choices, this new offering is a smart snack that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Wonderful Pistachios No Shells Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee will be available in resealable four-ounce bags, launching first at Walmart stores this fall and online at Walmart.com.
Most recently, Wonderful Pistachios has experienced tremendous growth by adding bold and savory varieties to its roster that tap into today’s viral flavor trends. The launch of Chocolate Sea Salt and Chocolate Toffee marks the first time Wonderful Pistachios is creating an entirely new snacking category for itself. With this first step into chocolate, Wonderful Pistachios is expanding beyond traditional nut snacks and opening a whole new chapter for the brand.
Global blueberry exports reached 1 million tons in 2024, garnering revenues of $6.73 billion. Peru remained the leading exporter with 31-percent of the volume , followed by Chile, Spain, and Morocco, each with 8 percent, and the United States with 7 percent, according to Agraria, citing figures from Fluctuante.
Morocco climbed from seventh to fourth place in just one year, consolidating its rank among the top five exporters worldwide. The move reinforces its position as one of the most dynamic emerging players in the industry.
Morocco has increased its position in the international blueberry trade from 2009 through 2024, going from exporting just 636 tons to reaching a record 83,000 tons in 2024. This growth, with an average annual rate of 43 percent, reflects the consolidation of a dynamic and competitive industry that has taken advantage of its natural, technological, and geographical advantages.
This has resulted in Morocco managing to consolidate its presence in major international destinations, becoming one of the five largest blueberry exporters in the world.
Morocco plans to maintain an upward trend in its blueberry exports, both in terms of volume and value. The incorporation of new production areas, such as Dakhla and areas in the Atlas Mountains, will allow for an extended harvest season and more precise response to the demand windows of various international markets.
This territorial expansion, along with constant developments in agricultural practices, will contribute to strengthening the stability of Moroccan supply and improving its responsiveness compared to its main global competitors, such as Spain, Chile, and Peru.
At the same time, local exporters are adopting a more strategic and professional approach, adjusting their business models to address price volatility and establishing more direct links with destination markets.
If this trend continues, Morocco will not only consolidate its presence in Europe but will also be better positioned to gain access to new destinations such as Asia and the Middle East, thus strengthening its role within the global blueberry supply chain in the coming years.
The jackfruit market is gearing up to reach new heights. According to the latest data from Research Intelo, the global market for the fruit reached a valuation of $343.2 million in 2024, reflecting strong demand for the product worldwide.
These results align with the upward trend the market has been experiencing, translating into a projected growth rate of 6.7 percent from 2025 to 2033. By the end of 2033, the global jackfruit market is forecasted to be $620.4 million business.
This spiky-peel fruit may not be top of mind for most Americans, but the tide has been changing steadily in the last decade. Consumer awareness about plant-based diets and the ever-growing trends driving veganism and vegetarianism have translated into constant growth rates for the product.
Jackfruit has been known to be used as a delictable meat substitute in various recipes, such as vegan-friendly dishes like tacos, burgers, and stir-fries. Its shredded texture mimics pulled pork or chicken, making it an ideal component in plant-based diets.
This health-conscious approach is not limited to those adhering to vegetarian and vegan diets, as consumers are increasingly seeking additive-free, low-calorie, high-nutritional-value foods.
For consumers looking to align their values with their grocery list, jackfruit has also proven to be a sustainable product. Its trees are resilient, requiring minimal maintenance, and yielding a high amount of fruit per season. Their low carbon footprint and minimal input requirements position the product as an eco-friendly crop—a growing priority for sustainable agriculture investors.
It’s this nutritional value and culinary versatility that have transformed the global jackfruit market, turning this regional staple into a global superfood, gaining widespread popularity in Western markets.
Like any growing market with ample potential, the jackfruit market faces a few challenges that could hinder its sustained growth.
Limited supply chain infrastructure, post-harvest losses, and a lack of awareness among consumers in non-tropical regions remain significant hurdles that the fruit’s growers and distributors must overcome. Additionally, the fruit’s large size and perishable nature make transportation and storage difficult, making market expansion a logistical challenge.
However, technological advancements in food processing and preservation might change the landscape. Innovations in food processing, cold chain logistics, and packaging have begun to address long-standing challenges in the handling and storage of fruit.
Meanwhile, advanced vacuum sealing, freeze-drying, and canning techniques are extending the shelf life of jackfruit products. Additionally, new machinery is making it easier to process the fruit for mass consumption, enabling manufacturers to scale operations efficiently and reduce post-harvest waste.
