Peak California pomegranate shipments are now underway and will continue through November, before the season closes at the end of the year.
Observers estimate put the fresh crop loadings this year at close to 6 million boxes in 2019, down 15 to 20 percent compared to forecasts earlier in the season.
The very earliest pomegranate varieties — principally granadas and early wonderful — got underway in mid-August. The wonderful variety accounts for about 70 percent of the state’s total volume.
The USDA reports California fresh pomegranate shipments totalled 38.9 million pounds in 2018, more than double 2017 shipments of 14.4 million pounds.k
Beyond whole fresh pomegranates, fresh pomegranate arils (seeds), are gaining in popularity and retailers such as Costco and Walmart have expanded their fresh aril offerings. Trinity Fruit of Fresno, CA is now shipping dried arils.
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Pomegranate acreage in California has been growing fast over the past 20 years. The 2017 Census of Agriculture reported bearing and non-bearing acreage of pomegranate totaled 30,917 acres, down slightly from 32,226 in 2012 but up from 24,458 in 2007, 9,529 acres in 2002 and just 4,672 in 1997.
Family selecting fruits and vegetables while grocery shopping in supermarket
Eating more produce reduces chronic disease risk and improves quality of life, is among the results of a wide – ranging review of research on fruits and vegetables and how consuming them affects health outcomes. The research was commissioned by The Produce for Better Health Foundation.
Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition published the paper recently. Taylor Wallace, a professor in the department of nutrition and food studies at George Mason University, was the lead author. Wallace is also the acting chief food and nutrition scientist for PBH. Wallace led a group of 13 nutrition scientists on the review project.
“Our findings confirm that eating at least five or more servings of fruits and vegetables per day has benefits far beyond providing basic nutritional requirements,” Wallace said in a news release. “Increasing fruit and vegetable intake not only helps to ward off chronic disease but also extends both life expectancy and quality.”
The scientists reviewed nearly 100 studies in an effort to summarize the benefits of produce as supported by research. The review will also inform future research priorities and public health messaging strategies.
The group of authors found eating at least 5 servings of produce daily can meaningfully reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. They also found there are “hundreds of fiber structures in fruits and vegetables that support the good bacteria in the gut, which scientists are increasingly recognizing as integral to overall health.”
Research also showed produce supports eye and bone health and may help prevent a range of diseases, including certain cancers.
Another conclusion was all forms of fruits and vegetables offer “generally consistent nutritional benefits” that can improve health quality.
“The time is now for industry stakeholders across the produce supply chain, as well as health professionals, food influencers, chefs, scientists, thought leaders and other advocates, to work together and inspire Americans to eat more fruits and vegetables,” Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, president and CEO of PBH, said in the release. “We’re committed to providing Americans with smart strategies to enjoy more fruits and vegetables every day for happy, healthy and active lives.”
California navel orange shipments are predicted to be off 7 percent from last seasone.
With harvest expected to begin this month, the USDA predicts California navel shipments will be 76 million (40-pound) cartons, down 7 percent from the previous year.
Of the total navel orange crop in California, the USDA reports 73 million cartons are estimated to be in the central San Joaquin Valley.
Survey data indicated a fruit set per tree of 319, below the 5-year average of 366. The average Sept. 1 diameter was 2.169 inches, about 2 percent below the five-year average of 2.225 inches. The cara cara orange set was 268 with a diameter of 2.185 inches.
San Francisco, CA – Side Delights® shared trending findings on how potatoes and other vegetables may actually help make people happy. The link to diet and depression has become an increasingly hot topic following the American Psychiatric Association’s recent 2019 Annual Meeting in San Francisco, where medical experts presented research showing that the Mediterranean-style diet, associated with a reduced risk of cancer and longevity, may also help protect against depression. 1 At the meeting, Dr. Konstantinos Argyropoulos claimed that people who adhere to a Mediterranean diet are less likely to develop symptoms of depression later on in life. The Mediterranean diet, which U.S. News and World Report calls the diet a “well-balanced eating plan”, suggests that for optimum health, consumers should adopt new dietary guidelines: no grains, no dairy, less sugar, more healthy fats, medium amounts of protein, and most importantly, lots of vegetables.
A recent article in Healthline about treating depression and anxiety with a vegetable-based diet, cited two studies supporting the claims. In the first study, after clinically depressed
participants ate a modified Mediterranean diet for three months, their symptoms were significantly better. In the other study, Spanish researchers found people who closely followed the Mediterranean lifestyle were 50 percent less likely to develop depression
than those who didn’t.2 In another Healthline article dedicated to the health benefits of potatoes, points out that they are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants; can help with weight-loss by curbing hunger pains and cravings, and are naturally
gluten-free. 3
“Potatoes have been known as America’s favorite vegetable for decades, and as research continues to build on the health advantages of vegetable-heavy eating plans, consumers
are embracing filling, flavorful ways to incorporate vegetables into more meals, “said Kathleen Triou, President and CEO of Fresh Solutions Network. “Potatoes
have a high-satiety factor and are extremely versatile – making them the perfect addition to a vegetable-based diet plan that can not only improve overall health but can help relieve depression.”
