Posts Tagged “feature”
CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WA continues to lead the pear category with a disciplined, grower-first approach that delivers seamless seasonal transitions, consistent eating quality, and year-round confidence for retail partners.
Central to that strategy is a carefully managed import program that extends the Bartlett (William) pear season beyond the domestic window while keeping domestic growers and long-term category health at the forefront.
As the U.S. Bartlett season comes to a close in early spring, CMI will transition to imports to maintain shelf presence and consumer engagement. This continuity allows retailers to avoid gaps, protect shelf space, and deliver a consistent pear experience to shoppers.
“A well-timed import program is essential to maintaining momentum in the pear category,” said William Gant, Pear Manager at CMI Orchards. “Without it, retailers risk losing visibility and consumer confidence. Our goal is to ensure a smooth handoff that keeps pears front and center while protecting the value of domestic production.”
CMI works closely with the Kleppe Family from the Southern Hemisphere to bring Gaucho pears to the U.S. Market. The Kleppe Family shares CMI’s commitment to precision growing, disciplined harvest practices, and exceptional quality standards. This relationship ensures that imported Bartlett pears deliver the same flavor, texture, and eating experience consumers expect—without compromise.
“Our Southern Hemisphere partners grow pears with an incredible level of care and expertise,” Gant said. “Consumers are not trading down on flavor or quality when they purchase imported Bartletts. The eating experience remains consistent, which is critical to keeping shoppers engaged and loyal to the category.”
Imports are positioned as a complement—not a replacement—to domestic programs. This balanced approach allows CMI to support retailers year-round while maintaining a strong focus on domestic pear production, particularly Anjou and Bosc varieties.
This season’s domestic Anjou and Bosc crop is significant, supported by strong yields and favorable sizing, and CMI remains committed to promoting these varieties throughout the year.
“Our domestic growers are the foundation of our pear business,” Gant added. “With Anjou and Bosc, we’re focused on year-round promotion and consistency, making sure our growers are prioritized and our retail partners have dependable programs they can build around.”
Across all pear programs, domestic and imported alike, CMI applies the same rigorous standards for quality, conditioning, and program discipline. This consistency enables retailers to plan confidently through seasonal transitions and reinforces trust in pears as a reliable, high-performing category.
“Strategic imports allow us to stabilize the category, not just fill a short-term gap,” said Gant. “By taking a long-term view and aligning closely with our growers and retail partners, we’re helping ensure pears remain relevant, exciting, and dependable for consumers all year long.”
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.
Legend Produce of Scottsdale, AZ in partnership with premier Honduran grower-exporter Agrolibano and Kiss Melons, is proud to announce the launch of its 2026 winter specialty melon program.
Beginning in February and running through May, the program will deliver the iconic Sugar Kiss (orange-flesh) and Summer Kiss (green-flesh) melons grown in the prime melon regions of southern Honduras.
Weekly shipments will arrive at Miami, Florida, and Port Hueneme, California, ensuring consistent supply of exceptionally sweet, high-brix melons to the North American market during the offshore season. A limited volume of containers will also be shipped directly to select partners in Asia and Europe.
Legend and Agrolibano have partnered for over 25 years to provide winter melons to the domestic markets.
“This is a great opportunity to build upon our relationship with Agrolibano and expand the seasonality of the Kiss program,” said Marco Ochoa, Chief Financial Officer at Legend Produce.
“This winter program is a game-changer for the Kiss Melons brand and a testament to the strength of our partnership,” said Milas Russell, III, Managing Director of Kiss Melons, LLC.
“Working with Agrolibano’s over 40 years of knowledge, world-class growing and harvesting teams and Legend Produce’s seamless import and distribution network allows us to extend the unmistakable Sugar Kiss and Summer Kiss eating experience to consumers in North America and Asia and, for the first time in limited quantities, to key markets in Europe.”
The 2026 winter program will feature the signature Sugar Kiss and Summer Kiss varieties under the iconic Kiss Melons labels.
About
Legend Produce – Headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, with sales offices throughout the U.S., Legend Produce has been a leading importer and domestic producer of melons for more than 25 years. Renowned for category expertise Legend manages traditional cantaloupe and honeydews, watermelons, specialty melons and is the sales agent for the Kiss Melons brand year-round.
Agrolibano – A family-owned agricultural leader based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, Agrolibano has been growing and exporting fresh produce for over 40 years. Recognized as one of Central America’s most advanced and socially responsible producers, Agrolibano farms thousands of acres of melons in the Choluteca and Valle regions using cutting-edge irrigation, integrated pest management, and GlobalG.A.P.- and SMETA-certified packing facilities.
Kiss Melons– Founded in Yuma, Arizona, Kiss Melons has rapidly become one of North America’s most recognized and trusted premium melon brands. Famous for its Sugar Kiss, Summer Kiss and Honey Kiss varieties, the brand is celebrated for delivering consistently sweet, juicy fruit in distinctive packaging that has earned strong consumer loyalty from coast to coast. Kiss Melons are exclusively marketed and sold by Legend Produce.
