The vast majority of Mexican fresh fruit and vegetable exports are to the United States.
Last season Mexico exported $7.5 billion of vegetables and $7.4 billion of fruit, with 96 percent and 84 percent going to the U.S., respectively.
For vegetables, tomatoes were big leader at about $2.1 billion with most of the exports going to the U.S., with bell peppers at around $600 million, followed by other peppers and cucumbers.
Avocados were the most exported fruit at about $1.9 billion followed by walnuts at a little below $600 million, then limes.
This information was documented in a webinar hosted by Veggies From Mexico to show Mexican exports have grown in the past decade, with the focus on tomatoes.
“In 2002, Mexico was exporting $360 million in tomatoes and now it is way above $2.1 billion,” Georgius Gotsis, CEO of Veggies From Mexico said.
The growth can be accredited to the creation of what was NAFTA at the time and also improving technology specifically in greenhouses and shade houses.
The Mexican state Sinaloa has about 19,768 acres of protected agriculture and is one of the most important production regions, with about 10 percent of Mexico’s total produce production coming from the area.
“During the 2019-20 season, almost 3,000 hectares (7,413 acres) of tomatoes were grown in Sinaloa’s protected agriculture,” Gotsis said.
Tomato seedling production starts in August, moving to field and greenhouse seeding in September and harvesting beginning in December and finishing by May.
Colombia is the world’s 5th largest producer of bananas and it hopes to boost its banana exports by 10 percent this year.
Colombia exported 109 million 20-kilogram boxes of bananas last year, up 9.3% from 2019, boosting earnings by 6.5% to $916.2 million, according to the Colombian Banana Growers Association
This is in spite of the coronavirus pandemic and the presence of the Fusarium wilt Tropical race IV (TR4) banana fungus that was detected in July 2019.
The Columbian banana industry hopes to export 120 million 20-kg boxes this year.
Higher output followed greater productivity per hectare versus 2019, as well as better weather in the first half of the year in Uraba, Colombia’s principle banana-growing region.
Production per hectare rose to 2,134 boxes per hectare, 173 more boxes than in 2019.
Peruvian citrus exports grew 37 percent in 2020 compared to 2019, with shipments of 244,000 metric tons (MT) valued at US$262 million, according to The Foreign Trade Research and Development Institute of the Lima Chamber of Commerce (Idexcam).
Local website La Camara reports a record-breaking year, given that exports have been growing year after year since 2017.
Indexcam points out a growing demand for citrus, due to the pandemic, especially with mandarins, due to their antioxidant properties and high content of vitamin C which strengthens the immune system, creating a rebound of global commercialization.
In 2020, mandarin exports totaled $250.4 million, showing a growth of 36 percent compared to the previous year at $184 million.
s
Mandarin shipments increased with the U.S. leading and reporting a 54 percent growth.
The Netherlands followed with a 19 percent increase to $15 million, Canada at 15 percent with $17.8 million, China with 40 percent to $15.7 million and Russia increased 90 percent to $13.2 million.
Ireland, Hong Kong, Spain, Mexico, Panama and Japan also experienced growth.
The export of oranges also increased to $12.1 million for a 46 percent growth.
Production in Peru
Mandarin production in Peru reached 525,000MT, in 2020 with Lima being the main producing region with 44 percent of the total; followed by Junín at 24 percent, Ica with 17 percent and Puno with 6 percent.
Orange production totaled 553,000MT with Junín as the main producing region at 45 percent of the total, followed by San Martín with 14 percent, Puno with 9 percent and Cusco at 5 percent.
BAKERSFIELD, CA —Starting April 26, Cal-Organic Farms, the nation’s largest producer of organic vegetables, will start shipping freshly harvested, new crop red and gold potatoes to customers from their facility in Lamont, CA. The company’s organic rainbow fingerling variety is set to ship mid-May and organic russets will follow in mid-June.
A division of Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic is one of the first producers to offer new crop organic potatoes this season. The company is currently harvesting reds and golds in Coachella Valley and will transition to harvest its complete portfolio of organic potatoes in Kern County next month. Spreading their potato crops across multiple regions allows Cal-Organic to harvest its premium quality potatoes early and maintain consistent supply through December.
