The first of four break bulk cargo ships from Peru’s Port of Paracas arrived in Philadelphia at the Port of Gloucester in New Jersey January 16. In a historic milestone, the boat transported shipments of Peruvian table grapes.
The accomplishment came due to SENASA of Peru and the USDA which is a breakthrough, resulting the Peruvian industry have a new alternative to ship fruit in containers.
SENSA pointed out this had never been done from Peru. It came about due to a long term coordinated effort with SENASA, PROVID (the table grape association), the shipping companies, and the ports to achieve this operation in break bulk ships.
This type of transportation is more efficient, when considering the global container shortage, where a demand that exceeds the inventory creates substantial congestion in container terminals.
Break bulk ships arrive at private terminals which are less congested, thus avoiding the congestion at other terminals. This results in fruit being unloaded faster.
A second ship is on its way from Peru to the U.S., a third is about to sail, and the fourth is ready to leave the week of January 20-24.
The first vessel arrived in Philadelphia carrying 3,876 pallets and 76 containers of grapes.
The second, third, and fourth vessels will deliver 4,500 pallets and 100 containers each. Break bulkHe favors Peruvian grape exports to the United States, especially during the winter in the northern hemisphere, when operations become longer and congestion at ports builds up.
This permits ships to bypass the line and avoid the 7 to 10-day congestion delays in the ports today.
Peruvian table grapes are among the fastest-growing industries, increasing from 400,000 metric tons (MT) in 2019-2020 to 622,000 MT in 2022-2023.
In this context, market research firm Fluctuante recently published a report on agro-exports, analyzing the current state of the industry in Peru.
The report indicates that in the 2023-2024 campaign, table grape exports slightly declined to 525,000 MT due to heavy rains and high temperatures affecting fruit quality. Despite the downturn, Peru remains the world’s largest exporter of table grapes.
Meanwhile, China significantly increased its exports, reaching 490,000 MT in 2023-2024. South Africa maintained a stable share, while Chile’s exports decreased from 496,000 MT to 480,000 MT over the same period.
The Peruvian Table Grape Producers Association (Provid) projects record exports for the 2024-2025 season, estimating more than 78 million boxes of 8.2 kg each, equivalent to approximately 640,000 MT.
Provid highlighted that this volume represents a 25.4% increase over the previous season, driven by production recovery along the north coast and the introduction of new, higher-yield varieties.
Peruvian grapes are primarily destined for the United States, Europe, Latin America, and China.
David Sandoval, general manager of Fluctuante, pointed out that Peru has transitioned from an emerging exporter to a global leader in the table grape market.
He explained that the industry’s growth began in the 1980s with initial Red Globe exports, but “it was in the last decade that the country solidified its position through crop expansion, varietal innovation, and strategic trade agreements.”
Sandoval noted that Peru achieved a milestone during the 2022-2023 season by exporting 585,000 tons, accounting for 16% of the global market and surpassing long-standing competitors.
“For the 2024-2025 campaign, we expect a new record of 640,000 tons, driven by production recovery and the introduction of seedless varieties like Sweet Globe and Autumn Crisp,” he said.
Peruvian table grape exports reach more than 50 international markets. The primary destinations include the United States, Europe, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.
Latin American markets, such as Mexico and Brazil, also play a significant role. In Asia, China is a growing market for Peruvian grapes.
Sandoval remarked that in December 2024, the industry successfully exported grapes cold-treated in shipholds for the first time in South America.
“The shipment, consisting of 4,000 pallets—nearly 200 containers—departed from the Port of Paracas bound for the United States. This logistical innovation aims to improve efficiency and quality in the supply chain,” he said.
Alico, Inc., of Fort Myers, FL has announced a strategic transformation to become a diversified land company with each of its properties now expected to create profitable agricultural revenue opportunities that are not citrus-related until the Highest and Best Use (“HBU”) for these acres can be realized, according to a press release.
Alico owns approximately 53,371 acres of land across eight counties in Florida, as well as approximately 48,700 acres of oil, gas and mineral rights in the state. Alico Citrus, which holds the Company’s citrus production operations, has faced increasing financial challenges from citrus greening disease and environmental factors for many seasons.
The Company has decided to not spend further capital on its citrus operations after the current crop is harvested in 2025. It will focus its resources on creating new opportunities for profitable growth while also acting prudently on behalf of shareholders.
Alico expects to maintain its commitment to the Florida agriculture industry through diversified farming operations on nearly all its land holdings following this citrus production transition. Alico also expects to entitle certain parcels of its land for commercial and residential development. The Company believes these strategic decisions improve its ability to provide investors with a greater return on capital that includes the benefits and stability of a conventional agriculture investment, with the optionality that comes with active land management.
“For over a century, Alico has been proud to be one of Florida’s leading citrus producers and a dedicated steward of its agricultural land, but we must now reluctantly adapt to changing environmental and economic realities. Our citrus production has declined approximately 73% over the last ten years, despite significant investments in land, trees and citrus disease treatments, and the current harvest will likely be lower in volume than the previous season.
