CORAL GABLES, Fla.–Mann Packing Co., Inc. (“Mann”), a subsidiary of Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., and one of the largest suppliers of packaged vegetables in North America announces the opening of its new facility in Gonzales, CA.
Joining a lineup of facilities in Salinas, CA, Chualar, CA, Delhi, CA, and Yuma, AZ, the new fifth facility will allow Mann Packing to grow its business, elevate its existing operations to unprecedented new heights and provide an innovative new space to help the brand continue to meet consumer needs.
The new facility, boasts 130,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production for fruit and vegetables with full-fledged automation, increased capacity and with the ability to continue expanding. In addition, the Gonzales facility holds a variety of features designed to strengthen Mann Packing’s focus on food safety and quality, including its full cold chain from reception of raw material to delivery of finished product to ensure freshness, its improved environmental monitoring program and its updated QMS technology for instant information sharing.
ABOUT MANN PACKING CO., INC.
Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Salinas, CA, Mann Packing Company is one of the largest suppliers of western vegetables, BROCCOLINI® baby broccoli and sugar snap peas in North America. In 2018, Mann’s was acquired by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc.
ABOUT DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE N.A., INC.
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is one of North America’s leading marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. markets its products in North America under the Del Monte® brand (as well as other brands) used under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc., a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 125 years. Del Monte Fresh N.A., Inc. is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Foods, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited, Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd.
Chilean rains hitting the central-southern zone of Chile have had widespread impacts, including damage to numerous fruit crops. However, the citrus industry appears to have been unaffected and is in fact forecasting a rise in exports in 2021 over the previous season.
Crispagold, a citrus and avocado reports on the industry’s export projections and its plans to increase its share of international markets such as China.
This year’s estimates show nearly a 20 percent growth, including at least four million boxes of clementines in the industry.
In 2020, the Chilean citrus industry had a decrease in orange volumes of 5.8 million boxes versus 6.5 million the previous year. This year 15 percent more fruit is seen, which would reach the same level as 2019, over 6 million boxes as an industry.
The U.S. will import 85 and 90 percent of Chile’s clementines and oranges respectively. The U.S. imports 50 to 60 percent of Chilean lemons, with 40 to 50 percent going to Japan and Korea.
Each year Chile exports about 550,000 boxes of oranges, 180,000 boxes of mandarins, 120,000 boxes of clementines, and 35,000 boxes of lemons.
Total imported mango volume by the U.S. over the next two months is expected to be 37 percent higher than last year.
The National Mango Board reports Peruvian mangoes for the 2020-21 season is projected to be about 6 percent less than a year ago. However, two other key origins are expecting increases.
The 2021 Mexican season up to the week of June 12th is projected to be about 15 percent higher than last year.
Meanwhile, the 2021 Guatemalan season is projected to be about 40 percent higher than last season.
Peru and Mexico (Chiapas, Oaxaca & Michoacán) are currently harvesting and packing, while Guatemala is getting ready to start its season.
There are currently two main mango varieties available in the market: Kent (75 percent) and Ataulfo/Honey (17 percent). There are also limited supplies of Tommy Atkins and Haden.
Demand for new commodities and specialty items continues to increase at the key Nogales point of entry in Arizona.
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) has been monitoring trends for commodities in southern Arizona, and reports new and specialty items continue to add shipping opportunities at the produce hub.
During the past couple of months, commodities have been reintroduced to the area as demand grows for unique products. Additionally, the area has seen sustainable increases in volume for fresh produce.
Nogales continues to expand with new commodities being imported into the U.S. each year, with highlights including figs, pomegranates, Brussel sprouts and lemons.
Southern Arizona continues to import reliable volumes of tomato, watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, eggplant, and many other key vegetable items. Commodities with the greatest growth include strawberries, broccoli, and radicchio.
California avocado loadings will be 8 percent less for the 2020-21 season and stand at 292 million pounds, compared to a pre-season crop estimate by the California Avocado Commission. This still would be considered an average size crop.
Fall and winter weather events including heavy winds resulted in the slight forecast change, with the reduction occurring in the pre-season months.
The California avocado peak shipping season starts in late April and continues through August, with available volume before and after the peak period.
By Nick Rooney, Transportation Broker, ALC Orlando
As the pandemic continues to move its way through the world, we are still navigating how to get through each day. Businesses closing, hair and nail salons shutting down, gym memberships across the globe now unable to be used.
This program was built as a way to deliver food to families in need, not letting food go to waste, and helping farmers and ranchers stay in business. The Farmers to Families Food Box program purchases fresh produce and other goods directly from distributors of all sizes across the nation, from local to national. Distributors package these products into family-sized boxes, then they are transported to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving many families in need across the nation.
This is also helping to ensure our logistics system across America remains in a healthy balance by keeping freight moving and carriers in motion.
During the first round of obtaining produce and goods, beginning May 15 and ending on June 30, 2020, an astounding 35 million boxes were delivered in just the first 2 months. Round five started on December 21, 2020 and is scheduled to conclude at the end of April.
The Farmers to Families Food Box program has now provided over 133 million boxes to families in need so far since its inception. With round 5 in play, Farmers to Families has received over 6 billion dollars in funding, keeping companies running, employees paid, and most importantly, families fed.
The product provided is not limited to any specific commodity, for round 5, the USDA will purchase fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk, meat, and seafood. This product assortment is just one example of why funding for boxes has been sporadic in cost throughout the year, markets are still alive and adapting causing rates for certain products to reach high dollar amounts, this isn’t stopping the millions of Americans pulling together to help each in need.
The year 2020 provided some of us with a different perspective on daily life and what it means to be in need. I suggest we take a step back and start looking at families and friends within our communities to find struggles and needs that we can try to help with. With everything going on right now, some need food, others may need a friend or someone to talk with, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life this year.
