Chilean grapes will be down 25 percent this season following damaging rains a few weeks ago, according to importer/exporter Vanguard Direct, LLC. of Issaquah, WA.
If this estimate is correct it would be 10 percent less than the 35 percent estimated two weeks ago by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association.
Expectations are now for exports of 65 million boxes, compared to original forecasts of 85 million boxes, with mid-season varieties most heavily damaged.
The development comes during the first season in years in which Chile was expecting an increase over the previous season in its total grape volume.
Peru
The situation is very different in Peru, which by week 5 had shipped 48 million boxes, 12 million more than at the same time in the 2019-20 season.
Peru is now projecting a total crop of 52-54 million boxes representing a 12 percent increase.
Vanguard points out 16 million boxes of Peruvian green seedless grapes have been shipped season to date, which is up 31% over last season. Sweet Globes are up 48% more than last season representing 60% of the total green seedless. The green seedless variety showing the largest decrease from last year has been Sugraone with 30% less shipments than last year.
Meanwhile, 12 million boxes of Peruvian red seedless have been shipped season to date, which is up 13% over last season. The varieties with the most significant increases are Allison Reds at 141% and Sweet Celebrations with an increase of 51%.
Ica has shipped thus far 14 million boxes of table grapes and is predicted to ship approximately an additional 12 million boxes over February and March. Overall, the Ica crop is down 2%.
Vanguard notes Peru and Chilean grape demand is strong in Mexico, and increasing in Canada, the U.S., and Asia with California completing its storage season.
It’s been extremely difficult to get containers in and out of port due to congestion and delays.
A genetically modified tomato enriched with the Parkinson’s disease drug L-DOPA has been produced by scientists at the UK-based John Innes Centre.
L-DOPA is used to treat Parkinson’s by compensating for dopamine, which is depleted in patients with the disease. The drug is made from tyrosine, an amino acid found in many foods. While it’s most commonly produced chemically, this version can cause unpleasant side effects.
Natural sources exist as well, but only a few plants contain measurable quantities, primarily in their seeds. These likewise can have negative effects on Parkinson’s patients due to other characteristics of the plant. The velvet bean, for example, is the most studied source, containing up to 10% L-DOPA in its seeds.
However, the bean itself causes elevated levels of tryptamines which can cause hallucinations. Using tomato plants as a natural source of L-DOPA could have the benefit of providing an alternative to those who experience adverse reactions, such as nausea or behavioral issues when taking the chemically synthesized version.
It may also have the impact of creating an affordable new source of this medication, particularly in developing nations where access to pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
A team at the research facility modified the fruit by introducing a gene found in beetroots responsible for the synthesis of L-DOPA. They inserted a gene encoding a tyrosinase, an enzyme that uses tyrosine to build molecules such as L-DOPA. This brought up the level of L-DOPA specifically in the fruit part of the plant and led to higher yields than those associated with L-DOPA production in the whole plant.
Tomatoes in particular were chosen to be modified with the drug as they are a widely cultivated crop and can be used for scaled-up production, potentially becoming a standardized natural source. The levels of L-Dopa achieved in the genetically modified tomatoes, 150mg per kg, were comparable to those observed in other L-DOPA accumulating plants without the drawbacks.
The goal from here is to create a production pipeline where L-DOPA is extracted from the tomatoes and purified into the pharmaceutical product.
“The idea is that you can grow tomatoes with relatively little infrastructure. As GMOs (genetically modified organisms) you could grow them in screen houses, controlled environments with very narrow meshes, so you would not have pollen escape through insects,” explained Professor Cathie Martin, a fellow of the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) and corresponding author of the study. “Then you could scale up at a relatively low cost. Local industry could prepare L-DOPA from tomatoes because it’s soluble and you can do extractions. Then you could make a purified product relatively low tech which could be dispensed locally.
It’s been a miserable two weeks in much of America with horrendous weather. Trucking is difficult enough without the record breaking low temperatures, snow and ice. Hang in there another month and spring will be here, with warmer weather and increasing volumes of fresh produce.
Here is a glimpse at potential loading opportunities from two of the most active states.
Texas
Thanks to imports of vegetables and tropical fruits from Mexico, the Lower Rio Grande Valley is one of the best shots at getting loaded.
The city of McAllen has over 200 produce companies such as Valley Fresh Produce Inc., Tricar Sales Inc. and Star Produce.
There are 1750 truckloads of avocados crossing the border from Mexico each week. Other leading volume items range from limes, to watermelons, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries and tomatoes.