“Quality looks phenomenal and we’re seeing one of the best potato crops we’ve had in years,” said Bob Borda, Vice President of Organic Sales at Grimmway Farms. “Mild weather through winter and spring have provided optimal yields with great availability for reds and golds this month and prepared us for a seamless transition in May.”
Cal-Organic provides a variety of consolidated shipping options to suit all retail, foodservice and industrial needs. For more information, call 661-845-3758.
Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, Grimmway Farms traces its roots to a produce stand opened by the Grimm brothers in the early 1960s. Grimmway is a global produce leader and the world’s largest producer of carrots. Grimmway supplies more than 65 organic, USA-grown crops and brands include Cal-Organic Farms and Bunny-Luv.
California ranks 3rd behind Texas and Florida with fresh grapefruit shipments and product off the West Coast is now being loaded.
Last Season (2019-20) California shipped 3.8 million boxes, up significantly from 2.8 million boxes a year ago and 2.6 million boxes from 2017-18. No estimate has been issued yet for this season.
As temperatures begin to rise in California’s Central Valley, the Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA has turned its focus to Star Ruby Grapefruit as a key player in the company’s seasonal line.
“Star Ruby Grapefruit are in season now, and the fruit’s quality has been nothing short of excellent,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Vice President of Farming Keith Watkins. “As the season changes, we’ve seen a rising demand for grapefruit….”
Bee Sweet’s Star Ruby Grapefruit are promoted to anybody looking to add healthy fruits into their diet. With its high-fiber and high-water content, this citrus variety is an excellent source of vitamin A, vitamin C and potassium.
“Star Ruby Grapefruit are especially sweet and juicy in the late winter and early spring,” continued Watkins. “Consumers can distinguish them apart from other grapefruit varieties with their blushed rind and dark, red internal color.”
About Bee Sweet Citrus
A grower, packer and shipper of California citrus, Bee Sweet Citrus is a leader in today’s agriculture industry. Founded in 1987, Bee Sweet Citrus is a family owned and operated company and provides over 15 different varieties of citrus to its consumers! Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley.
In its initial forecast for the 2021 season, the Chilean Citrus Committee of ASOEX estimates a six percent increase in citrus exports, encompassing navels, lemons, and easy peelers (clementines and mandarins). With a total citrus forecast of 387,000 tons, Chile expects to ship roughly 85 percent of all volume to the U.S. market.
As in previous seasons, growth will continue to be driven by the easy peeler category, with a projected seven percent increase for clementines (rising to 55,000 tons) and an 11 percent increase for mandarins (up to 145,000 tons). This estimated double-digit growth for mandarins in 2021 follows an incredible 40% volume jump in 2020.
Lemons (of which an estimated 60% will be shipped to the U.S.) are expected to see a three percent increase, while navel volume will stay relatively the same, at around 89,000 tons.
According to the Committee, the overall increase in volume is due primarily to the expansion of plantings over the past decade as there are 55,105 acres of citrus in Chile.
Clementine shipments started during the week of April 12th, while lemons will commence around the week of May 3rd.
Eagle, Idaho — On any given Sunday (or Monday, or Thursday), Taysom Hill the most versatile professional football player in the league could be playing quarterback, fullback, tight end, receiver, kickoff returner or punt blocker…jumping in wherever his team needs him. Coincidentally, the Idaho native has a lot in common with his home state’s most popular food…you guessed it…the potato, the most versatile vegetable in the produce aisle.
Taysom filmed five short, humorous videos promoting Idaho® potatoes. The 30-second spots launched on December 20th and ran through February 7th on streaming platforms Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, YouTube and programmatic sports sites like CBS Sports and Sports Illustrated. The vignettes were also posted on the IPC’s Facebook and Instagram pages. This was the Idaho Potato Commission’s (IPC) first consumer digital ad campaign, and it reached close to 2.9 million people.
“Taysom’s ability on the field (he can play an impressive 10 different positions), his wholesome Idaho upbringing and his exceptional athleticism, make him an ideal spokesperson for the Idaho® potato brand,” said Frank Muir, President and CEO, IPC. “The five digital spots we created humorously showcase the versatility of two all-American favorites — Taysom Hill and Idaho® potatoes.”
Taysom is from Pocatello, ID, played college ball at Brigham Young University. He was undrafted, but spent the 2017 season with the Green Packers and has been with the New Orleans Saints since.
