WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Modern supermarkets with their many open displays of fruits and vegetables are truly a marvel and a reminder that our nation enjoys the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. However, in the face of the current nationwide COVID-19 outbreak, many questions about the safety of fresh fruits and vegetables have arisen.
According to Amanda Deering, an Extension specialist in Purdue’s Department of Food Science, current research indicates that the virus is not foodborne or food-transmitted.
“From all indications, the virus that causes COVID-19 appears to be transmitted just like other viruses,” Deering said. “This is very positive in that the same practices that we normally use to reduce contamination risk, such as washing your hands and washing fruit and vegetables before eating, should be applicable to reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.”
Scott Monroe, Purdue Extension food safety educator, points out that many produce growers already incorporate good agricultural practice that reduce the risk of contamination by a human pathogen.
“While viruses may be transmitted from surfaces, most growers take steps to prevent contamination. At this point in time, fear of COVID-19 should not be a reason to stop purchasing fresh fruits and vegetables,” he said.
Although the risk is small that any individual would contract COVID-19 from selecting fresh produce, Deering and Monroe recommend the following steps to further reduce the risk:
Frequent hand-washing effectively reduces risk. After a trip to the supermarket, make sure to wash your hands, especially if tongs or other shared utensils are used.
Try not to manipulate produce items. While part of the buying experience is feeling, touching and manipulating the produce, this may increase the probability of a pathogen being deposited on or acquired from the produce.
Consumers who are immunocompromised should consider purchasing pre-packaged fruits and vegetables as an added measure of caution or choose to eat cooked fruits and vegetables at this time.
All produce items should be washed thoroughly before consumption.
The incorporation of fresh fruits and vegetables into one’s diet has consistently been shown to increase overall health, including the immune system. Staying healthy increases the body’s ability to fight infections. By taking a few common-sense precautions, such as frequent hand-washing and washing of produce, consumers can continue to reap the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables without incurring excessive risk of acquiring COVID-19.
Organic strawberries continue to gain popularity with consumers; in fact, marketers moved 6.2 million pounds more organic berries in 2018 than in 2017. This is according to data from IRI/FreshLook Marketing.
More than one-tenth of sales of the fruit came from organic sales in 2018, even though the average retail price of organic strawberries fell 17 cents during that 12-month period.
Periodic purchases of organic strawberries did not vary much when studying income; age played a bigger factor. Shoppers younger than age 40 were twice as likely to always buy organic strawberries as those age 50-58, and the gap doubled again for those age 59 and older.
When considering region, Western shoppers were the most likely to buy organic strawberries at least some of the time, followed by those in the Northeast—a trend that continues from last year.
Consumers continue to look for organic strawberries; in fact, marketers moved 6.2 million pounds more organic berries in 2018 than in 2017, according to data from IRI/FreshLook Marketing. More than one-tenth of sales of the fruit came from organic sales in 2018, even though the average retail price of organic strawberries fell 17 cents during that 12-month period.
Periodic purchases of organic strawberries did not vary much when studying income; age played a bigger factor. Shoppers younger than age 40 were twice as likely to always buy organic strawberries as those age 50-58, and the gap doubled again for those age 59 and older.
When considering region, Western shoppers were the most likely to buy organic strawberries at least some of the time, followed by those in the Northeast—a trend that continues from last year.
Asian consumers comprised the most likely group to buy organic strawberries periodically, followed by Hispanic consumers. Asians were also the most likely to buy strawberries as exclusively organic. Families with children living at home were a bit more likely to always buy organic berries, at 11%, than those without kids, at 8%.
Chilean fruit exports to the United State plunged by 10 percent in 2019.
With a value of $929 million, the USDA reports Chilean fruit exported to the U.S. has consistently exceeded a billion dollars, so the decrease marks the first time it has been lower than a billion in five years.
Chilean orange exports to the U.S. is the primary citrus item shipped with value of $159 million, accounting for a 23 percent decline for 2019. However, this may be a larger trend of less imports into the U.S. in general as, for example, the second citrus exporter to the country, South Africa, saw its citrus exports fall 37 percent in the same year.
As for table grapes, there are three main time frames for U.S. imports. From April 1 through June, Chile was in second place for table grape origin for the country with $192.8 million in total value. Chilean grape exports to the U.S. had an increase of 1 percent compared to the previous year during this time.
However, it is significant to note other periods for grapes experienced a dip of 43 percent in the second period. Peru also surpassed Chile in table grape imports during that time.