“The impact of Hurricanes Irma in 2017, Ian in 2022 and Milton in 2024 on our trees, already weakened from years of citrus greening disease, has led Alico to conclude that growing citrus is no longer economically viable for us in Florida,” said John Kiernan, Alico’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“This difficult decision is expected to provide Alico with a more stable future while maintaining our deep roots in agriculture by meaningfully reducing our working capital requirements for annual citrus production, reducing financial volatility and allowing the Company to focus on profitable non-citrus agricultural opportunities and entitlement work to achieve the HBU for all properties in our real estate portfolio.”
Alico plans to wind down Alico Citrus’ primary operations, which will include reducing most of its citrus production workforce effective immediately. The Company expects that approximately 3,460 citrus acres will be managed by third-party caretakers for another season through 2026.
Mr. Kiernan continued, “This strategic transformation is expected to provide Alico with a more stable future while maintaining our deep roots in agriculture. We recognize the personal impact this decision has on our valued employees and the Company is supporting them through this transition. Through these operational changes, Alico will remain a responsible corporate citizen and steward of both our land and communities, just as we have done for more than 125 years. For decades, while maintaining its agriculture leadership, Alico has opportunistically sold land in Florida for responsible purposes that benefit both the local communities and our shareholders, such as the approximately 40,000 acres of the Alico Ranch that were sold to the State of Florida since 2017 and the 760 acres of land donated in 1992 to establish Florida Gulf Coast University. We’ve explored all available options to restore our citrus operations to profitability, but the long term production trend and the cost needed to combat citrus greening disease no longer supports our expectations for a recovery. Alico thanks our entire Alico Citrus team for their unwavering dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Despite our collective efforts, Alico believes that this strategic decision is not only correct but essential. We remain committed to creating opportunities that will maintain our legacy of stewardship while also acting prudently on behalf of our shareholders, including working with local municipalities to develop plans that will benefit their Florida communities.”
Under this new strategy, Alico:
Expects to recognize positive cash flow for the remainder of the current fiscal year once land sales that have already been negotiated close, severance and restructuring costs are realized, and harvesting activities conclude.
Anticipates that cash reserves at the end of the 2025 fiscal year will be sufficient to meet future operating expenses for at least two additional years without any additional land sales being required.
Estimates that approximately 75% of its current land holdings are likely to remain agriculturally focused for the foreseeable future.
Expects that approximately 25% of its land holdings have near- and long-term potential for commercial and residential development, with approximately 10% of its acres targeted for development within the next five years.
Management estimates that the value of our current landholdings could be worth approximately $650 million to $750 million, with 75% of these acres valued for agriculture usage.
About Alico Alico, Inc. currently operates two divisions: Alico Citrus, currently one of the nation’s largest citrus producers, and Land Management and Other Operations, which include land leasing and related support operations. While Alico Citrus will cease operations after the 2024/2025 harvest due to environmental and financial challenges, Alico remains committed to Florida’s agriculture industry, and will focus on its long-term diversified land usage and real estate development strategy. Learn more about Alico (Nasdaq: “ALCO”) at www.alicoinc.com.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, two of the world’s leading shipping companies, announced recently they will not be returning to the Red Sea immediately following the ceasefire announcement between Hamas and Israel.
Hapag-Lloyd reports the company is closely monitoring the conflict in the Red Sea and wants to resume operations as soon as they are safe.
Maersk reports it is still too early to speculate about timing.
Hapag-Lloyd had already give notice in June a ceasefire would not mean an immediate resumption of passage through the Suez Canal, as attacks from Yemen-based Houthi militants, could still be possible.
Rearranging the schedule takes four and six weeks.
Disruptions in the Middle East have caused shipping companies to divert their vessels towards longer routes. These companies often force their container ships around Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, pushing freight rates higher and disrupting global ocean shipping.
California grower and shipper Fruit World is experiencing a strong organic and conventional mandarin season, with this year’s organic clementines in particular showing notably high sugar levels. The overall quality is exceptional, with both flavor and appearance meeting high standards, the company said in a release.
Bianca Kaprielian, the founder and CEO of Fruit World, based in Reedley, CA, explains that the season started with organic Clementines from Sky Ranch, the family’s property, and that these fruits are performing especially well.
“These mandarins are always special, but this year they are exceptional,” she noted. Other organic varieties, including Satsumas, also exhibit higher-than-average sugar content for this season. With an abundant crop, Fruit World anticipates a continued supply of fruit throughout the season.
In addition to mandarins, the firm is also offering a variety of other organic fruits, including Navel oranges, lemons, grapefruit, and soon, Cara Caras, Buddha’s Hand, Mandarinquats, and Limequats.
A recent desert freeze in California and Arizona is the most serious thus far this winter. Damage to lettuce needs to be closely watched by haulers to help reduce chances of claims at destination.
In a press release, Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA recently assessed the current situation.
