Posts Tagged “feature”
Elgin, MN – Honeybear Brands, a leading grower and marketer of premium conventional and organic apples, pears and cherries, is delivering a fresh-picked crop of apples and pears to retailers nationwide beginning in March thanks to its Chilean operations.
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.
“Incorporating imports in the fresh fruit mix is a smart long-term strategy as many domestic apples begin losing flavor and that crisp eating experience after months in storage,” says Don Roper, vice president sales and marketing, Honeybear Brands. “With near perfect weather in Southern Chile, Honeycrisp fruit sizing and quality this year should be terrific.”
Honeybear’s Chilean Honeycrisp crop started harvest in early March and will begin to arrive by April into its East Coast facilities. In addition to Honeycrisp, organic and conventional Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji, Pazazz, and pears will be available. With operations on both coasts, Honeybear maintains its leadership position in providing retailers with premium fruit, executing 100% supply assurance and ensuring lowest landed cost apple and pear programs.
With its broad array of orchards in Washington and the Midwest plus its import production in South America, Honeybear Brands provides a turnkey apple and pear program for retailers all year round.
About Honeybear Brands
Honeybear is family owned a leading grower and developer of premium apple varieties and has been in operation for more than 40 years.
As a leading vertically integrated, dual hemisphere grower, packer, shipper, Honeybear offers supply of premium apples and pears on a year-round basis. Honeybear Brands is a wholly owned subsidiary of Wescott Agri Products. For more information about Honeybear, visit www.honeybearbrands.com and follow on Facebook.
By Fernando Dominguez ALC San Francisco
The Transportation industry is more than just getting products from point A to point B. There are myriad factors to consider, from the product itself and the agricultural regulations it abides by to the equipment utilized and the laws that govern it. Most importantly, but arguably the most overlooked factor in this industry, are the laws, rules, and regulations that create the foundation under which many products are cultivated. Being part of a national transportation brokerage and working in the San Francisco office, whose main niche is in produce, we are consistently watchful for changes in regulations and shifts in the market. They have the potential to affect both the customers we conduct business with and the carrier companies that relentlessly move product from coast to coast. I am part of a team that must shift and pivot in an industry full of change, but with change comes bountiful opportunities.
There have been numerous occasions where changes in agriculture and consumer spending have led customers and carriers to adjust their daily procedures to keep up with demand. Most recently, the USDA Announced Temporary Suspension of the Continuance Referendum Requirement for California Raisins. This has the potential to change how much grapes are moved throughout the country. Subsequently, other produce products grown in California will be impacted, as this action amends a marketing order affecting growers and handlers of grapes (of whom presently, there are approximately 18 handlers of raisins subject to regulation under the Order and approximately 2,000 raisin producers in the regulated area). Keeping track of regulatory changes is extremely important because they enable multiple entities to regulate the cultivation and distribution processes. Additionally, it’s crucial to understand the financial effects of these changes. Any time there is a change of this magnitude in the transportation industry, it has the potential to change customer buying projections, bids on specific lanes, and carrier shifts in certain geographical regions. It even changes the compliance that drivers must adhere to when loading at specific shippers.
I take pride in contributing to an industry that ensures Americans have access to high-quality goods and efficient resource distribution. Our direct involvement in this dynamic system allows us to continuously sharpen our skills and thrive amidst challenges. These challenges foster team cohesion and offer unparalleled opportunities for career growth. The next time I go to the grocery store and see a display of grapes or raisins, I will know that many people and businesses made a tremendous effort to cultivate, supply, and distribute them even through changing regulations. At ALC, we’re committed to upholding our core values of integrity, dependability, service, honesty, and family while meeting the evolving needs of our industry.
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Fernando Dominguez graduated from California State University Chico in 2020. He served as an embarkation logistics specialist in the United States Marine Corps Reserve as a sergeant, while beginning his career at the Allen Lund Company as a transportation broker in training. He was promoted to transportation broker after eight months and subsequently to carrier manager after a year and a half at the ALC San Francisco office.
fernando.dominguez@allenlund.com
Mango imports by the U.S. have suffered as Peru, a primary supplier, has had a major drop in volume. Peru will conclude the 2023-24 season with a 73% decline in exported volume, leading to a 27% drop year-on-year for U.S. mango imports of all origins.
The National Mango Board revealed March 8 Peru shipped approximately 161,402 boxes (8.8lbs each) of mangos during week 9. That is nearly half of the 301,928 boxes Peru shipped the same week last year.
The drop in volume from Peru this season was caused by the El Niño phenomenon, which brought elevated temperatures adversely affecting the flowering of mango trees. This led to prices in the U.S. market to reach unprecedented levels this season.
