Archive For The “News” Category
With a strong supply of lemons and other varieties, Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA reports that they’re well-suited to tackle Lenten (which started February 18 for 40 days) and springtime citrus promotions.
“With the start of Lent, we often see a rise in lemon consumption as many families turn to meatless meals,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “Lemons not only enhance the flavor of pescatarian dishes, but are also a popular ingredient in springtime beverages and desserts.”
Currently, Bee Sweet Citrus is harvesting lemons from California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. The field team reports that this season’s lemon crop boasts exceptional quality and flavor.
“Lemon supply is very good right now. We increased harvest ahead of current rain events, so we have plenty of inventory ready to ship,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Harvesting and Grower Relations Randy Stucky. “We are picking full-color fruit and packing immediately after it arrives from the field, which will extend shelf life and improve fruit quality at the store level.”
In addition to lemons, Bee Sweet Citrus has a robust line of varieties that would complement Easter and other seasonal promotions. The company’s Meyer lemons, Royal Red oranges, and Cara Cara oranges would best suit desserts, while its grapefruit, Minneola tangelos, mandarins, and Navel oranges would make great on-the-go snacks.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The devastation of the freeze in Florida about a month ago is now being fully realized with the report from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
From blueberries to strawberries and citrus, as well as sugar cane and vegetables, losses were heavy.
A preliminary estimate reveals $3.1 billion from winter’s freeze.
The strawberry and blueberry industries were the hardest hit, according to the report. The former suffered an estimated production loss of approximately 80 percent of the remaining harvest, which roughly translates into $306.9 million in losses.
As far as blueberries are concerned, the extreme cold killed floral buds, led to dropped fruit, and caused plant limbs to break under the weight of cold protection. Growers reported the freeze will not only affect this year’s harvest, but harvests for years to come, the FDACS notes.
Estimated production losses in the Florida blueberry industry preliminarily total 90 percent of the crop, translating to freeze damage valued at approximately $78.5 million.
Meanwhile, citrus, the Sunshine State’s most important crop, suffered the loss of 15 percent of its trees due to freeze damage, along with a huge financial blow estimated at $675 million.
The grand total encompasses tree and infrastructure damage, estimated at $327 million and $41.5 million, respectively, as well as total losses for damaged fruit totalling $85.2 million.
The FDACS report also includes a freeze-damage forecast, with losses calculated at $220.5 million.
The industry will face an average annual loss in productivity of 27 percent that will persist for several years before returning to pre-storm production, the state agency explains.
“It is estimated that 80 percent of the total acres of citrus in Florida were significantly affected by the freeze damage,” the report continued.
As a big vegetable producer, Florida also experienced great freeze losses in commodities such as snap beans, bell peppers, eggplants, artichokes, broccoli, and leafy greens, among others. The FDACS calculates that losses in this category amount to $554.6 million.
Tomato and bell pepper producers lost 80 percent of their crops right before the middle of the season, resulting in $164 million and $108 million in losses, respectively. Sweet corn losses, meanwhile, amount to $255 million and potatoes to $79.1 million.
Watermelons were also affected, with an estimated 33 percent production loss. With the entire growing season still ahead, the state agency estimated a financial blow of $65.4 million.
Florida is also a major sugarcane producer, with an industry worth $1.6 billion in 2025. The sector suffered a significant blow, as freeze damage will not only affect the current season crop, but those to come. Estimated production losses total 35 percent and are valued at $1.65 billion, with current-season losses of $576 million.
By Charlie Fabricant ALC Corporate
Although professional drivers have long recognized the importance of fuel efficiency, the growth of personal electric vehicles has introduced the general public to the concept of aerodynamic drag. A.K.A, the force caused by air when a moving object goes through it to slow it down. Measured in drag coefficient (Cd), the lower this number is, the less resistance an object faces when moving through wind.