Last week South Texas produce companies were experiencing power outages along with much of the rest of the state. Use of generators was common among produce warehouses. Damage to vegetable and citrus crops are being assessed in the Lower Rio Grande Valley due to freezing temperatures. However, domestic volume pales in comparison to Mexican imports.
Arizona
The other major crossing for Mexican imports it at Nogales, which has nearly 200 produce companies such as Frank’s Distributing of Produce LLC and The Sykes Co.
Mixed loads often requiring multiple picks at various warehouses (similar to McAllen) is pretty much standard procedure here.
Heaviest volume may be with tomatoes led by vine ripes with lesser amounts of grapes and plums averaging about 1150 truck loads a week. There’s also good volume with squash led by zucchini, along with a half a dozen other varieties and totaling over 750 truckloads weekly.
Other available items range from bell peppers (750 truckloads a week) to cucumbers, and watermelon, among others.
In Yuma, AZ companies such as D’Arrigo Bros. of California and Growers Express LLC are shipping lettuce and other vegetables. All together, various Yuma shippers are loading about 400 truckloads weekly of head lettuce and romaine.
Truck rates from Nogales have been all over the board – grossing from $5000 to $7000 to Chicago.
Yuma rates are up generally but not nearly as much – grossing about $8200 to New York City.
U.S. imports of fresh vegetables jumped 13% in 2020, amid the pandemic, which may have contributed to the increase. The news comes from new statistics issued by the USDA.
During the 2020 calendar year, the total U.S. import value of 23 major fresh vegetables was $9.7 billion, up 13% from 2019.
2020 import values of asparagus, celery, endive and carrots were down compared with 2019, but every other vegetable commodity tracked scored gains. The value of U.S. tomato imports was up 22%, with fresh potato imports up 30% in value and garlic imports up 18% in value compared with 2019:
2020 import values, with percent changed from 2019, are:
2020 U.S. imports of fresh fruit revealed mixed trends in 2020, with citrus, mangoes, kiwifruit and berries up big time, while avocados, apples and melons were down by double digits.
Total 2020 imports of fresh fruits were valued at $14.7 billion, up 1% compared with 2019.
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics showed 2020 import values, with percent changed compared with 2019 were;
Berries (excluding strawberries): $3.14 billion, up 7%;
Bananas/plantains (fresh and frozen): $2.45 billion, up 1%;
Avocados: $2.44 billion, down 12%;
Grapes: $1.73 billion, up 4%;
Citrus: $1.37 billion, up 11%;
Strawberries, (fresh or frozen): $1.1 billion, up 5%;
Pineapples, (fresh or frozen): $674.7 million, up 3%;
DENVER — “It’s official: the latest Dietary Guidelines for Americans have yet again confirmed the importance of eating more vegetables such as potatoes that provide potassium and vitamin C.1
“The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations focus on increased nutrient-dense vegetable consumption. Americans can take simple steps toward eating healthier by choosing potatoes. As a nutrient-dense vegetable, potatoes support all three healthy eating patterns – Healthy U.S., Healthy Vegetarian, and Healthy Mediterranean – defined in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Potatoes’ versatility also means they can easily fit into meals across a variety of personal and cultural preferences for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
“For the first time in the history of the committee’s guidance on nutrition and health, the Dietary Guidelines also covers specific recommendations for individuals under two years old, supporting potatoes as a healthy first food for babies and toddlers, as well.
“Potatoes are a good source of potassium, providing 15% of the daily value per serving in addition to being an excellent source of vitamin C, providing 30% of the daily value per serving. Vitamin C may help support the body’s immune system,2 which is likely to be especially top-of-mind for Americans as we head into 2021.
“What’s more, research shows that you’re likely to feel full for longer3-5 and support your body with the nutrients it needs when you choose good carbohydrates like potatoes. A serving of potatoes has 26 grams of high-quality carbohydrates that can help fuel an active lifestyle. Carbohydrates are the key fuel utilized by the brain and by muscles during exercise.6 Many Americans are moving to plant-based diets7 and obtaining enough high-quality protein is important in this process. Potatoes contain 3 grams of a complete protein that can easily be absorbed by the body.8,9
“Many Americans are struggling with food insecurity and are not meeting recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake.10 Research suggests that potatoes are an affordable, nutrient-dense vegetable that provides more nutrients per penny than most other vegetables.11
“Potatoes are a nutritious, affordable option that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways – including simple, delicious preparations with few ingredients, making them easy to incorporate into a healthy diet. For more information on potato nutrition and preparation please visit PotatoGoodness.com.”
