Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Initial projections for the Northwest cherry 2026 season have been revised downward, but not that much.
Early-season estimates predicted between 22 and 23 million boxes have been adjusted to 21.5 million boxes.
This represents a roughly seven percent reduction from initial projections. This is due to the natural and highly expected agronomic stress on cherry trees after 2025’s bumper season; and on the other, there was freeze damage.
Low temperatures hit Washington’s Yakima Valley and parts of Oregon during the first half of April, which cut volume projections for early varieties, such as Rainier, Yellow cherry, or Early Robbins. For example, Chelan, whose yield usually sits at six tons per acre, is projected to decrease to between three and four tons per acre.
The shipping season is expected to start at the end of May, with a light harvest before volumes ramp up significantly during the first week of June.
By the end of that first week of June, volumes would ramp up pretty hard and be available into August with heavier volumes. The peak shipping season is projected to fall between June 15 and July 20.
CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WA reports similar information to the Northwest Cherry Association and is looking forward to a crop with good quality.
Baloian Farms of Fresno, CA began harvesting its California Flat Sweet Red Onions in early May, marking the start of what the company anticipates to be a strong domestic season.
The program features Baloian’s Italian Flat Sweet Red Onion, grown from an exclusive heirloom seed cultivated for more than three generations. Known for its high Brix sweetness, distinctive flat shape, and strong shelf appeal, the item continues to gain traction among retailers seeking differentiated, high-flavor onion offerings.
“As consumers continue to look for more flavor-forward produce options, our Flat Sweet Reds deliver both taste and visual appeal,” said Reiley Johnstone at Baloian Farms. “We’re seeing increased interest from retailers looking to elevate their onion category with unique items that drive repeat purchases.”
Harvest will begin in Fresno, with promotable volumes expected throughout the May through October window. Baloian Farms offers a range of pack options and supports retail ad planning and seasonal programs.
The California season comes at a time when demand for premium and specialty onions continues to grow, particularly among shoppers seeking sweeter, versatile varieties for both fresh and culinary use.
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Baloian Farms is a fourth-generation, vertically integrated family farm specializing in providing premium quality produce year-round. We work from the ground up—growing, harvesting, packing, food safety, quality control, cooling, and distribution. We meticulously monitor every step of the process, every day, to maintain our reputation as a world-class grower, shipper, and distributor of fresh vegetables.
Sweet corn volume has improved from its historically low numbers earlier this spring.
Back in March, supplies were extremely low as a result of a multi-day freeze that hit the state of Florida early February. However, volume has improved. “It’s all a matter of supply and demand,” says Geoff Taft with Pioneer Growers Cooperative of Belle Glade, FL.
“Right now, we are experiencing really good volume out of Southern Florida,” he added. The Bell Glade area is going full stride and will have great volume until Memorial Day. While this region got hammered by the freeze, most corn got replanted and that’s being harvested now. “This is all post-freeze corn.”
From Bell Glade, the sweet corn season will transition to Bainbridge, Georgia. There will be a bit of overlap between the regions as Bainbridge is expected to kick off between May 15 and May 20. Early on in the growing season, cold weather somewhat slowed down the Bainbridge crop, but it is now fully back on schedule. “Sweet corn out of Bainbridge is looking very good and will play an important role for the 4th of July holiday.” After that, the season will probably continue for another week before it wraps up. Simultaneously, Pioneer Growers will have corn deal out of Poulan, GA.
Bell peppers
An item that was recently added to the company’s offering is bell pepper. Harvest started out of Bell Glade last Fall and is still going. After a successful first bell pepper season out of Bell Glade, Pioneer Growers has lined up a deal in Quitman, GA with harvest starting at the end of the May.
Transition to Georgia
This time of year is marked by a crop transition from Florida to Georgia. In addition to sweet corn and bell peppers, cabbage is finishing up in Bell Glade and moving to Bainbridge. The same is happening with green beans and broccoli crowns. Bagged and chopped green beans are available while broccoli crowns can be purchased in bulk or solo wrapped.
New Zealand-based global fruit supplier T&G Fresh reports that its 2026 Satsuma mandarin season is among the strongest in recent years.
The company expects an output of approximately 3,500 tons, significantly increasing nationwide volumes.
In a press release, the firm cultivates the variety across three orchards in Northland (currently being harvested), and sells fruit in supermarket from grower partners in the area and in Gisborne. Approximately half of the total crop will be sold domestically, with the remainder exported.
“This year’s growing conditions have been ideal, with a good balance of rainfall and dry periods helping develop excellent size, color, and flavor in the fruit,” said Ben Smith, T&G Fresh’s general manager of growing. “We’re seeing high brix levels and low acidity, which translates to sweet, juicy mandarins that taste fantastic. Combined with the larger fruit size, it’s a great result for shoppers.”
Harvesting began in Northland over the Easter weekend, marking the start of the season. Picking in Gisborne, NZ, is expected to commence in late April. T&G Fresh anticipates a consistent supply of Satsuma mandarins through mid-to-late July.
T&G is one of the largest growers and marketers of Satsumas in New Zealand, which the company says is one of the most eagerly anticipated and sought-after citrus products, according to industry body Citrus New Zealand.
May marks one of the most exciting times of year at Legend Produce, as the company officially begins its domestic harvest of Origami cantaloupes in the Arizona desert, according to the company based in Scottsdale, AZ.
Following several months of imports, the arrival of this premium melon signals the return of fresh, U.S.-grown fruit—and this season is off to an outstanding start.
Fields are producing beautiful, high-quality melons with strong yields, vibrant appearance, and a flavor profile that is already turning heads across the industry.
Origami continues to set itself apart as a truly unique variety, delivering both early-season durability and exceptional eating quality.