Several startups are currently exploring ways to extend jackfruit’s shelf life, and the eventual creation of diverse product offerings, ranging from dehydrated chips to canned curry, could help distributors bypass the shelf-life conundrum altogether.
The market outlook for this tropical fruit is promising as health trends, environmental awareness, and food innovation continue to evolve.
Consumer interest in sustainable superfoods is expected to continue rising, boosting demand for the fruit in diverse formats—from fresh and frozen to snacks and meat alternatives. With growing investments in agritech and global supply chains, jackfruit is poised to transition from a niche ingredient to a mainstream dietary staple across continents.
Georgia Ports announced its activity now supports 650,965 full- and part-time jobs across the Peach State, according to a press release.
Compared to the same period last year, this raises the number to 41,770 jobs, according to an economic impact study by the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business, representing a seven percent increase. In other words, Georgia Ports now help sustain 12 percent of total state employment, according to the study.
“Georgia’s ports are one of its strongest economic engines, fostering the development of virtually every industry,” said Jeff Humphreys, director of the Selig Center for Economic Growth, who conducted the study. “The ports are especially supportive of other forms of transportation, logistics, wholesale/distribution centers, warehousing, manufacturing, agriculture, forestry, and mining.”
According to the new findings, the statewide economic impact of Georgia’s deepwater ports in fiscal year 2024 (from July 2023 to June 2024) includes $174 billion in sales, accounting for 11 percent of the state’s total sales; $77 billion in state GDP, representing 9 percent of Georgia’s total GDP; and $43 billion in income, amounting to 7 percent of Georgia’s total personal income.
Georgia Port Authority’s top three export commodity groups for the study period were forest products, food, and automotive cargo. The top imports were machinery, retail goods, and furniture.
“At Georgia Ports, we’re proud to be part of a team where everyone is pulling together in the same direction for success,” said GPA President and CEO Griff Lynch.
GPA Board Chairman Alec Poitevint noted the terminal improvements Georgia Ports is making to support growth are self-financed through port proceeds and do not rely on taxpayers.
The Port of Savannah handles 35 weekly vessel services, between 14,000 and 16,000 truck moves per day, and 42 double-stack trains per week. The Port of Brunswick became the nation’s busiest gateway for autos and heavy equipment in 2024, moving 901,000 units of Roll-on/Roll-off cargo.
The decline in Florida’s citrus crop continues.
According to a collection of annual reports, released Aug. 29 by the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service, Florida’s total citrus acreage declined 24% this year compared to last. Total production is down 28% across all classes of citrus. While lemons were added to Florida’s production this past year, some counties saw staggering losses.
According to the annual Florida Commercial Citrus Inventory report, the state had 208,183 total acres of citrus for the 2024-25 year, representing roughly 32,538,800 trees. This is down 24% compared to the 2024 annual report, with a net loss of 66,522 acres, representing about 42,131,500 trees.
The 2024-25 acreage numbers are less than a quarter of what they were in 2000 (832,275 acres) when the survey data began.
By variety, orange acres took the largest hit, both proportionally and in raw acreage. At 183,860 acres, Florida’s orange acres are down almost 26% compared to last year’s 248,028 acres. For the 2024-25 year, orange acres represented 88.3% of total Florida citrus acres.
By comparison, total grapefruit acres (12,787) declined 10.6% from the prior year, and total specialty citrus acres (11,536) were down 6.6%.
The only variety within the report’s categories to see additional acreage in the 2025 report compared to the 2024 report was “other citrus,” part of the specialty citrus category. “Other citrus” includes lemons and excludes mandarins. That subcategory saw an additional 590 acres (11.4%) with a total of 5,762 acres in the current report.
Peru’s avocado revolution continues to expand in both new and established markets. In the first six months of 2025, the Latin American country’s avocado exports to the U.S. increased 42 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the Peruvian Exporters Association (ADEX), these deliveries generated a profit of $134 million for Peru.
The North American market is Peru’s third-largest export destination for avocados, following the Netherlands and Spain.
Overall, Peruvian avocado shipments increased 16 percent, totaling over $917 million. The increase was mainly driven by an 18 percent order uptick from the Netherlands, which accounts for 33.5 percent of total avocado exports.
Fresh avocados make up more than 95 percent of the country’s fruit exports, making it over $876 million. Other profitable categories are frozen avocados ($32.897 million) and avocado pulp or purée ($7.961 million).
According to Trade Map, in 2024, Peru was the world’s second-largest avocado exporter, second only to Mexico and ahead of the Netherlands, Spain, Morocco, Colombia, Chile, and Israel.