For more information on Side Delights® products, programs and recipes, visit
www.sidedelights.com.
About Fresh Solutions Network®, LLC:
Fresh Solutions Network (FSN) is the exclusive supplier of Side Delights® potatoes and onions. FSN is a group of family-owned potato and onion growers and shippers who help fresh potato and onion buyers grow their categories, maximize category
investment, and increase sales. FSN delivers category insights, collaborative innovation, and customized assortment. Fresh Solutions Network, LLC partners include: Sterman Masser, Inc. (Masser Potato Farms and Keystone Potato Products in Sacramento and Hegins,
PA), Michael Family Farms, Inc. (Urbana, OH), Basin Gold Cooperative, Inc. (Pasco, WA), Green Thumb Farms, Inc. (Fryeburg, ME), Red Isle Potato Growers, Ltd. (Prince Edward Island, Canada), NoKota Packers, Inc. (Buxton, ND), Sun-Glo of Idaho, Inc. (Sugar
City, ID) and Mack Farms (Lake Wales, FL).
A significant increase in Mexican apple shipments are seen this season, while a small decrease in Canadian apple loadings are forecast.
Mexican Apple Shipments
The estimated 27 million 42-pound cartons are 20 percent larger than an average year.
The Chihuahua region is the leading Mexican apple producing and is expecting a crop of 23 million boxes this year, up substantially from its average of about 18 million cartons.
The total crop in Mexico is projected at 27 million cartons. Of that total, about 7 million cartons will be put in controlled atmosphere storage and 10 million will be put in conventional storage. The balance of the crop be marketed immediately.
Because Mexico never supplies export markets, the Mexican apple market will be flooded until January 2020.
However, U.S. apple exportersl are still expected to be sending fruit to Mexico. Each year, Mexico consumes about 38 million cartons of apples. This leaves about 11 million cartons this year for the U.S. and other countries to fill the need for more apples.
During the 2018 shipping season, the U.S. moved about 12.8 million cartons to Mexico, and Mexico is the biggest export market for U.S. apple exporters.
Since 80 percent of Mexico’s apples are golden delicious, the country produces very few galas. This presents opportunities for U.S. exporters to export a lot of the more popular galas to Mexico,
Canadian Apple Shipments
Canada is estimated to have 18.8 million cartons of apples this season, down 2 percdent from 201. Compared with the five-year average, 2019 production in Canada will be up 1 percent.
By Canadian province, apple shipments are forecast at:
Ontario predicted to be down 11 percent to 7.3 million cartons, 2 percent below the 5-year average;
British Columbia is forecast at 4 million cartons, 15 percent more than the 5-year average;
Quebec apple output is rated at 5.3 million cartons, down 5 percent from the 5-year average;
Nova Scotia apple estimate is 2 million cartons, up 16 percent from the 5-year average; and
New Brunswick output is forecast at 144,000 cartons, down 12 percent from the 5-year average.
Mcintosh variety apples account for 26 percent of the Canada crop, followed by gala with 17 percent and Honeycrisp with 7.5 percent. U.S. apple exports to Canada in 2018 totaled about 6.8 million cartons.
Washington state, the nation’s leading apple shipper is expected to load around 136 million cartons this season, compared to 116 million a year ago.
However, some apple shippers across the state believe volume could be even higher.
Stemilt Growers LLC of Wenatchee, WA notes some estimates have the forecast as much as 145 million to 150 million boxes. The proof in the pudding will arrive in December, when the crop is all harvested. However, this is in contrast to last year’s crop, which had fewer shipments than normal, plus had further reduction due to less fruit meeting minimum shipping standards.
Gala apples will overtake red delicious this year as Washington’s top apple variety.
In Washington’s 2019 estimate, both varieties will gain on last year’s volume, but galas will increase by 16 percent, for a forecast total of 31.8 million 40-pound cartons, to grab the No. 1 spot from red delicious.
Reds will total 29.4 million cartons, or 4 percent more than last year’s 28.2 million.
Fuji (17.7 million cartons), granny smith (17.3 million) and Honeycrisp (15 million) round out the top five apple varieties in Washington for the upcoming season. Honeycrisp volume is expected to jump 24 percent over last year’s 12.1 million boxes.
The Oppenheimer Group of Vancouver, British Columbia ships conventional and organic Jazz, Envy and Pacific Rose apples grown in Washington, as well as New Zealand. It should start moving Jazz around October 15th, with the first Envy shipping about two weeks later.
Chelan Fresh of Chelan, WA shipped about 1 million cases of organic apples last year, and it is anticipating a 20 percent increase this season. The company loaded organics into July this season and expects the same for this new season.
Mission Produce Inc. of Oxnard, CA has announced plans to ramp up its Columbian avocado production within the next two years. The announcement was made prior to the World Avocado Congress, held in Medellin, Columbia in late September.
The company partnered in 2017 with Cartama, one of the country’s largest avocadoo growers, according to a news release.
“Colombia will provide us with an added source of year-round, high-quality fruit,” Mission Produce president and CEO Steve Barnard said in the release. “We will also continue partnering with Cartama to support volume and growth. We are replicating our vertically-integrated, cutting-edge business model in this country.”