I will strive to make an impact in my community throughout this year starting with donations made to my local food bank. Farmers to Families has opened my eyes to a struggle that I truly thought was being handled here in America. Seeing that there will be more families in need within the coming year, I hope more programs like this one are put into place.
Nick Rooney began working for the Allen Lund Company in October of 2019 as a broker in training for the San Francisco office. Nick then joined the Orlando office in August of 2020, continuing his path to become a broker. As of January 2020, Nick is a transportation broker and manages produce loads for the Orlando office.
Following a week of freezing temperatures, vegetable and citrus farmers across Texas are assessing the, with widespread losses.
During the weekend of February 19-29, Texas Citrus Mutual, reports losing 55% of grapefruit crops because of the freeze. Grapefruit and other Crops in Rio Grande Valley were devastated by the arctic blast, with citrus industry losses estimated to be at least $300 million.
Out of more than 40 vegetable crops grown in the southern Rio Grande Valley, only three are hopeful to survive, onions, cabbage, and potatoes.
Most South Texas citrus is shipped from September through May. However, the reason this season is wiped out, and little to no citrus production will occur during the 2021-2022 season.
There has been long-term damage due to the ice storm, which resulted in numerous trees dying or being seriously damaged.
Grapefruit will be affected most because Texas is an important supplier. Oranges are now a big a crop in Texas and are primarily grown in Florida and California.
There also was 200 or so acres of lemons and limes produced in the Rio Grande Valley which were completely destroyed
International grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, Wish Farms, headquartered in Plant City FL, is pleased to announce that it has established a growing operation in Oxnard, CA.
“This is a move that aligns well with our strategy of smart, controlled growth,” said James Peterson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
With its first season in Oxnard underway, Wish Farms began harvesting strawberries mid-January and expects volume to flow into May.
Darwin Reich, Director of California Operations: “The Frontera will be our exclusive variety for Oxnard. Quality and volume has proven favorable and in-line with our expectations.”
With this addition, the company now has operations in the three major strawberry growing regions of California: Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard.
Peterson: “By expanding our footprint to this third region, it solidifies our position as a California grower, streamlines supply and opens the door for a more consistent brand presence west of the Mississippi.”
About Wish Farms
Founded in 1922, Wish Farms is a fourth-generation, family operated company. As a year-round supplier of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, it grows both conventional and organic varieties.
During the past decade Mexican avocado exports have tripled, according to the Mexican news source El Economista.
The site reports total Mexican avocado exports for January to November 2020 topped over 1.2 million metric tons (MT). This is a significant rise from the 369,000MT registered for all of 2010 and, based on data from the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, represents a record increase of 6.3 percent over the previous year.
In 2020, though, Mexican foreign sales of avocado fell 7.4 percent to about $2.7 billion from January to November. Most avocados sold in the United States are imported from other countries, particularly Mexico.
For example, in 2018, 76 percent of national avocado consumption was imported from Mexico. Since then, the US Hass avocado industry has grown, reaching a total market value of $ 6.5 billion in 2019.
The USDA has placed the compound annual growth rate for total avocado consumption between 2008 and 2018 at 9.4 percent, rising from 1.1 billion pounds to 2.6 billion pounds. Contributing to this growth were factors such as an increased interest in healthy eating and foods high in nutrients.
Demographic changes also played a part according to El Economista, with 75 percent of Hispanic households purchasing avocados. The US Hass avocado market is projected to continue its growth with an expected 5.5 percent annual increase between 2019 and 2023.
Noticeable gains during the pandemic for retail sales of organic produce have experienced , but it is not necessarily due to the public’s desire to eat healthier.
Category Partners LLC of Idaho Falls, ID has observed the sales increase, which also has been experienced by conventional fruit and vegetables. This may be more the result of shutdowns of other out-of-home choices for purchasing produce.
Category Partners contends organic produce was carrying a slightly higher growth rate than conventional prior to the pandemic and this has remained mostly consistent.
It is hard to say whether consumers are choosing organic fruit and vegetables because they may be perceived to be more healthful than conventional, the company notes. However, organic produce does come with a health perception that often is cited by users as a reason they buy it.
The main reason organic consumers give for buying organic produce is the perceived healthfulness of the product, the firm notes, so it is better for you from a nutrition standpoint, and it has lower levels of pesticide residues than conventional.
Sustainability also comes into play for younger consumers.
The price premium over conventional produce is the primary reason consumers give for not purchasing organic produce.
Shoppers are unlikely to purchase items if the price differential between organic and conventional is too great where they feel they can’t afford organic fruit and vegetables.
Accessibility and occasionally quality are other factors than may affect purchasing decisions.
Bananas are far easily the No. 1-selling organic item in the produce department, followed by carrots and apples.
It is believed bananas lead the pack in large part because they have among the smallest price premiums in the produce department between conventional and organic.
The price differences between organic and conventional vary by commodity.
The per-pound price difference between conventional and organic bananas is 13 cents, the firm reports. The difference for carrots is 38 cents and for apples, 62 cents.
On average, organic item are about double the cost versus a conventional product. In the future the gap is expected to narrow.
From a dollar standpoint, organic packaged salads lead the list, followed by strawberries and apples.
Bananas are No. 8 in dollar sales and carrots come in at No. 7.
Packaged salads have the second-highest price variance between conventional and organic — about an 80% price premium.
The 50% to 60% price premium range is where you see the items that are really driving the volume. Moving outside of that, you can may generate dollars, but you’re going to experience loss of volume.
As far as packaging, the trend away from packaged produce apparently has been disrupted by the pandemic. The long-term trend among consumers, especially younger consumers, seems to be away from plastic packaging.
However, packages that are proliferating, like the gusseted pouch bags, are having tremendous success with consumers.