After two straight years of above-average production, apple growers expect another high-performing year, according to a new report released by the U.S. Apple Association (USApple) BB #:145473 at the organization’s 130th annual Outlook Conference in Chicago.
Authored by USApple Vice President of Insights and Analytics, Chris Gerlach, Industry Outlook 2025* provides the most up-to-date data and analysis on U.S. and global apple production, utilization and trade.
*The Outlook Report features the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates. Following the presentation of these figures, USApple members met in person to discuss current growing conditions and develop a more up-to-date production forecast — the numbers below reflect that adjustment.
U.S. Production
According to USApple’s analysis, total U.S. apple production for the 2025/26 crop year (CY) is forecast at:
• 11.7 billion pounds / 278.5 million bushels
• Up 1.3% from last year
• 3.6% above the five-year production average
These figures are more comprehensive than the USDA data, which only reflect the top seven apple-producing states. USApple analyzes production from states outside of the top seven and adds that into USDA’s figure. It also incorporates feedback from growers based on what they’re seeing in the field every day.
“The U.S. grows the best apples in the world, and this year we will certainly have plenty for domestic and global consumption,” said Gerlach. “That said, growers carefully select what comes off the tree to ensure only the highest quality fruit makes it to the store. And with skyrocketing labor costs, growers are having to be even more disciplined in their harvest decisions.”
Varietal Mix
At the varietal level, Gala is expected to retain the top spot with nearly 47 million bushels, accounting for 16% of the market.
The top five:
• Gala – 47 million bushels (16% of U.S. production)
• Red Delicious – 39 million bushels (13%)
• Honeycrisp – 34 million bushels (12%)
• Granny Smith – 32 million bushels (11%)
• Fuji – 25 million bushels (9%)
Varieties on the rise include Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp® and Pink Lady/Cripps Pink. Gala, Fuji and Rome are trending down.
Trade
While fresh apple exports declined 5% year over year, the U.S. maintained a strong trade balance in 2024/25 (July–June):
• Exports: 44M bushels
• Imports: <5M bushels
• Net exports: ~40M bushels valued at $900 million
“With another large crop on the way, maintaining and expanding exports is essential,” said Gerlach. “We’re exploring all avenues to strengthen our presence in established markets like Taiwan, Thailand, and India, while pushing to open new high-value markets such as South Korea and Japan.”
State Production
At the state level:
• Washington remains the nation’s top producer with a forecasted record crop of more than 180 million bushels valued at nearly $2.3 billion, up 1% from 2024/25.
• New York holds the No. 2 spot at 30.5 million bushels, a 0.7% decrease from last season.
• Michigan up 10% to about 30 million bushels.
• Pennsylvania up 2% at 10.5 million bushels.
• Virginia down 50% to 2.75 million bushels.
• Oregon up 40% to 3.9 million bushels.
Global Context
According to United Nations (UN) data, worldwide apple production is more than 5 billion bushels. In 2023 (latest data point), China alone was responsible for producing 51% of the world’s total supply, with the U.S. producing the second-largest share of the global crop.
• China – 2.6 billion bushels (51% of global supply)
• United States – 5.3% of global supply
• Turkey – 4.7%
• Poland – 4%
• India – 3%
“With China down 100 million bushels and Turkey’s crop off by 40%, the U.S. has a real opportunity,” said Gerlach. “Given Turkey’s role as a major supplier to India, this could open the door for us to regain market share there.”
US APPLE
USApple is the national trade association representing all segments of the apple industry. Members include 36 state and regional apple associations, representing 26,000 apple growers throughout the country and more than 3,700 apple-related companies. Our members collectively grow more than 10 billion pounds of apples a year on average, supporting about 150,000 jobs and generating more than $8 billion in total wages and almost $23 billion in economic activity.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Fresh Del Monte Produce of Coral Gables, FL, one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, has announced a new joint venture with Managro Group, a Colombia‑based agricultural company and leading exporter of limes and avocados.
The strategic partnership includes a shared investment to expand an avocado and lime packing house in Colombia, further strengthening Fresh Del Monte’s supply chain capabilities and broadening its presence in two high-growth categories: avocados and limes.
The facility will service Fresh Del Monte’s North American and European markets, enhancing the company’s ability to deliver consistent, high-quality avocados and limes year-round. With Colombia’s favorable growing conditions and reliable sourcing potential, this investment supports the company’s long-term strategy in both lines, while also solidifying its commitment to diversifying its sourcing and expanding its presence in Colombia.
