Posts Tagged “feature”
An 18 percent increase in California walnut shipments are being predicted by the USDA’s National Agricultrual Statistics Service Objective Measurement Report. This puts the state’s production forecast at 710,000 tons from a year ago.
The forecast is based on 365,000 bearing acres, a decline of one percent from the previous year’s 370,000 acres. USDA staff conducted in-field measurements and sampling across major growing regions during July and August to compile the data.
Following a smaller crop in 2024, the 2025 harvest is seen having a stable, and high-quality supply, according to the California Walnut Board and Commission (CWBA).
Harvest of early walnut varieties started in September and should continue through early November.
Robert Verloop, executive director and CEO of the CWBA, says this year’s crop is much more in line with the state’s acreage numbers and expectations of production based on the age of the trees in the ground.
Verloop says about 65% of the crop is the Chandler variety, which is the most in demand.
“We’re actually very enthusiastic about this one,” he says. “This has been an incredible summer for growing trees and plants of any kind. And as a result, the nut crop looks fantastic. It’s about a week early, which is not unusual given that things have been growing along so well.”
While official harvest figures won’t be available until November, Verloop says an important figure to remember is the carryout number, or the amount of the 2024 crop in unsold inventory. He says he expects that number to range between 70,000 to 90,000 tons, which he says is already presold for September and October.
“Essentially, we’re starting with a sold-out position with the new crop coming in, and that will start shipping in the middle of October,” he says.
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As the season shifts from summer to fall, so does the offerings of fresh produce for The Giumarra Companies of Los Angeles.
Giumarra reports excellent quality and taste with Fuyu persimmons which will be shipped October through December and Sugar & Spice persimmons will begin at the end around Christmas.
The company’s California green kiwifruit will run from October through February.
Mandarins and navels will be available at the end of October.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
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.
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA, a leader in fresh berries, reports its has strong volumes now arriving from Peru.
The news release nots its harvest is a key part of the company’s year-round supply strategy, ensuring consistent availability of high-quality fruit.
The Peruvian blueberry season is now underway, with strong volumes expected to last through the end of the year. Conventional blueberry volumes are anticipated to reach their peak from the last week of October until mid December, offering a robust supply for the remainder of the year. Organic volumes from the region are forecasted to be steady and consistent throughout this same period.
This strong supply from Peru will be complemented by harvests from other key growing regions, including Chile and Mexico, further strengthening the company’s ability to provide a seamless, continuous supply of fresh blueberries.
“We’re extremely pleased with the start of our Peruvian blueberry season and the strong volumes we are seeing,” shares Tim Youmans, Vice President of Sales at California Giant Berry Farms. “Our focus remains on providing a year-round supply of the highest quality blueberries, and the ongoing harvests from Peru, complemented by other regions, allow us to maintain excellent availability for our retail and foodservice partners.”
To ensure optimum quality, California Giant’s quality control process is rigorous. The company ships directly from its Peruvian grower locations to its distribution sites, as well as its Santa Maria blueberry packing facility that features a state-of-the-art Unitec sorting line.
This advanced technology meticulously sorts blueberries for color, firmness, size, and other quality indicators, ensuring that only the highest-quality berries are packaged into each clamshell.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA GIANT BERRY FARMS
California Giant Berry Farms provides year-round supply of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries set the standard for quality and consistencyfor retailers, foodservice, and consumers. Over four decades as a privately held US family farming company, it has evolved into a global family united by a passion for delivering excellence.
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.
Vancouver, B.C. — With import citrus at its seasonal peak, Oppy’s category continues to deliver premium quality and consistency from a deeply diversified global network of trusted growers.
Featuring dozens of varietals from over nine countries, Oppy’s citrus program brings the best of the Southern Hemisphere to shelves across North America. From juicy Murcott, Tango and Daisy mandarins to vibrant Navels and Cara Caras from Chile and Uruguay, the season is one of strong supply and standout flavor.
This season’s crop from the Southern Hemisphere has arrived with excellent quality and promotable volumes. Back-to-school timing aligns perfectly with the easy-peeling mandarin lineup now available, while the high-sugar Navels and Cara Caras offer eye-catching color and exceptional flavor for late summer citrus displays. South African grapefruit, increasingly recognized for its premium quality, has also arrived in good supply despite potential tariff challenges, noted Category Manager Michael Schaefer.
Oppy continues to focus on the varietals that drive success in the citrus category — easy peelers, Navels and lemons — while refining the mix within each to deliver even greater performance at retail. Investing in what works and doing it better each season means better flavor, improved shelf life and stronger partnerships from field to store shared Category Director Rodrigo Lopez.
Organic citrus remains a key area of expansion, particularly in the mandarin and grapefruit segments. Oppy is growing its organic lineup through trusted producers in South Africa, meeting increasing consumer demand for organic options.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
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The California avocado industry is having an extended shipping season with strong yields. The California Avocado Commission reports retail promotional volume through October.
While final season numbers are still pending, initial projections put the California harvest at 375 million pounds, which would bring production to a five-year high. In 2024, projections fell short as California growers surpassed the initial estimate of 208 million pounds by over 50 percent, ending the season with close to 350 million pounds harvested.
The season is expected to finish more quickly in some areas compared to last year’s longer tail-end harvest. The CAC attributes this to primarily to early-season demand and supporting programs.
There was strong demand around Cinco de Mayo, and more retailerss had supporting programs for California avocados early in the season. Despite an overall slowdown, many growers in the northern California region have paced their harvests to maintain volumes.
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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.
As the 2025 harvest has pear orchards in the Pacific Northwest abuzz with activity, USA Pears is projecting a bountiful crop, with yields exceeding last year’s harvest by an estimated 60 percent. In a press release, the industry organization attributed the forecast to a relatively mild winter and favorable overall growing conditions.
The robust supply initially generated some market stability-related anxiety among growers, due to the recent closure of the industry’s largest canner. Fortunately, a USDA relief effort for up to $20 million for Northwest Bartlett pear growers is setting the stage to make 2025 an excellent year for USA Pears.
“Our growers in Washington and Oregon are excited about the quality and quantity of this year’s crop, and their enthusiasm is contagious as they bring more than 10 varieties and an abundant volume of fruit to market well into 2026,” says CarrieAnn Arias, president and CEO of USA Pears.
The pear harvest will continue through fall, which, combined with proper storage, means the fruit will be available to American consumers nearly year-round.
This last harvest report from USA Pears brings some long-awaited hope to growers in the country. Last year, the industry reported a historically low production volume, with a whopping 20 percent drop, totaling 470,000 metric tons—the smallest harvest since the 1967/68 season.
The organization attributed the 2024 decrease to damaging January freezes and a cold spring that impacted major producing states like Washington, Oregon, and California.
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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.