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About Potatoes USA Potatoes USA is the marketing organization for the 2,500 commercial potato growers operating in the United States. Potatoes USA was established in 1971 by a group of potato growers to promote the benefits of eating potatoes. Today, as the largest vegetable commodity board, Potatoes USA is proud to be recognized as an innovator in the produce industry. For more information on Potatoes USA’s mission to “Strengthen Demand for U.S. Potatoes” by creating positive change in the industry through innovative and inspiring approaches, please visit PotatoesUSA.com.
U.S. imports of Mexican mangoes are starting the 2021 season with higher volumes predicted than in recent years.
The National Mango Board of Orlando, FL is expecting significantly higher volumes until mid-June compared to the previous year.
The board expects about 12% more of the tropical fruit than the previous season, with an estimated volume of about 42 million boxes.
This would also be 11 percent higher than the average 5-year (2016-2020) volumes. Based on current projections higher volumes are seen beginning the last week of May and through June.
Also fueling optimism is no significant problems are seen with logistics or operations.
Meanwhile, demand had an increase in 2020, which is projected to continue into 2021 despite difficulties arising from the pandemic.
Crowley Logistics has added 355 new refrigerated reefer cargo containers to its fleet in Central America to ensure availability for perishables in the supply chain.
The 40-foot-long cubes have wireless asset monitoring technology, allowing continuous monitoring during transit at sea and on land, according to a news release.
“We realize the importance of having the best refrigerated equipment in the right quantities – all strategically positioned to meet customers’ needs during peak perishables season and throughout the rest of the year,” Brett Bennett, senior vice president and general manager, said. “It is a priority for us to ensure we are meeting all their needs for reliable logistics services, including the highest level of available equipment.”
The containers were sent to Santo Tomas, Guatemala to support Central America’s heavy northbound reefer season. They’re equipped with Star Cool refrigeration units, which are environmentally friendly and have been upgraded to boost efficiency and reliability.
Crowley Logistics expanded on-terminal perishables handling capabilities with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection dock at Port Everglades, Fla., earlier in 2020. The $1.6 million dock has space for 80 refrigerated reefers, more than doubling the facility’s previous size.
The dock has shoreside power plugs for each reefer, cutting cargo time and the need to move containers to a separate location for USDA inspections.
Crowly has invested about $160 million in new cargo equipment since 2014.
During a webinar, named Panorama for Postseason Table Grapes, which was organized by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) and others, the latest estimate for rain damaged grapes it volume will be slashed by 35 percent this season.
As of February 10, the estimated number of table grape exports only reached 68 million boxes.
Most affected were grapes in central Chile, which destroyed a good part of the mid-season grape crop.
Fedefruta, Chile’s fruit growers group, reports three out of four of the country’s fruit growers suffered some type of damage from the rains, which totaled as much as three to four inches in some regions.
Fruit that was hit by the rains won’t reach U.S. shores until later in February and March. Congestion at U.S. port has been resulting in distribution delays. Not only is it common for boat transit times from Chile to take up to 3 weeks, but port delays have been adding an additional week or two. (see January 29 report)
Importers reports the rains are resulting in grapes splitting, particularly for the green/white seedless.
Good volumes from Peru may, and possibly better quality, is expected to help lessen the shortfall from Chile.
Little to no effect from the rain is anticipated for the Chilean red crimson seedless grapes, which are in good supply from March to April.
Pandol Bros. Inc. of Delano, CA reports generally there will be a shortage of good whites, while red seedless will be plentiful.
Unifrutti Chile points out there will definitely be fewer shipments to the U.S.
The late January rains were the biggest for that month since 1933.
AFC Global Sourcing of Chile notes the rain was very hard from San Felipe and south, hitting tree fruit, grapes and stone fruit.
BAKERSFIELD, CA — Cal-Organic Farms, the largest producer of organic vegetables in the US, is now shipping organic red bunch carrots and celery from Coachella, CA. A division of Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic is shipping its exclusive red bunch carrots for a limited time and supplies are expected to last through the Easter holiday (April 4). Additionally, they expect to ship seasonal celery through the end of this month.
“Outstanding sweet flavor is what makes our red carrot variety truly unique. These specialty carrots feature vibrant red color through the root and make for beautiful plate presentation,” said Bob Borda, Vice President of Organic Sales at Grimmway Farms.
Red carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and contribute to a balanced diet. Favored by shoppers for their colorful appearance, these ruby-colored roots are among the dozens of fresh carrot products available from Grimmway and Cal-Organic Farms.
“Celery quality looks great as well, with bright green color and firm, crisp texture,” added Borda.
Cal-Organic’s seasonal red carrot and celery programs are integrated with their year-round vegetable program and Grimmway’s category-leading carrot business.
About Grimmway Farms
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.