• Widespread, moderate-to-heavy lettuce ice is expected throughout this entire week in all Arizona and California desert growing areas • Harvesting delays of three to four hours are being reported; loading delays can also be expected • This significant freeze event will have lasting effects on the quality of many desert row crop items • Lettuces and tender leaf items are the most susceptible to freeze-related quality and shelf-life challenges • Apart from quality, plant growth will also be affected as ground temperatures decrease this week • Markon inspectors are monitoring conditions and will update further as needed
The recent California wildfires have left a haunting mark on our communities and hearts. At the Allen Lund Company, headquartered in La Cañada Flintridge, our employees experienced this devastation firsthand. Between the Palisades and Eaton fires, many of our team members (and family and friends) faced mandatory evacuations as the fires blazed through the surrounding cities, threatening homes, beloved restaurants, and landmarks that have long been central to our lives. Entire neighborhoods have been reduced to ash, and the impact is felt in every corner of our community. Families are displaced, cherished memories lost, and the collective sense of security is shaken.
Yet, amid the destruction, we’ve witnessed incredible resilience and humanity. Neighbors helping neighbors, first responders risking everything to save lives, and countless acts of kindness remind us of the strength within our community. The transportation and logistics industry plays a critical role in ensuring resources like food, water, and building materials reach those in need. Together, we are not just moving freight but helping rebuild lives.
As we look to the future, we focus on coming together to heal and rebuild. The fires may have destroyed physical structures, but they cannot extinguish the spirit of our community. At the Allen Lund Company, we are committed to supporting our neighbors, customers, and team members as we navigate this recovery together. Whether through donations or simply showing up for one another, we know that unity is the foundation for rebuilding stronger than ever.
Over 150,000 tons of avocados will be shipped from Michoacán to the United States for the 59th edition of the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, according to the head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco), Claudio Méndez Fernández.
El Sol de Zamora informs that production corresponds to that harvested in the municipalities of Acuitzio, Tacámbaro, Peribán, Tancítaro, and Uruapan.
The Super Bowl is one of the main events for the avocado industry in the U.S., along with Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
“Demand is growing year by year. The Super Bowl is when avocados are sold the most in the United States. The second date is May 5th, because it has become part of the gastronomy and diet of the citizens,” Méndez said.
Last year, around 54 million avocados were consumed on Super Bowl Sunday alone, making them one of the favorite foods of American football fans.
“Consumer consumption for avocados that are used to make guacamole significantly increases during Super Bowl Sunday,” according to the USDA. “Regarding increased sales, avocados are the real Super Bowl champion.”
FreightWaves reports more than 90% of avocado imports from Mexico enter the U.S. through Texas ports of entry in Laredo and Pharr.
Between January and November of last year, Peruvian fresh blueberry exports set a new record.
Agraria reports for the first time, an agricultural product has surpassed the $2 billion mark in exports. Those exports totaled $2.1 billion in the first eleven months of 2024. This far surpassed the $1.72 billion reached during all of 2023. This signaled a return to the normal trend in the production of “blues” after weather related problems of the previous year.
This year, with stabilized production, the higher prices recorded after the 2023 shortage showed a downward trend, reaching levels closer to 2022.
In November 2024 alone, Peruvian fresh blueberry exports totaled 80,311 tons for $387 million, reflecting an increase of 106 percent in volume and 18 percent in value compared to what was reported in the same month of the previous year, although with a 43 percent drop in the average price, which stood at $4.82 per kilogram.
The Peruvian product reached 31 countries in November, of which the U.S. continued to be the main destination, with 41,269 tons exported for $190 million. This represented 49 percent of the monthly total with a 75 percent increase in volume, but a 10 percent drop in value compared to November 2023, when shipments reached $210 million.
The average price suffered a decrease of 48 percent, going from $8.92 in 2023 to $4.61 this year.
Among the main exporters to this market were Camposol S.A., with a 12 percent share, and Agrovisión Perú S.A.C., with 11 percent. In 2023, the leaders were Agrícola Cerro Prieto S.A. (13 percent) and Hortifrut – Perú S.A.C. (12 percent).
As for shipments, these were mostly sent by sea, where 41 percent of what was exported in November was through Euroandino Port Terminals, followed by DP World (28 percent), APM Terminals (25 percent) and the General San Martín Paracas Port Terminal (5 percent).
The remaining 1 percent was sent through Jorge Chávez International Airport.
The industry will experience a 25-30% avocado shortage through January. USDA inspections were curtailed over the last two holiday weeks; inclement weather has also caused trucking delays. Expect extremely limited supplies and increased prices for the next two weeks, according to a press release by Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Mexico
All sizes are extremely tight
Size and grade substitutions may be requested to fill orders
Quality is good; checkerboarding (uneven ripening within a case) has been reported
Expect elevated markets and tight supplies through the next two weeks
Colombia
Imports will ship into the East Coast through May; these supplies only account for 5% of U.S. demand
The crop is currently dominated by small sizes (60- to 84-count fruit)
Quality is comparable to that in Mexico; texture is creamy and oil content is high
California
Regular inspection schedules will resume in mid-January
New crop production will start in late January
Once this season begins, supplies will help fill the void from Mexico-grown product
Michoacán to the United States for the 59th edition of the Super Bowl on Feb. 9, according to the head of Mexico’s Secretariat of Economic Development (Sedeco), Claudio Méndez Fernández.