But in the last trimester of U.S. table grape imports, Chile was the first country of origin for the U.S. even though export figures decreased by 5 percent during the same period. In the other important category for Chile, cherries declined by 12 percent in export value, making about the same amount as in 2017 with $27.8 million in 2019.
While Chilean citrus, table grapes and cherries saw declines in 2019, apples noted a rise in exports. With a value of $75.8 million, Chilean apple exports to the U.S. increased by 27 percent.
A significant 14 percent more U.S. fresh apples remain in storages to be shipped this year, which is 7 percent greater than the five-year average.
In its fifth storage report of the 2019-20 season, the U.S. Apple Association reports fresh inventories on March 1 are 74.4 million cartons, 14 percent up from 65.1 million cartons last year and 2.3 percent higher than the 72.7 million cartons on hand two years ago. In comparison with year-ago levels, U.S. Apple reported March 1 inventories of:
Fuji: 9.77 million cartons, up 21 percent;
Gala: 15,80 million cartons, up 23 percent;
Granny smith: 9.6 million cartons, up 29 percent;
Honeycrisp: 6.48 million cartons, up 28 percent;
Cripps pink/Pink Lady: 3.75 million cartons, up 4 percent;
Red delicious: 16.39 million cartons, down 12 percent.
Peruvian citrus exports are building as the season moves further into March. Volumes are seen as being similar to last year when movement increased 2 percent. This season about a 5 percent increase is forecast.
Procitrus, Peru’s Citrus Producer’s Association, points out mandarin exports, represent 81 percent of all fruit in the category. Behind mandarins are oranges with 11 percent of all citrus exports and limes with 7 percent.
Main primary export markets for Peruvian citrus remain the U.S. – with 35 percent market share – the U.K. – 19 percent – and Holland – 16 percent. While these markets remain pretty consistent for the industry, exporters continue looking for new markets.
Weather also looks to be favorable for the season and the industry anticipates strong quality and quantity.
Los Angeles, California – Jackfruit is the largest tree-borne fruit on the planet. Native to the warm climates of Southeastern Asia, each fruit on average grows to be about 50 pounds and contain hundreds of editable fruit pods. The unique flavor of these pods has been described as a blend of mango-pineapple-banana and juicy fruit gum! However, these tasty fruit pods are difficult to extract as spiny, sticky antennae-like filaments surround the fleshy pods of fruit, not to mention the unwieldy size of each fruit.
Jackfruit is gaining interest among professional chefs as a unique ingredient and now Melissa’s makes this unusual fruit available to the retail consumer in a no-mess, 8 oz. container of all fruit pods. Because of the pods’ meaty texture, Jackfruit has become a popular meat substitute cooked just like meat, though it can also be enjoyed uncooked out of hand or as a flavorful component in a fruit salad.
Melissa’s Produce is the leading U.S. variety distributor of specialty and organic fresh produce and products. The company imports exotic fruits and vegetables from around the world. Melissa’s Produce can be contacted at 1.800.588.0151 or at www.melissas.com.
Setting the stage for another outstanding vine-ripe tomato season, Oceanside Pole is currently offering high quality, and highly anticipated Brussels sprouts.
Oceanside Pole Brussels sprouts complement the legendary grower’s much-anticipated round and roma pole grown tomato crop, tuning up the soil while extending the opportunities for the workers on the farm.
Thanks to the cool night temperatures and foggy, salt air, Oceanside Pole grows some of the best coastal sprouts in California, which are offered through the first week of June. The multi-generational family farm will also ship its popular vine-ripened tomatoes by the end of June through to the first week of November.
“Retailers continue to look forward to Oceanside Pole’s tomato season and this year is no exception,” Oppy’s Senior Sales Representative James Galindo said. Oppy is the exclusive marketer of the Oceanside Pole brand, selling on-location at the farm through the season. “The reputation of these tomatoes precedes itself, making them highly-sought after and rightfully so — their taste, texture and shelf life are truly exceptional.”