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Chilean kiwifruit volume is predicted to increase by 20 percent this season, according to the Chilean Kiwi Committee.
The industry counting on growth from four strategic markets: India, the US, Brazil, and Mexico. These are destinations with great growth potential, reports the committee, with large populations and a still very low per capita consumption of kiwifruit ranging from 0.1 to 0.5 kilos per person.
The Chilean kiwifruit industry has been trying to commercially develop the yellow variety for a long time, but existing varieties are in a phase of adjustment and decline, with stable volumes compared to the previous year.
For the time being, green kiwifruit will remain the bulk of Chilean kiwi supply. The goal is to reach the highest quality standards to compete solidly in international markets.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKES, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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.
In a season defined by shifting supply dynamics and a seemingly insatiable consumer appetite for easy-peelers, the United States is on track to set a new record for tangerine and mandarin imports.
According to the US Department of Agriculture, the country’s imports are forecast to climb by four percent, reaching an all-time high of 555,000 metric tons in the 2025/26 marketing year.
This marks the second consecutive year of record-breaking import volumes, a trend that underscores the growing importance of foreign supply in the American fruit bowl.
The agency noted that imports are now expected to account for nearly half of all US fresh tangerine and mandarin consumption.
The surge in imports is largely the result of a projected dip in domestic production.
After a bumper year in 2024/25, California—which accounts for nearly all US tangerine and mandarin production—is entering a lower-yielding cycle, leading to a nationwide output forecast of 997,000 tons, down 10 percent.
While the Golden State’s harvest typically dominates the window between November and May, the gap left by a lighter crop is being filled by a diverse trio of international partners: Chile, Peru, and Morocco.
Chile and Peru remain the heavy hitters for the US market, primarily supplying fruit during the May-to-October window.
The US has historically been Chile’s primary destination for small citrus, usually receiving over 90 percent of the Andean country’s output.
Meanwhile, Morocco—the third-largest supplier—is expected to increase shipments between November and April, supplementing the lower local volumes during the peak winter months.
Despite the forecast record import levels, the USDA notes that the total US supply of tangerines and mandarins will actually fall by about five percent to 1.6 million tons. This suggests that while imports are working overtime, they won’t quite fully offset the contraction in domestic harvests, potentially keeping prices firm for retailers and wholesalers alike.
While the US market is navigating a domestic squeeze, the global citrus landscape remains resilient. Despite substantial gains in markets such as China, Türkiye, and Morocco, growth has been offset by significant declines in the European Union and the US.
According to the USDA, global tangerine and mandarin production is forecast to rise slightly (less than one percent) to a total of 38.4 million tons.
China remains the undisputed titan of the mandarin world. Its production is forecast to rise by 100,000 tons, bringing it to a staggering 27.1 million tons. This growth is being fueled by favorable weather conditions in the powerhouse growing regions of Guangxi and Yunnan. As the world’s largest producer and consumer, the Asian Giant’s steady output provides a stable floor for the global market, even as it directs more fruit toward its own domestic processing industry.
Conversely, the European Union is facing a tougher season. Production in the EU is forecast to drop by six percent to 2.8 million tons. The report cites delayed fruit ripening in Spain and smaller fruit sizes in Italy as the primary culprits. This contraction is expected to lead to lower consumption within the bloc, as higher prices and limited availability of premium-sized fruit impact shelves.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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.
Honeybear Brands of Elgin, MN, a leading grower, marketer and developer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, announces its fresh-picked crop of Bartlett and Bosc pears will begin hitting retailer shelves in early March through June 1, courtesy of its Southern Hemisphere orchards.
“Honeybear Brands is the leading apple importer from the Southern hemisphere, ensuring retailers have premium conditioned fresh fruit to offer shoppers during the spring and summer months. This pear crop will refresh produce shelves and provide another fruit option for health-eating shoppers,” said Chuck Sinks, president of sales and marketing, Honeybear Brands.
Bartlett pears deliver March 1, with Bosc starting April 1.
With its broad array of orchards in Washington and the Midwest plus its import production in South America, Honeybear Brands provides a turnkey pear and apple program for retailers all year round, executing 100% supply assurance and ensuring the lowest landed cost program.
About Honeybear Brands
Honeybear Brands is a multi-generational grower, marketer, and innovator of premium conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries. With operations rooted in the world’s finest growing regions, Honeybear combines sustainable farming practices with state-of-the-art packing facilities strategically located across the U.S. to deliver fresher, faster, and packed-to-order fruit. A robust year-round import program further ensures consistent supply and exceptional quality for retail partners and consumers alike.
Honeybear Brands is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wescott Agri Products.
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