U.S. citrus imports from South America continue to account for significant volume this time of the year.
Chile has become a key supply source for lemons over the summer months, shipping 55,000 tons to the U.S. market in 2019. The Chilean Citrus Committee projects similar volumes for 2020, with 23,148 tons already shipped to the U.S. through mid July. Steady, promotable volumes will be available through September, with shipments winding down in late September.
Last summer Chile saw record exports, shipping 55,000MT to the U.S.. The Citrus Committee expects similar volumes in 2020 as the season pushes forward.
There has been particularly strong movement from the beginning of April through the first week of July. Those increases totaled from anywhere between 19 to 49 percent higher than last year.
Duda Farm Fresh Foods of Oviedo, FL launched its 18th consecutive import citrus program. Now through October, Duda Farm Fresh Foods will import citrus to the U.S. from the southern hemisphere in good volume.
Duda Farm Fresh Food’s line of imported citrus, sold under the Dandy® label, includes clementines, lemons, navels, and Cara Cara oranges.
“At Duda Farm Fresh Foods, we are constantly improving our available citrus varieties to provide quality fruit from our growers in Chile, Peru and Uruguay,” said Mark Bassetti, senior vice president of Duda Farm Fresh Foods.
About Dandy® Celery
For nearly 100 years, Duda Farm Fresh Foods has been a leading grower, shipper, processor and marketer of fresh vegetables and citrus. Known for their superior celery, over the years the company has expanded their facilities to accommodate recent developments such as celery juicing and other health and wellness trends in order to provide consumers with the freshest celery possible. With primary locations in Florida, California, Arizona, Georgia and Michigan, Duda Farm Fresh Foods carries a commitment to innovation and sustainability and believes in growing a healthy future for generations to come. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of A. Duda & Sons, Inc., a family-owned, diversified land company headquartered in Oviedo, Fla.