On the other hand, the Mexican season, which starts later than Peru, is providing stable volumes to the United States. Total shipments from Mexico, expected to last through April, are projected to be 1% higher than last year.
On week 9, Mexico shipped approximately 1.6 million boxes, bringing the total to 5.4 million boxes for the season so far.
Mexican shipments started to ramp up in February.
In February, Continental Fresh of Miami, FL reported they were experiencing the peak of the mango crisis, and they had not expected the drop in volume to be so drastic.
However, the company noted the Mexican season meant positive developments coming soon.
Promotional volume from Mexico is anticipated to arrive by April, providing optimism that the industry could mitigate the effects of the current shortage.
Brazil was able to cover some of the shortage this season, with volumes up 31% year-on-year.
As the season progresses, with Peru, Mexico and Guatemala supplying the market, projections indicate that by week 18, all three sources will export have exported 39,343,728 boxes to the U.S., down from the 56,224,325 shipped in 2022-23.
Ayco Farms and Fisher Ranch, prominent players in the seasonal melon industry, have recently announced a significant collaboration. The alliance is aimed at supplying a year-round assortment of melons, including cantaloupe, honeydew, along with various mixed melons. Targeting retail, food service, and fresh-cut segments, this alliance guarantees their clientele a steady provision of premium-quality melons.
Ayco, with a home office in Pompano Beach, FL, is a multinational, premier supplier of various offshore fruits and vegetables, including cantaloupes, watermelons, honeydews, pineapples, and asparagus, operates extensively across Central and South America and Mexico. Fisher Ranch of Blythe, CA supplies melons throughout North America and is renowned for producing sweet, flavorful vine-ripe melons. Fisher Ranch operates in Arizona and California, bringing domestic operational support and more than 6 decades of expertise and dedication to the industry.
Bart Fisher, principal shareholder of Fisher Ranch, highlighted the synergistic potential of this initiative with Ayco. “This alliance is a natural progression for Fisher and our growth strategy. We bring a combined legacy of quality, innovation, and customer-focused operations. This new venture is more than just a business arrangement; it’s a commitment to excellence.”
“The creation of this program with Fisher Ranch marks a significant milestone for Ayco,” said Avi Nir, CEO and President of Ayco. “It represents our promise to provide our customers with top-quality melons all year round. We’re excited about the opportunities for this alliance and the benefits it will offer our customers.”
Both Ayco and Fisher Ranch are renowned for their stringent control over every stage of their operations, from cultivation and harvesting to packaging, quality control, and distribution. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that only the finest melons reach their customers.
Ayco will transition to Fisher Ranch with melon production in AZ and California beginning from late May and continuing through October. The collaboration will leverage Guatemalan melons from November to June, guaranteeing a year-round supply.
For additional information, please contact Fisher Ranch at www.fisherranch.com and Ayco Farms at www.aycofarms.com.
Argentine Chamber of Integrated Fruit Growers (CAFI) expects pear volume to be down 7 percent this season, despite having a normal harvest.
The Abbé Fétel variety was most heavily affected, with a 20% drop in production. However, because it is a smaller variety, the decline did not affect overall volume.
CFAI indicates 180,000 tons will be shipped to the northern hemisphere, and another 50,000 tons to Latin America.
While the U.S. produces pears, CFAI believes the quality may not be as good as some season and this will contribute to Argentina still having a successful season.
Argentina pears are normally shipped by sea until around May to reach the Northern Hemisphere and all year round to Latin America.
It was pointed out by CFAI the USDA made an overly optimistic forcast on Nov. 6, estimating “higher yields for an increase of 317,200 metric tons.
Argentina currently has 49,421 acres planted with pears, but that poor weather and above-average drought conditions in January and February stalled production in 2023-24. Overall, production is estimated to be down by 7 percent.
Titan Farms of Ridge Spring, SC, one of the leading peach producers in the United States, announces its strategic collaboration with the Borquez family, bringing early access to the market with the first peaches harvested in the northern hemisphere. This partnership will not only lengthen Titan Farms’ peach season but also offer consumers a wider range of high-quality peaches.
Nestled in the heart of Sonora, Mexico, the Borquez family has cultivated a legacy of multi-generational farming expertise. Led by Luis Borquez and his sons, the Borquez family is renowned for their commitment to growing and packing exceptional peaches, showcasing unparalleled flavor profiles and quality. This groundbreaking partnership not only underscores Titan Farms’ commitment to quality produce but also introduces exclusive peaches from the unique microclimate and soils of Caborca, Sonora, Mexico.
By offering peaches from Mexico, Titan Farms gains a competitive edge in the market by providing early access to fresh, flavorful peaches. The Borquez family, renowned for their expertise and dedication to quality, predominantly grows USA varieties.