As we recently saw in long-distance speed skating at the Winter Olympics, aerodynamic drag played a role in determining the gold, silver, and bronze winners. Just as humans are, vehicles are also affected by aerodynamics. Many new EVs brag about their extremely low drag coefficients (Cd), which hover around 0.2, and even the worst passenger EVs and electric pickups average around 0.35 Cd. However, even with the aerodynamic improvements manufacturers have made since it became a focus in the 1970s, class 8 tractor-trailers average around 0.65Cd. Now, I just threw some meaningless numbers at you, so let’s make this the fun kind of math, the type that saves you money (and carbon emissions).
Aerodynamic drag increases as the square of speed, meaning that as your speed doubles, your drag force increases by 4x (and the power required to move increases by 8x). All of this to say, aerodynamics play a critical role in fuel economy, and fighting drag accounts for approximately 65% of fuel consumption at highway speed. Now comes the previously-mentioned “fun” part. EPA’s SmartWay reports that a fully-optimized truck-trailer combo can achieve fuel reduction benefits up to 20% through a combination of largely low-cost aerodynamic upgrades. Not only that, but as these technologies have matured, the barrier to entry has dropped; roof fairings, gap reducers, and trailer side skirts are now estimated to pay themselves off within 12 months and offer up to 12% fuel efficiency improvements alone. Maintenance concerns have also been alleviated due to modern kits’ increased durability and flexibility. Obviously, the payback period is subject to local diesel prices and average driving speed, but with operational costs on the rise, where fuel represents 20-30% of total expenses, fuel efficiency improvements provide substantial savings even when diesel is “cheap.” Just to play with a little thought experiment (assuming $4 diesel), a long-haul truck running 110,000 miles a year will save approximately $4,000 – $6,000 in fuel costs for $5,000 in truck optimization, and remember, that upfront cost only exists for the first year. For a fleet of 10 trucks, that adds up to $50,000 straight to your bottom line every year after the first.
More so than we have seen in the previous few years, shippers are reprioritizing resilient business partners, as sustained tough conditions have caused many logistics companies to shutter in the post-COVID market. Additionally, ESG requirements continue to expand. With new regulations like California’s SB 253 requiring large organizations to report their entire value chain’s carbon footprint, carriers with high-efficiency equipment aren’t just saving money; they are becoming the ‘preferred capacity’ for the nation’s largest shippers. Aerodynamic upgrades provide an opportunity to combat rising operational costs while future-proofing equipment to meet ever-expanding emissions standards. If you’re a shipper looking for low-cost ways to improve your sustainability ratings or a carrier looking to optimize your margins and thrive in the years ahead, aerodynamic upgrades may be for you!
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Charlie Fabricant graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. He joined the Nashville office as an undergraduate intern in 2021 and became a transportation broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) coordinator. In 2024, he was promoted to ESG programs manager.
charlie.fabricant@allenlund.co
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Localized security activity in parts of Mexico is creating transportation disruptions that may impact cross‑border freight movement, according to Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA
- Intermittent delays have been reported on roads connecting to the Nogales, Arizona and McAllen, Texas border crossings
- Due to shelter‑in‑place measures in certain areas, some growers are temporarily not moving product into the U.S. as a precaution for employee safety across harvesting, packing, and logistics operations
- Commodities potentially affected include limes, mixed berries, strawberries, and green onions
- Conditions remain fluid as routes adjust and security activity continues
- There are no confirmed closures of U.S. ports of entry at this time
- Markon will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as needed
Meanwhile, on Sunday, February 22, after a military operation by the Mexican Ministry of Defense that resulted in the death of cartel leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, a wave of violence and unrest took over the state of Jalisco.
In the city of Puerto Vallarta, for example, gunmen from the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel could be heard on the streets, sending tourists and locals into hiding. Gunshots and vehicles set on fire blocked off several roads and highways, halting normal life and severely impacting the packing and harvesting of several local crops, including limes, mangoes, and avocados. The last two are especially important to the state, as most of the production is shipped to the US.
Ecuadorian banana exports ended 2025 at over 377 million boxes, a 3.5 percent increase from the same period in 2024.