As the last remaining pole tomato producer in California, Oceanside Pole takes pride in their on-the-vine ripening process, which allows for a greater flavor profile compared to gas-ripened tomatoes while maintaining a strong shelf-life. Customers have also taken note of this superior quality and demand continues to grow, with West Coast Tomato Growers, owners of the Oceanside Pole tomato brand, increasing tomato acreage again this year, after expanding their operations in 2017.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for more than 160 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Oceanside Pole
Growing for three generations, the Singh family is the last remaining pole tomato producer in California. Since 1939, they have tended vine-ripened tomatoes on the same land with the knowledge and expertise that can only come with time. Grown on an idyllic property near the historic Mission San Luis Rey in Oceanside, the Singh family has a calm, almost spiritual approach to growing their produce. The fresh, salty air and bright sunshine makes it seem like a calling—only with such a deep sense of care and determination can exceptional produce be harvested time and again. Go to oceansidepole.com to learn more.
A new global marketing campaign by The California Walnut Commission of Folsom, CA creates The Power of 3, that has a simple message: three handfuls of walnuts a week can help improve nutrition.
The campaign focuses on walnut’s essential fatty acid, omega-3 ALA, and asks consumers to share the nut’s health message with three others through February, which is American Heart Month. It’s the first campaign of its scale for walnuts, according to a news release, with promotions in the U.S., Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.
Consumers in each country will be directed to a global landing page on the commission’s website, https://walnuts.org/power-of-3/.
Digital and social media content, a sweepstakes, recipes and snack ideas, pop-up events, samplings and more will be used to spread the nutrition campaign, according to the release.
Pompano Beach, Florida – Southern Specialties, Inc.announced the company’s Mexican asparagus and Brussels sprouts shipments have moved into good volumes.
“ Our asparagus from Caborca,
Mexico are looking very good. We are pleased with the quality and volumes that
are crossing into the U.S.,” says Carlos Solf, director of procurement for the
company. “We continue to experience excellent year over year growth in this
region. This is a great time to set up promotions with our account managers. We
can offer both 11 pound and 28 pound cases direct from San Luis, AZ or from our
Pompano Beach, FL distribution facility.”
The Mexican asparagus season should run until mid-April.
The company also ships Brussels sprouts grown in this region, The Brussels sprout season will run until early June.
Southern Specialties is a
grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products
grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the U.S. The
company distributes from its Pompano Beach, Florida headquarters, and
facilities in San Luis, AZ.
Here’s a round up of the most active produce shipping areas in the Western states including the Pacific Northwest apple, potato and onion loading opportunities, as well as movement from the deserts of California and Arizona, including Mexican crossings at Nogales.
Pacific Northwest Shipments
Washington apple shipments easily lead national fresh produce volume with about 2900 truck load equivalents being moved a week, mostly from the Yakima and Wenatchee valleys.
Washington apples and pears – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
A note of caution is offered when loading Malheur County, Oregon and Western Idaho onions. Some freeze damage is being reported to product coming out of storage, which resulted from cold weather moving in before the harvest was completed last fall.
Potatoes and onions are being shipped from Southern Washington’s Columbia Basin and the adjacent Umatilla Basin of Oregon. There are nearly 750 truck load equivalents of potatoes and onions being shipped a week.
Arizona Shipments
Mexican vegetable crossings at Nogales are led in volume by tomatoes (vine ripes, romas and grape) averaging nearly 1650 truck loads a week and volume continues to increase. Bell peppers and cucumbers are accounting for nearly 1400 truck loads weekly. Zuchnni squash along with much smaller volumes other varieties are averaging nearly 500 truck loads a week. Additionally there numerous other veggies being loaded as well, ranging from sweet corn to eggplant, among others.
Mixed loads involving multiple pick ups and drops are inevitable this time of the year and often the first partial loading begins in California before that last one occurs in Arizona. Thus it’s hard to discuss one state without the other.
This is the most active time for shipments from the Yuma area. Head lettuce and romaine are together accounting about 750 truck loads with much smaller amounts of various leaf lettuces, cauliflower and broccoli.
Yuma vegetables – grossing about $6100 to New York City.
California Shipments
Many of the same items coming out of Yuma are coming out of California’s Imperial Valley located less than 90 minutes to the West of Yuma.
Otherwise most California loading opportunities are in the San Joaquin Valley and to the south. Both of these regions are shipping heavy volumes of oranges. In the Bakersfield area world leading carrot shipper Grimmway Farms leads production. About 450 truck loads equivalents of carrots are being loaded each week. In Ventura County over 375 truck loads of celery is being shipped. At the Port of Los Angeles around 400 truck loads of Chilean grapes are arriving weekly.
Idaho Potatoes
Steady shipments of America’s most famous spud are amounting to over 1500 truckload equivalents.
Idaho potatoes from the Upper Valley and Twin Falls and Burley areas – grossing about $5300 to New York City.