The goal is to plant 1,000-1,500 hectares (about 2,500-3,700 acres) of avocado trees in Colombia to supply domestic and international markets, including the U.S. and Europe, Barnard said.
Colombia’s location makes it ideal for producing avocados because of its growing conditions, market accessibility and logistical abilities.
“Colombia is unique in that it offers a year-round supply of fruit. Our country will act as strong source for global avocados in the coming years,” Cartama CEO Ricardo Uribe said in the release.
During the past 20 years Guatemala’s exports of specialty vegetables and fruits to the U.S. have been steadily on the rise.
The Guatemala Produce Trade Association, and the USDA have reported increases of fresh and frozen fruit imports from Guatemala by 18 percent from 2014-18, to 5.8 billion pounds. Fresh vegetables in that category have remained steady, at an average of 147 million pounds a year, according to the USDA.
Imports include French beans, sugar snap peas, snow peas, blackberries, baby vegetables, rambutans, papayas and plantains.
“We can offer year-round because Guatemala offers attractive growing conditions throughout the year,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties Inc. of Pompano Beach, FL., said in a release. Additionally, its proximity to South Florida enables us to move product quickly and manage the cold chain efficiently.”
Katiana Valdes, marketing director at Crystal Valley Foods of Miami, said Guatemala’s infrastructure has been improving rapidly. “Our growing partners all maintain rigid quality and food safety programs,” Valdes said in the release. “It’s with this focus on quality and food safety, the variety of production areas, and continuous advances in agriculture techniques that Guatemala’s specialty exports have been able to expand.”
Wish Farms recently held a groundbreaking for its new 3-story, 24,000 square foot office for their expanding operation. Construction of the 130,000 square foot warehouse and cooling facility is scheduled for completion in January 2020. Third and fourth generation family members were all in attendance commemorating the memorable groundbreaking event.
Wish Farms, based in Plant City, FL, is an international grower and year-round shipper of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries.
“Along with my sister Elizabeth and our spouses, James Peterson and Stephen Cramer, we are proud to work for our family business and carry on its rich legacy,” said Nick Wishnatzki, Marketing Project Manager. “This is an exciting moment for everyone at Wish Farms; we are all looking forward to a bright future.”
The office is due to be occupied by staff in September 2020. Among other things, it will feature an indoor grove of trees, an adult-sized slide, a tree house conference room and employee gym.
Third generation owner, Gary Wishnatzki, started working as a dock hand for his father and uncle in 1974: “When my grandfather Harris arrived at Ellis Island from Russia in 1904, he could never have imagined what his American dream would become 115 years later. It brings me great pride to know that my children and their families will continue carrying the torch.”
Wish Farms, founded in 1922, is a 4th-generation family operated company growing both conventional and organic varieties.
Pleasanton, CA — DeltaTrak® recently introduced two new FlashLink Real-Time Prime In-Transit Loggers.
With these two new models of real-time monitors (loggers), DeltaTrak has expanded its already existing line of real-time loggers with cost effective and feature rich solutions. Both newFlashLink Real=Time Prime 2G and 3G In-Transit Loggers offer a 12 month battery shelf life and a new flight mode feature. With these new capabilities along with backup PDF trip reports via USB, these new loggers are hard to beat for the price.
Reliable and cost-effective, these real-time loggers provide temperature and location information utilizing GSM cellular technology. Shipments are tracked worldwide using DeltaTrak’s ColdTrak 24/7 cloud service. Up-to-the-minute information can be accessed securely with user login security from a standard web browser using a PC or any internet-ready device.
With the FlashLink Real-Time Prime 3G In-Transit Logger’s global coverage, customers can now ship to countries where 3G is the best solution including Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Italy and the UK.
“Not only do both loggers offer the benefits of a 2-in-1 logger with real-time reporting and a PDF backup report when there’s no cellular service available, each includes a longer battery shelf life and the ability to turn off the logger during use on aircraft,” according to Frederick Wu, President and CEO of DeltaTrak. “And for the RTL Prime 3G In-Transit Logger, the light sensor offers an extra layer of security during your shipments.”
DeltaTrak offers models for both loggers that include a 60-day logging duration with data sampled every 10 minutes, ideal for export shipments.
The ColdTrak cloud solution provides enhanced features and allows growers and shippers the option to upload additional documentation used in meeting the requirements of the FSMA, HACCP and regulatory compliance.
These loggers are mounted on a highly visible shipping card which makes the units easy to locate inside a trailer, container or airplane. Each unit comes charged and ready-to-use. Shippers can simply start the logger with the one-button activation and place it in their loads.
DeltaTrak’s new FlashLink RTL Prime 2G and 3G In-Transit Loggers are a great solution for anyone that needs up-to-the-minute information on the temperature and location of their products. About DeltaTrak®
DeltaTrak® is a leading innovator of cold chain management, environmental monitoring and food safety solutions for the food, produce, life science, and chemical industries. Contact DeltaTrak® by phone at 1-800-962-6776 or by email at marketing@deltatrak.com. Additional information can be found at www.deltatrak.com.