The figures were featured in the latest report published by the Association of Marketing and Export of Bananas of Ecuador (ACORBANEC), corresponding to shipments between January and December 2025.
The result consolidates bananas as one of the main pillars of Ecuadorian foreign trade, in a year marked by logistical challenges, international demand variation, and adjustments in global trade flow.
In December 2025, year-over-year exports remained steady, reaching nearly 33 million boxes. However, during the last campaign, monthly performance was variable, with export peaks in Q2 and Q4, which helped offset less dynamic months.
The 2025 Ecuadorian banana export season showed a similar recovery to 2024, when the industry experienced a year-on-year contraction. The observed growth reflects greater stability in shipments and a better response from destination markets.
According to ACORBANEC’s report, the European Union and Russia remained the main destinations for Ecuadorian bananas in 2025, accounting for over 50 percent of exports (31 percent and 20 percent, respectively).
Both markets continued to show sustained demand, despite an international environment marked by geopolitical tensions and supply chain adjustments.
Other traditional markets also contributed to the results, diversifying shipments and reducing dependence on a single destination, which is key for the sector’s stability. The Middle East ranked third with a 15 percent share, followed by the United States with 12 percent. The top 5 was completed by South American destinations, with a seven percent share.
Between January and December, Ecuadorian banana exports to China also grew significantly, increasing by 16 percent. Likewise, Türkiye saw a 30 percent uptick compared to the same period in 2024.
Shipments to Argentina also increased (17 percent), along with Saudi Arabia (10 percent), Russia (11 percent), Libya (14 percent), and Sweden (19 percent).
On the other hand, Ecuadorian banana exports to South Korea fell by 20 percent.
In 2025, the Guatemalan mango industry exported over 3.6 million boxes of 8.8-pound fresh fruit to the United States, a four percent increase from 2024, when shipments reached 3.5 million boxes.
According to local ag news outlet AGEXPORT HOY, this growth confirms the sector’s recovery, driven by a stronger supply and more integrated production planning.
The AGEXPORT Mango Committee emphasized that the season has been marked by strong export performance, the sector’s technical strengthening, and various industry efforts to position Guatemalan mango in international markets.
Luisy Fernanda Monroy, coordinator of the AGEXPORT Mango Committee, explained that 162 certified farms participated in the Guatemalan mango season, and the Tommy Atkins variety registered the biggest volume, accounting for 88 percent of shipments. The cultivar was followed in popularity by Ataulfo, Keitt, and Kent.
“Guatemalan-origin mangoes continue to position themselves in their main markets: the United States, Europe, and Chile,” Monroy said to the publication.
The Allen Lund Co. celebrated its 50th anniversary as a transportation broker in the logistics industry Jan. 29.
Since its founding in 1976, ALC has grown from a single-office operation to a global company with more than 40 branches moving freight worldwide.
“Allen Lund Co. was started so that our mom and dad could feed their kids,” said Eddie Lund, president of ALC. “50 years later, it is a billion-dollar company that still has that family feel. It’s a great accomplishment, and we are so proud of our people who have taken mom and dad’s dream and made it a reality.”
To commemorate this milestone, the company hosted a special event, launched a charity initiative, “50 Acts of Warmth,” and marked the occasion with a celebratory lunch at headquarters.
Global grower and distributor Mission Produce is acquiring leading fresh produce provider Calavo Growers for $430 million.
The addition of Calavo is expected to create a scaled North American avocado and fresh produce platform, allowing the company to expand internationally and accelerate its business model diversification by growing its presence in the prepared foods segment.
In a statement released by the company, co‑founder and Chief Executive Officer Steve Barnard labeled the acquisition as a milestone for his firm and the industry at large.
“By bolstering our vertically integrated platform and trusted global distribution network with Calavo’s complementary sourcing, prepared foods capabilities, and deep customer relationships, we intend to build a stronger, more diversified company positioned for sustainable growth,” he said.
