Posts Tagged “feature”
Florida Classic Growers of Dundee, FL has announced an outstanding start to the 2025–26 Florida citrus season, marked by exceptional fruit quality, and stronger yields.
“We are extremely pleased with the fruit quality this season,” said Derek Rodgers, Director of Sales and Marketing for Florida Classic Growers. “We’re seeing improved size, higher brix levels, and some of the best external appearance we’ve had in recent years. Our enhanced production practices are paying off in a big way.”
With the state avoiding major hurricane impacts so far this year, Florida Classic Growers is reporting a year-over-year increase in volume—an encouraging trend for both the company and the broader citrus industry.
“This is a very exciting time for Florida citrus and for Florida Classic Growers,” Rodgers added. “The combination of strong quality and increased availability is creating real momentum, and we’re eager to share that with our retail, wholesale, and foodservice partners.”
Florida Classic Growers is now entering peak season for grapefruit, navel oranges, and juice oranges.
About Florida Classic Growers
Florida Classic Growers, a division of Dundee Citrus Growers Association, is a leading marketer of premium Florida citrus, offering a full range of fresh grapefruit, oranges, tangerines, and specialty citrus to retail, wholesale and foodservice customers across the U.S. and abroad.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Peruvian mango exports flooded export markets during the first ten months of 2025, with significantly higher volumes.
Fresh Fruit Peru reports between January and October, the country exported $399.5 million worth of mangoes, a staggering 52 percent year-on-year increase in export value.
In volume terms, exports reached 310,900 short tons, up a whopping 179 percent from the about 111,600 short tons shipped during the same period in 2024. While volume surged, export prices crashed 46 percent, a direct consequence of heavy availability in global markets and a rapid increase in Peru’s own seasonal supply.
Mango prices had already been under pressure through 2024, sliding steadily from about $1.27 per pound in January to roughly $0.54 per pound by year-end as oversupply—particularly from northern production regions—flooded the market. Although early 2025 brought a modest recovery, with prices climbing to around $0.86 per pound in May, they remain well below levels seen at the start of 2024.
The United States strengthened its role as Peru’s most important market, receiving $145.1 million in mango shipments—36 percent of Peru’s total export value—and about 113,400 short tons. This represents roughly double the value shipped in 2014, underscoring sustained growth over the past decade. The Netherlands followed as the second-largest market, importing $78.3 million (20 percent) and around 80,200 short tons, while Spain ranked third with $27.5 million (7 percent). Other notable destinations included Canada, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, all of which posted gains in both value and volume.
Peru’s mango industry also continues to diversify beyond fresh fruit. During the period analyzed, 55 percent of export value came from fresh mango, 38 percent from frozen mango, and 7 percent from other processed items, including dried mango, pulp, and purée. This ongoing shift toward higher-value processed formats reflects strategic efforts by exporters to reduce price volatility and expand market reach.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Chilean fruit shipments to the United States got underway on schedule in December. The first vessel with fruit was loaded at the Valparaíso Port Terminal. This event marks the beginning of the 2025–2026 Chilean horticultural export season to the US.
On December 1, port and export representatives gathered in front of the vessel handling the first shipment of stonefruit, including cherries, along with table grapes and berries, all set to reach the US by December 12.
The reefer uses advanced technology to preserve the fruit, helping Chilean products arrive in top condition.
The Blueberry Committee of the national brand Frutas de Chile, reports service comes at a crucial moment, as blueberry production reaches its seasonal peak. The United States is the main destination for the crop, and the Koru ensures short transit times—a key factor for quality.
Last season, Chile shipped 43% of its total blueberry volume to the United States.
Frutas de Chile’s Cherry Committee, notes last year the South American country sent just under four million boxes to the US, with a possible increase coming this season.
The first boat was carrying nearly 3,200 pallets of cherries which arrived in Philadelphia on December 16.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Mexico has solidified its position as a key supplier of fresh produce to the US, with peak import season from November to May.
The US Department of Agriculture reports that Mexico supplies 63% of vegetable imports and 47% of fruits and nuts to the US. Avocados from Mexico are particularly vital, meeting year-round demand when other sources are out of season.
Greenhouse technology has enabled year-round production of items like bell peppers and cucumbers. However, challenges such as rising transportation costs, border logistics and tariffs have affected sales, particularly for tomatoes.
Top imports from Mexico include avocados, tomatoes, bell and hot peppers, cucumbers, squash, berries, limes and mangos.
The USDA reports avocados and berries, including strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries, have grown the fastest among Mexico-to-U.S. horticultural imports over the past decade, with tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and squash remaining core vegetables being imported.
Mission Produce of Oxnard, CA notes Mexico supplies about 80% of avocados in the U.S. and is also the largest importing country of mangos to the U.S., representing about 67% of mango imports.
The supply chain linking Mexico and the U.S. is very efficient. For example, you can have a fresh avocado in two to five days, from orchard to your table.
Pacific Northwest growers are experiencing a rebound this season, with USA Pears putting 2025’s harvest at 19 million boxes. The 78 percent from a year ago, follow a sharply reduced 2024 crop.
Oregon and Washington producers, who account for about 88 percent of US fresh pear volume, wrapped the season with broad varietal gains and heightened marketing plans heading into December.
Bearing acreage also saw an increase, with an estimated 41,000 acres, up two percent from last year, according to a May summary by the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.
USA Pears, which distributes ten pear varieties year-round, reports higher yields across all categories. However, Bosc pears lead the resurgence, with production up more than 250 percent over last year.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The Almond Board of California says the state’s almond industry is contracting in part due to a year-over-year decrease in planted almond land area.