“This joint venture is a bold step in advancing our long-term ambition: to lead in the most dynamic, high-growth categories in fresh produce,” said Danny Dumas, Fresh Del Monte Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management for North America. “Through our partnership with Managro in Colombia, we’re enhancing our vertical integration, expanding our global footprint, and reinforcing our position as a trusted, year-round supplier of premium avocados and limes.”
The avocado and lime markets are experiencing strong, sustained growth, driven by rising global demand for nutrient-rich foods. According to Fact.MR, a global market intelligence and advisory firm, the global lime market is projected to grow from $48 billion in 2024 to $62 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5%.
The global avocado market is expected to expand from approximately $19 billion in 2024 to about $34 billion by 2034, reflecting a robust 5.9% CAGR. This joint venture leverages Colombia’s strategic production advantages, Managro’s deep product-line knowledge, and Fresh Del Monte’s global distribution expertise to meet growing demand with consistency, quality, and scale across both categories.
This strategic move strengthens Fresh Del Monte’s commitment to growth, innovation, and the delivery of premium produce that meets the evolving needs of today’s consumers.
ABOUT FRESH DEL MONTE
Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is one of the world’s leading vertically integrated producers, marketers, and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, as well as a leading producer and distributor of prepared food in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. markets its products worldwide under the DEL MONTE® brand (under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc.), a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness, and reliability for over 135 years. The company also markets its products under the MANN® brand and other related trademarks. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Foods, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited, Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd. Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is the first global marketer of fruits and vegetables to commit to the “Science Based Targets” initiative. In 2022, 2023, and 2024, Fresh Del Monte Produce was ranked as one of “America’s Most Trusted Companies” by Newsweek based on an independent survey rating companies on three different touchpoints, including customer trust, investor trust, and employee trust. The company was also named a Humankind 100 Company for two consecutive years by Humankind Investments, which recognizes companies that substantially impact areas such as access to food and clean water, healthcare, and digital services. Fresh Del Monte has also been awarded the SEAL Business Sustainability Awards four times in the last five years (2021, 2023, 2024, and 2025). Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. is traded o
Nearly all of the fresh asparagus in the U.S. is imported. In 2024, for example, the U.S. imported 515.4 million pounds of asparagus, valued at $646.7 million. Of that, almost 155 million pounds (30%) came from Peru.
Though Mexico claims the title of the largest exporter of asparagus to the U.S. — representing roughly two-thirds of U.S. asparagus imports — Peru’s unique location and climate gives it an interesting asparagus superpower over the competition.
Southern Specialties of Pompano Beach, FL notes Peru is an important source of both green and white fresh asparagus because it provides consistent volume of high-quality product almost year-round. The company is a grower, importer, processor and shipper dealing in Peruvian asparagus.
The majority of Mexican imports happen from January to May, according to data from the International Fresh Produce Association.
When it comes to Peru, it also has a constant presence in the market, which only reduces when Mexico reaches its peak production,” the group noted in a late 2024 report. It also pointed out Michigan, the largest domestic producer of asparagus, has a short season from May to June.
Simply put, Peru supplies the U.S. consumer with quality asparagus during a time U.S. is not in production.
The 2024-2025 Peruvian blueberry season concluded with over 320,000 tons shipped to destination markets, representing a 40% increase year-on-year, according to industry data. The majority of the exports, approximately 55%, were sent to the United States, as noted by Fluctuante CEO David Sandoval.
Sandoval emphasized the need for market diversification, stating, “We need to diversify the countries to which we deliver this product and, above all, focus on opening new markets.” He also highlighted that the industry continues to favor temperature-resistant cultivars, primarily Ventura and Biloxi, due to their resilience against climatic challenges. “Producers have continued to focus on Ventura and Biloxi, and have not yet clearly switched to other premium or licensed varieties.”
The CEO explained that the continued preference for these varieties is driven by return on investment considerations. “For us to develop Sekoya and other licensed varieties, we require a lot of investment, and that investment ultimately has to be reflected when selling the fruit.” He also noted that in the U.S. market, supermarkets show little interest in specific varieties, as blueberries often arrive mixed in final packages, with consumer preferences centering on the fruit’s crunchiness, visual appeal, and freshness.
Sandoval questioned whether further investment in licensed varieties is justified, given the high costs involved. “We are in a productive and exporting development phase, we are the first, and that is to be applauded, but in any case, if we don’t promote it, if we don’t say it, the consumer won’t notice it,” he said.
He observed that Asian markets, especially China, pay premiums for licensed varieties, whereas in the U.S., price differences are minimal. “In some weeks, the price of Ventura and Biloxi is even higher than that of licensed varieties,” he added, suggesting that the transition to newer licensed cultivars remains slow.