“This collaboration with the Borquez family marks a significant milestone for Titan Farms as we strive to meet consumer demand for fresh, delicious peaches through an extended season,” said Chalmers Carr, President and CEO of Titan Farms. “With early access to the market and our commitment to quality, we are excited to continue delivering the finest peaches to our customers.”
The peaches grown on Oasis Farms by the Borquez family and will be available in various pack styles.
About Titan Farms
Founded in 1999 by Chalmers and Lori Anne Carr, Titan Farms is a premier grower, packer and shipper of fresh peaches and vegetables. Today, Titan Farms is the largest peach grower on the east coast, with over 6,200 acres of peaches, 600 acres of bell peppers, 1,000 acres of broccoli and 36 acres of eggplant. Titan Farms is a family-run operation.
About Oasis Farms
The Borquez family is a multi-generational farming family located in Caborca, Sonora, Mexico. Led by Luis Borquez and his sons, the family is dedicated to growing and packing high-quality yellow peaches, showcasing exceptional flavor and freshness.
GOODLETTSVILLE, TN – Dollar General has exceeded its latest milestone, now offering fresh produce options in more than 5,000 stores across the country.
The retailer now has more individual points of produce distribution than any other U.S. mass retailer or grocer. DG stores that carry produce provide consumers with a curated assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, onions, apples, strawberries, potatoes, sweet potatoes, lemons, limes, salad mixes, and more.
First announced in the Company’s Q4 2022 earnings last March, DG has continued to make strides toward reaching this milestone and now, more than 5,000 DG stores also carry the top 20 items typically sold in traditional grocery stores which cover approximately 80 percent of the produce categories most grocery stores traditionally provide.
“We are constantly looking for ways to better serve our customers and one of our top priorities is to ensure the communities we call home have access to fresh, affordable, and convenient food options,” said Emily Taylor, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer at Dollar General. “We have exceeded our goal of having 5,000 total stores with fresh produce by January 2024. We’re proud to leverage our footprint to meet the need for healthy food options in more communities than any other retailer across the U.S.”
The Company has also recently invested in a partnership with Shelf Engine, an AI company providing retailers with technology to improve perishable food forecasting and ordering.
The partnership will evolve Dollar General’s process to optimize in-stock produce levels, helping automate the ordering process while providing customers with the freshest food possible. As this tool continues to roll out, it will support the Company on its meaningful produce growth journey while improving operational efficiency.
Approximately 80 percent of Dollar General stores serve communities of 20,000 or fewer people, and residents in these communities often rely on the retailer for their everyday essentials including components of a nutritious meal. Every Dollar General provides customers with healthy food options such as milk, eggs, bread, cheese, frozen and canned vegetables, grains, lean proteins and more, including Dollar General’s exclusive Good & Smart® private brand.
As part of the Company’s commitment to provide convenient and affordable access to foods, in 2023 it announced its “Food First” initiative, which includes the customer feedback-driven expansion of its private label brand, Clover Valley, welcoming over 100 new items to shelves including a wide range of entrees, sides, sauces, condiments, snacks and more at affordable price points.
Additionally, Dollar General partners with local and national nonprofit organizations, including food banks, as part of its on-going efforts to help alleviate food insecurity. DG’s operational partnership with Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, provides in-kind food donations from stores and distribution centers across the country with a goal to contribute up to 20 million meals each year. To date, Dollar General has donated more than 23 million meals and over $3 million to Feeding America.
Explore local stories of how Dollar General has brought fresh produce to underserved communities here. To learn more about Dollar General’s produce and healthy food options, including recipes using ingredients sourced from DG stores, visit https://www.dollargeneral.com/c/food-beverage. Find a store with produce near you by filtering for fresh produce on the online store locator.
About Dollar General Corporation
Dollar General Corporation (NYSE: DG) is proud to serve as America’s neighborhood general store. Founded in 1939, Dollar General lives its mission of Serving Others every day by providing access to affordable products and services for its customers, career opportunities for its employees, and literacy and education support for its hometown communities. As of November 3, 2023, the company’s 19,726 Dollar General, DG Market, DGX and pOpshelf stores across the United States and Mi Súper Dollar General stores in Mexico provide everyday essentials including food, health and wellness products, cleaning and laundry supplies, self-care and beauty items, and seasonal décor from our high-quality private brands alongside many of the world’s most trusted brands such as Coca Cola, PepsiCo/Frito-Lay, General Mills, Hershey, J.M. Smucker, Kraft, Mars, Nestlé, Procter & Gamble and Unilever. Learn more at DollarGeneral.com
South Texas 1015 onion shipments have started from the Rio Grande Valley and early reports indicate a quality crop with normal volume.