Jameis Winston (2) and Taysom Hill (7) are expected to be competing for quarterback this season with the retirement of Drew Brees.
The Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association (PAIA) reports a 3% increase in volume year-over-year for 2020 imports. According to the USDA’s Agriculture Foreign Agricultural Service statistics, Peruvian asparagus imports have grown to over 206 million pounds in 2020. Peru is ranked as one of the top 5 countries that make up the majority contribution of fresh asparagus consumption in the United States for 2020.
Fresh Asparagus 2020 Import Landscape (Top 5)
Country
Quantity (lbs)
YOY Variance
Mexico
375,302,609
3%
Peru
206,479,443
3%
Canada
2,840,876
-38%
Ecuador
1,126,121
125%
China
143,520
—
Import Total
586,020,439
2%
As a primary supplier to the United States, fresh asparagus is supplied to U.S. markets on a year-round basis.
Alpine Fresh, Doral, FL reports Peruvian late spring and into summer supplies look to be exceptional there should be steady supplies of fresh asparagus throughout 2021.
USDA, Foreign Agriculture Service also reports import totals for fresh asparagus have increased by 2% in 2020. USDA statistics report a consistent incline since 2017:
USDA / Foreign Agricultural Service / Quantity
Pounds
2017
2018
2019
2020
Import Totals
502,407,040
567,969,057
572,026,817
586,020,439
Peru
173,961,914
199,766,146
201,208,851
206,479,443
According to USDA Foreign Agriculture Service, values also have a reported increase for Peruvian imports.
USDA / Foreign Agricultural Service / Value
In Thousands $
2018
2019
2020
Peru
$239,105
$252,573
$261,395
Crystal Valley Valley Foods of Miami, FL reports Peruvian asparagus represents more than 40% of all asparagus import values by the U.S. Peru has had a 30 year trade partnership with the United States, with both countries benefiting from exports and imports. Peru continues to expand its agricultural product offerings.
All offerings arriving from either New Zealand, Chile or Argentina, favorites like Royal Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Ambrosia, Smitten™ and Pink Lady® along with club varieties like Envy™, JAZZ™ and Pacific Rose™ round out Oppy’s apple basket. Its familiar pear assortment of Bosc, Bartlett, D’Anjou and Abate Fetel varieties also includes a strong organic program specifically from Argentina and Chile. Seeing increased demand for bagged pears, Oppy imports in bulk and bags at the source.
Envy™ and JAZZ™ apples hold top-10 category with volume.
And, with the heightened demand for organic apples evident in their double-digit year-on-year growth to a 16% share of total category sales and 12% share of pounds, organic Envy™ and JAZZ™ volume is set to increase in the years ahead.
Packaged apple sales also skyrocketed in 2020, now representing 45% of category pounds.
HOLLISTER, CA — Blueberry demand remains strong with American consumers, and Berry People, a year-round, full-line shipper of branded organic and conventional strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries, has promotable volumes of high-quality fruit available.
“South American supply delays caused by weather, port clearance and unloading delays caused by COVID-19 are behind us, and we now have steady volumes of great quality conventional and organic blueberries from our Mexican growers,” said Jerald Downs, President of Berry People. “Our growers in California report a fruit set that looks promising for harvest towards the end of April; we anticipate a steady transition from Mexican to Californian production over the next 60 days.”
Berry People’s unique approach to grower relationships has helped fuel their triple-digit growth over the past three years. “We bring a long-term perspective and a commitment to delicate bonds of trust to our grower relationships, and we strive to be true partners, with a holistic approach towards improving grower and Berry People operations from top to bottom,” Downs continued. “As a result, our business has grown organically through existing growers’ increasing referrals to their families, neighbors and friends. We are thankful for this organic, yet substantial, year-over-year growth, which has risen in tandem with our retailer and consumer demands.”
Berry People anticipates a robust spring and summer blueberry season in 2021, with a broader and more diversified base of growers and acreage from California and the Pacific Northwest, allowing us to handle the June through September transition with continuity, quality, and volume.
About Berry People: Berry People is a year-round, full-line shipper of branded organic and conventional strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and owner of the Berry People brand. Headquartered in Hollister, California, the company’s ownership and key alliance partners hold important production assets in California, Mexico, Chile and Peru.