Under the terms of the sales agreement signed by the companies, Calavo stockholders will receive $27 per share. Upon close, expected by August 2026, Mission shareholders will own approximately 80.3 percent of the combined company, while Calavo shareholders will own approximately 19.7 percent.
The company stated that John Pawlowski, elected as CEO in December 2025 and set to assume the role in April 2026, will retain his title for the combined company. Meanwhile, Steve Barnard, set to step down as CEO and assume as Mission’s Executive Chairman in April, will hold the same position for the combined company, which will be headquartered in Oxnard, California.
Founded as the original avocado company in North America over 100 years ago, Calavo has evolved into a global purveyor of quality produce. Today, Calavo’s offerings include fresh avocados sourced from California, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia; tomatoes; Hawaiian papayas; and a variety of ready-to-eat products such as guacamole and salsas. Its products are sold under the Calavo brand name and proprietary sub-brands, as well as private-label and store-brands.
“We believe combining with Mission represents a compelling next chapter that will enable our combined business to unlock new growth and expand the impact of our trusted Calavo brand, while also providing our shareholders with compelling value and the opportunity to participate as a shareholder of a global leader in a growing sector,” said B. John Lindeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calavo.
The executive said Mission shares his company’s values and commitment to quality and consistency for customers and growers alike.
“By joining a larger global platform, we will be better positioned to invest, innovate, and serve the market at scale,” he added.
The top-selling national brand Avocados From Mexico projects that Mexican imports of the fruit into the US will reach a record-breaking 2.5 billion pounds during the 2025-2026 season. This milestone marks the highest volume of avocados the country has ever supplied to the US market.
In the context of this forecast, the organization emphasizes consistency, high quality, strong availability, and promotable volume at scale as the core advantages that have made Mexico a reliable avocado origin country.
“The Mexican avocado industry continues to raise the bar—not just for itself but for the global sector,” said Alvaro Luque, President and CEO of Avocados From Mexico. “This record projection is a testament to the operational strength of this deeply integrated, binational supply chain and the long-term vision of the Mexican avocado industry.”
The executive underscored the underlying confidence behind this milestone, especially during peak demand moments like the Big Game. For this key event alone, Avocados from Mexico projects that approximately 280 million pounds of fruit will cross the southern border, building on the success the company has experienced so far with its fall college football program.
“As avocado consumption in the US has more than doubled over the past decade, our role has evolved beyond simply supplying fruit,” said Stephanie Bazan, Senior VP of Commercial Strategy and Execution. “We are a strategic partner to retailers, combining dependable volume with programs that help turn demand into results at shelf.”
The Mexican avocado industry comprises more than 200 importers, 91 packers, and approximately 35,000 growers, most of whom run small, family-owned orchards passed down through generations. The industry supports more than 42,000 US jobs and boosted US economic output by $7.5 billion in 2024, said Avocados From Mexico in a press release.
New studies slated for release in 2026 will examine gastrointestinal and vascular health, metabolism, and glucose control, with some suggesting consumption could help reverse prediabetes.
Mango export to the United States exceeded 140 million boxes for the first time in 2025, setting a new industry record, according to the National Mango Board. Per capita consumption now stands at about 3.5 to 3.7 pounds annually, compared with roughly 0.2 pounds three decades ago.
Big volume from Mexico and Peru, along with supplies from Brazil, Ecuador, Guatemala, and the Dominican Republic, is driving growth. Those six countries account for over 98 percent of mangoes consumed in the US, supplemented by limited domestic production in Florida, California, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and southern Texas.
Because of diverse production areas, mangos are available 52 weeks a year.
studies reveal consumption of about three ounces of mango for three months reduced facial wrinkles in postmenopausal women, a finding that drew strong consumer interest.
New studies slated for release in 2026 will examine gastrointestinal and vascular health, metabolism, and glucose control, with some suggesting consumption could help reverse prediabetes.
Consumption of a bout three ounces of mangoes for three months reduced facial wrinkles in post menopausal women, a finding that drew strong consumer interest.