The harvest of TX1015 onions has already begun in Texas’ southern counties. While a brisk January has affected early yields, availability is anticipated to rise substantially as temperatures increase in the Rio Grande Valley. Thanks to mild winter conditions, exceptional quality is anticipated.
Excellent quality, size, and availability are expected to continue throughout the summer as the harvest begins in the Wintergarden region in another 6-8 weeks. Overall, the season will bring an abundance of delicious TX1015 sweet onions, which will be available in stores across the country.
Consumer-facing promotions in this year’s campaign will extend to a broader audience than ever before. Shoppers should keep their eyes open for engaging promotions including the “Sizzlin’ Flavor” sweepstakes (which features over $1000 in prizes), monthly social media giveaways, a food influencer recipe contest, and the release of a cookbook highlighting the versatility of Texas’ favorite sweet onion, says Dante Galeazzi, manager of the South Texas Onion Committee and President of Texas International Produce Associationc of Mission, TX.
The Michigan Potato Industry Commission in a new report and press release shows the economic benefits the Michigan potato industry has on the state’s economy.
The commission notes the state’s potato industry contributes more than $2.5 billion to the state’s gross domestic product and supports 21,700 jobs in the state, generating around $832 million in wages.
“In 2022 alone, this contribution, which stems from both direct and indirect economic activity, includes nearly $1.5 billion in direct economic activity resulting from growing, processing wholesaling and retailing potatoes and potato products,” Ryan Norton, chair of the Michigan Potato Industry Commission and farm manager at Walther Farms in Three Rivers MI, said. “It also factors an additional $1 billion in indirect activity from the food service industry and through the household consumption of Michigan-grown potatoes.”
The commission said the study found potatoes are the second-largest specialty crop grown in the state, adding that Michigan produces about 1.9 billion pounds of potatoes for seed, fresh, frozen, dehydrated and processing industries. More than 70% of potatoes grown in Michigan go to the chip industry.
Apples are the leading specialty crop grown in the state.
The study says 1 in 4 bags of potato chips in the U.S. contains Michigan-grown potatoes.
“The sales of these potatoes generated more than $246 million [in 2022] alone. This puts Michigan as the eighth-largest state in the nation in terms of potato production and sixth in terms of sales,” said Phil Gusmano, vice president of purchasing of Detroit-based Better Made Snack Foods and commissioner on the Michigan Potato Industry Commission.
The start of Vidalia onion season is almost here, with the official pack date announced by the Georgia Agriculture Commissioner and Vidalia Onion Committee. Vidalia onion fans across the country can mark their calendars for April 17, when the sweet onions are set to ship to grocery stores nationwide.
“In coordination with the Vidalia Onion Committee, I am incredibly excited to announce April 17,2024, as the official pack date of the 2024 Vidalia onion season,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. “Georgia Grown, Vidalia Onions are recognized around the globe for their iconic, sweet flavor that is treasured by culinary leaders and home chefs alike. This is an exciting time for Georgia farmers and consumers alike as we look forward to enjoying the sweet onion again!”
Vidalia onions are available for a limited time each year between April through early September. The pack date is determined by soil and weather conditions during the growing season, contributing to high-quality Vidalia onions. The Vidalia Onion Advisory Panel voted to recommend April 17th as the 2024 pack date to Commissioner Harper.
Known for their sweet, crisp flavor and versatility, Vidalia onions are a seasonal treat for various dishes – from savory to sweet! Because of the unique weather, water, and soil combination in 20 South Georgia counties, Vidalia onions cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. While all Vidalias are sweet onions, not all sweet onions are Vidalias!
“For the 2024 season, we have 11,000 acres of Vidalia onions planted in the production area,” said VOC Chairman Cliff Riner. “Over the past few years, sweet onion sales have continued to increase, with Vidalia onions being a big part of the market. We’re looking forward to another great season this year.”
For over 80 years, Vidalia onions have been hand-planted, harvested, and cured by growers. The Vidalia Onion Act of 1986 established their growing region in South Georgia and trademarked the “Vidalia onion” name. Vidalia onions are grown from a distinctive Granex seed, then packed and sold on or after the official pack date annually.
About the Vidalia® Onion Committee
Because Vidalia® onions are sweetly unique, farmers united to seek legal protection for their crop and its name. Federal Marketing Order No. 955 was established in 1989, to stipulate where the crop can be grown and help with research and promotion of Vidalia onions. The Vidalia Onion Committee administers FMO No. 955 and authorizes production research, marketing research and development and marketing promotion programs. This federal program along with Georgia state laws that protect the Vidalia trademark have provided a legal framework for the industry. So, you can try to grow a sweet onion elsewhere, but you cannot call it a “Vidalia,” unless it is from Georgia! For more information, visit VidaliaOnion.org.