Current harvests are measuring an impressive 15-16 Brix, offering the high sugar levels that translate into the bold sweetness consumers crave. Origami consistently delivers a balanced profile—rich aroma, smooth texture, and a clean, memorable finish that defines premium cantaloupe.
“There is no other variety on the market that performs like Origami this time of year,” Managing Member Barry Zwillinger explains. “We’ve seen other melons come in early with decent numbers, but they simply don’t match the flavor and aroma profile. Origami holds its integrity in the field and delivers the full eating experience customers expect. Year after year, retail data confirms it—consumers choose Origami, and our customers are asking for it by name.”
With production underway in Yuma, Arizona and California, Legend Produce is positioned to deliver a consistent, high-quality supply of Origami cantaloupes throughout the domestic season.
With the citrus season underway in the Southern Hemisphere, the Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) released a statement projecting a 15 percent increase in citrus imports this season.
To gear up for the surge, the ports are ramping up investments in cold chain facilities and enhanced vessel services.
Savannah and Brunswick ports now offer new shipping routes connecting West and South Africa to Savannah, with a 26-day transit time.
Georgia Ports Authority’s CEO, Griff Lynch, states that the ports are prepared for initial arrivals from South Africa, South America, and other regional markets, expected to begin in May and June.
“This year, we will be serving a broader portfolio of citrus customers and cold chain shippers,” Lynch adds. “We’ve added new vessel services to citrus markets, and we have a new $4.5 million temperature-controlled, CBP inspection site opening in June, which is on our Garden City Terminal for ease of use.”
US Customs and Border Protection operations at the Port of Savannah will expand to include a 4,000-square-foot refrigerated space for inspections of chilled cargo. This will allow produce importers to choose on-port or off-dock inspections at refrigerated warehouses.
This feature is part of a new 300,000-square-foot facility at Garden City Terminal, which opened in February and is being expanded to support temperature-controlled cargo requiring inspections by the US Department of Agriculture and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.
Peruvian avocado exports soared by 38 percent in 2025, but expectations are lower for this year.
The 2026 Peruvian Hass avocado season is projected to close with exports exceeding 765 thousand metric tons (MT), a six percent increase from the 723 thousand MT exported in 2025, according to ProHass.
Europe will remain the main destination for Peruvian Hass avocados. with shipments to the continent estimated at 488 thousand MT, equivalent to 64 percent of the total exported volume. However, Europe’s explosive 39 percent growth in 2025 is unlikely to be repeated, forcing exporters and importers to plan their commercial operations accordingly and ensure an orderly supply during the season.
The United States is expected to receive six percent more fruit, equivalent to about 107 thousand MT, while Asia is projected to reach nearly 82 thousand MT, an eight percent increase over the previous year. This consolidates Asia’s growing relevance to the Peruvian Hass avocado industry, especially in markets such as China, Korea, and Japan.
Meanwhile, Chile and Argentina will jointly account for around 86 thousand MT, maintaining their complementary roles within the sector’s export strategy.
California strawberry loadings are expected to remain ample throughout the season.
The California Strawberry Commission of Watsonville, CA projects weekly volumes between 7 and 8 million trays through August, supporting sustained retail promotions and consistent market availability during key demand periods.
California, which accounts for approximately 90 percent of US strawberry production, is expected to see a slight expansion in planted area.
According to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA), acreage in the Golden State is projected to increase by two percent year-on-year to about 43,700 acres. This growth, combined with the introduction of new varieties, is expected to support an uplift in fresh output.
“We project an increase in overall fresh production compared to 2025, based on a slight increase in acreage and the new varieties now in production,” Christian says. Peak shipments are expected between May and August, aligning with historical consumption trends.
Despite some pest pressure linked to warm conditions, growers continue to report strong crop performance. Overall, the market outlook points to a well-supplied season characterized by strong production fundamentals, good fruit quality, and continued promotional opportunities.
Zespri’s RubyRed kiwifruit exports to the US are projected to triple this year, with the fruit hitting store shelves by mid-April.
New Zealand’s kiwi powerhouse Zespri also is bringing its berry-flavored RubyRed variety to retailers in Australia, Vietnam, and Canada.
Zespri credits this expansion to a bumper crop, with production jumping from three million trays in 2025 to five million, or 18,000 tons. This season, thanks to increased volume and demand, RubyRed will reach shoppers in 16 markets.
Zespri notes that RubyRed Kiwifruit has quickly captured North American taste buds, especially the US, and now plays a key role in launching the company’s sales season.
The company reports consumers are loving its bright red colour and sweet, berry-like taste, and it’s also attracting new and younger consumers to the kiwifruit category, as well as the wider fruit category.
Moving into the next quarter of the Washington apple shipping season, the industry has continued to revise crop estimates downward, according to the Produce Alliance LLC of Chicago.
Current projections place the crop near 130 million boxes, compared to early-season expectations of 140 plus million boxes. The adjustment has largely been driven by lower-than-anticipated pack-out
percentages across several varieties, reducing the overall number of fresh market cartons available.
At this point, the crop is estimated to be roughly 8% smaller than last season, which has begun to
tighten the supply picture as the storage season progresses.
Sizing continues to be one of the primary challenges this season. The crop skewed larger overall, and
smaller sizes that were packed (113–175 ct) are being heavily directed into retail bag programs, which are currently paying a premium over traditional tray pack markets.
As a result, foodservice and wholesale channels are seeing tight availability on the smaller counts. Washington will continue to ship fruit from controlled atmosphere storage with good overall quality, but the combination of reduced pack-outs, smaller storage inventories, and strong retail bagdemand is expected to keep markets firm.