According to the organization’s 2025 annual almond standing-acreage survey, California’s total almond acreage is 1,505,997 acres this year, a 1.3 percent decrease from 1,525,638 acres in 2024.
While this decrease may seem modest, it is significant because it marks the fourth consecutive year of declining almond plantings.
Clarice Turner, President and CEO of the Almond Board of California, said this is one of the reasons for the contraction, which, in combination with sustained removals and fewer new plantings, “reflects structural changes in the California almond sector.”
“At the same time, global demand for California almonds remains strong, and the sector is well-positioned to provide a consistent and stable supply of California almonds around the world,” she added.
Productive acreage reached 1,401,097 acres, up from 1,383,332 acres in 2024. Of this total, 19,927 acres are considered potentially abandoned orchards, according to the board.
Non-productive acreage and plantings from 2023, 2024, or 2025 that have not yet entered full production declined to 104,900 acres, down from 142,306 acres a year ago.
Orchard removals in 2025 totaled approximately 49,197 acres. Removals totaled 66,794 acres in 2024 and 82,958 acres in 2023.
By Tamara Dardari, Marketing Assistant, ALC
With the holiday season in full swing, the demand for festive greenery is higher than ever, and so is the need to keep it fresh from farm to home. Christmas tree sales increase every year and are estimated at approximately 25–30 million trees sold annually. Sales of artificial trees continue to climb thanks to their convenience and durability. Wreaths and garlands have become increasingly popular over the years as people blend timeless tradition with modern decor. However, this does not compare to the demand for poinsettias around the holidays. An estimated 70 million poinsettias are sold nationwide annually, and they’re among the most delicate plants to ship. This includes transporting the plant at temperatures of 53°F-57°F and watering it enough to keep the soil moist during transport. Even brief exposure to cold or rough handling can cause leaf loss, making careful transport essential. Like poinsettias, Christmas trees require specialized transport in dry vans or refrigerated trucks with temperature control. The high demand and specific handling requirements for all Christmas greenery make the logistics industry’s services necessary to make the holiday season happen.
Fun Facts & Preservation Tips:
- Poinsettias don’t like cold weather – they thrive in humidity and are damaged when exposed to temperatures below 50°F.
- There are over 100 poinsettia varieties, though classic red remains the best-selling holiday choice.
- Keep garlands and wreaths fresher indoors by using a humidifier to maintain moisture in the air.
- Garlands were among the earliest Christmas decorations, originally made from popcorn and various types of fruit. Since then, they have evolved to include natural elements such as greenery, berries, pinecones, ribbon, and more.
- The top-producing Christmas tree states are: Oregon, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, and Washington.
Many behind-the-scenes logistics go into bringing cheer and decorations to life during the holiday season. Given the complexities of shipping Christmas greenery, it is essential to handle these products with care and understand how to navigate the transfer process. At ALC, we understand how delicate and time-sensitive the shipping of these plants and trees is. We move quickly and efficiently, providing the right temperature and living conditions as they are transported from the source to your home this Christmas season.
*****
Tamara Dardari graduated from Chapman University in May of 2025 with a BA in Strategic and Corporate Communication and a minor in Creative and Cultural Industries. She started her career with the Allen Lund Company in the Marketing department this past October.
tamara.dardari@allenlund.com
Peruvian blueberry exports were about 70 percent through its season in early November with shipments expected to continue at a steady pace until April 2026. The U.S. continues to the leading destination for exports.
Exports are on track to hit 360,000 tonnes, with shipments holding relatively consistent to ease logistical pressures, reduce market saturation, and provide a more stable supply to buyers across the globe.
The South American giant entered the blueberry market in 2015 and has since risen to the top of the export market with record sales that surpassed $2.27 billion last year. In 2019, Peru officially became the world’s top blueberry exporter.
As of early November over 250,000 tons had already been shipped, representing a 25 percent increase over the same period last year.
Initial projections put 2025’s volumes at 400,000 tons, but estimated volumes have been lowered approximately 7 percent to 360,000 tons due to weather factors.
The even distribution of volume supports smoother logistics and operational efficiency, particularly as the blueberry peak coincides with the table grape season, sharing port and operational resources.
Peru added roughly 8,648 new producing acres over the past year, with La Libertad continuing to account for about 48 percent of national output. Other key growing regions, such as Ica, show potential to reach 20 percent in the medium term.
Peru’s extended varietal portfolio, combining early and late varieties, has allowed shipments to remain steady at roughly 19,000–20,000 tonnes per week.
The United States remains the largest destination for Peruvian blueberries at 44 percent, though this share has declined due to the 10 percent tariff. Europe now accounts for approximately 32 percent, while China continues to grow to nearly 15 percent.
California produces about 99 percent of the persimmons consumed in the US, with imports from Chile and Israel supplementing the market during the spring months.
Giumarra Companies of Los Angeles reports strong persimmon volume and outstanding quality for the holiday season when consumer interest usually peaks.
Giumarra notes overall fruit quality across its product lines remains strong, with size and total volume tracking closely with last year.
As global persimmon shipments rebound and international suppliers prepare for stronger 2025 volumes, Giumarra maintains domestic and imported fruit play complementary roles rather than competing directly.
Giumarra is one of the largest shippers of persimmons in the United States. The company points out imported persimmons operate within a different shipping window and therefore do not compete directly with domestic volume.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIES: 1-800-404-5863.