As North American shipments of fruit ranging from mangoes to avocados and blueberries come to a seasonal end, the slack is picked up with similar importedfruit arrivals at various U.S. ports.
South American Mango Imports
The first Brazilian mangos arrived at the Port of Miami September 5, three weeks later than normal to due weather factors during the growing season. Volume should peak in October with decent supplies in November. Ecuador is also late. Initial shipments by boat have just started with the Ataulfos (yellow-skinned mangos). The red fruit will begin shipping around October 15. Following Ecuador, Peru should enter the U.S. market with fruit by early January. Peru should have a good supply of mangos throughout January and well into February.
Chilean Avocado Imports
U.S. importers are estimating about 60 million pounds of avocados will arrive by boat at American ports during the 2014-15 season. Limited amounts of the imported fruit have already arrived as seasons have just wrapped up for California and Peru. The Chilean avocados are joining Mexican product, which is now cranking up. About 70 percent of the Chilean avocados arrive by boat at ports on the West Coast. East Coast ports accept about 25 percent of the fruit, while around five percent comes into the Gulf of Mexico headed to ports in Texas.
Port of Long Beach imported fruit – grossing $5500 to Chicago.
South American Blueberry Imports
Blueberries from Argentina and Peru have recently started arriving at American ports and should continue into January.
About 9,000 tons of “blues” from Argentina came to the United States last season, up from about 7,700 tons a year earlier.
Last season was the first time Peruvian blueberries had been imported to the U.S. The country expects to have about 12,000 acres of blues by 2020, and imports by the U.S. are expected to increase each year for the foreseeable future.