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USDA’s July citrus forecast shows a 1% increase in Florida orange production since June. This is the fifth month in a row the agency has not seen a decrease in the state’s citrus production.
July’s orange production forecast saw a 3% increase, carried by a 5% increase in Valencia oranges. In May, all orange production increased a little under 1%. April orange production remained unchanged.
Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual Matt Joyner called the news encouraging and said “the path forward for Florida’s citrus industry is bright with new opportunities for growth.”
“Promising treatments for citrus greening, disease-tolerant citrus varieties, targeted state funds to support research and replanting, and federal disaster relief programs like the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program will equip citrus growers with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The USDA’s July forecast of 12.15 million boxes marks the third consecutive month of production gains – an encouraging indicator that we’re on the path to a more resilient future. Our growers have shown incredible perseverance through citrus greening and hurricanes, and we remain hopeful that our growers can build on this momentum next season with continued improvements in tree health and fruit production.”
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
With the California citrus season ending, the Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA has turned its focus to domestic and imports with its summer citrus line.
“Over the past few decades, the Bee Sweet Citrus team has worked hard to develop a program that supplements shoppers’ needs during our off-season,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “This summer, we’re pleased to provide our customers with both offshore and domestic products to meet their needs.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges started arriving in mid July, while offshore lemons began arriving at the end of July.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges are expected to arrive next week, while offshore lemons are due to arrive at the end of the month.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
A grower, packer and shipper of premium 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 approximately 10 different citrus varieties to its consumers! Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bee Sweet is focused on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Results from a recent survey funded by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) have shown that dried fruits containing both fiber and sorbitol can substantially improve chronic constipation. The findings were presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, California.
Sorbitol is a carbohydrate that contributes to fruit’s sweetness and is particularly present in dried fruits.
This randomized, placebo-controlled food intervention trial examined the effects of dried fruit, fruit juice, and a fruit-flavored placebo on constipation symptoms. The study included 150 participants who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) consuming 90 grams daily of dried fruit (prunes, raisins, and dried apricots), (2) consuming juice made from the same fruits, or (3) consuming a fruit-flavored placebo.
Researchers assessed changes in stool weight over a seven-day collection period. Additional outcomes evaluated included stool consistency, stool frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation-specific symptoms, quality of life, and gut microbiota.
Results indicated that stool weight increases were significantly greater in the dried fruit group compared to the placebo group. Participants in the dried fruit group also experienced significant improvements in both complete and spontaneous bowel movements. Furthermore, the dried fruit group reported greater enhancements in quality of life relative to the placebo group.
“Living with constipation can have a large impact on quality of life, but we found that a half-cup or about 3 oz of mixed dried fruits per day can offer a real benefit,” said study author Simon Steenson, PhD, who is a postdoctoral research associate in the nutritional sciences department at King’s College London.
This study is the largest clinical trial to date demonstrating that dried fruit consumption can benefit individuals with constipation. The findings support dietary recommendations encouraging the inclusion of dried fruits as part of constipation management strategies.
Frutas de Cile reports summer citrus from Chile got off to a strong start during the fourth week of April with 519 metric tons of clementines shipped to the U.S. This is up significantly from last year’s start of 44 tons.
Lemon shipments got underway the same week with 59 tons sent to northern Europe. Last year, Chilean lemon exports started a week earlier, with 385 tons shipped to the U.S.
Chilean navel orange exports started the first week of June, and mandarins followed the last week of June.
Growing conditions have been ideal.
In 2024, Chilean growers exported 50,419 tons of clementines to the U.S. (98% of total clementine exports), 126,263 tons of mandarins (95%), 60,359 tons of lemons (63%) and 97,627 tons of navel oranges (93%).
Significant production increases are seen in the initial forecast for the coming season, especially for mandarins.
Mandarin volume is expected to increase by 32%, clementines should be up 25% and lemons are projected to rise 6%, but navel orange production might be down 18%.
Chile’s total citrus production is forecast to come in at 444 tons, an increase of 11% over 2024.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-4045863.
Enstructure, the operator of Port Wilmington in Delaware, announced it has signed a long-term agreement with Chiquita Brands to continue and further expand its partnership as the company’s mid-Atlantic distribution hub.
In a press release, Enstructure said the agreement builds upon an existing partnership built in 1988 between Chiquita and the Port of Wilmington, which positioned the port as the brand’s mid-Atlantic supply chain operation. Since then, Port of Wilmington has become the brand’s largest port operation in North America.
The Port is operated by Enstructure under a long-term concession agreement as part of a public-private partnership at Port Wilmington with the owner, Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), a State of Delaware entity.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for Enstructure, the State of Delaware, and DSPC,” said Enstructure Co-CEOs Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny. “We are reinforcing our commitment to the perishable fruit industry, investing in the port’s customers and infrastructure, and increasing job opportunities for our workforce, all while enhancing the quality of service we provide to long-standing partners like Chiquita.”
Washington and Oregon potato shipments may be down slightly this season, although good size and quality are being reported by growers.
Growing conditions have been very good so far this summer for Mattawa, Wash.-based
Del Christensen & Sons, of Mattawa, WA, whose potatoes are marketed by Eagle
Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, ID.
Eagle Eye notes the company, which ships russet potatoes year round from the Mattawa location, will begin its 2025 harvest in August and continue as late as mid-October.
Eagle Eye has been marketing product from Del Christensen & Sons, a multigenerational family farm, for about 10 years. Great size and great quality are being reported.
About 70% of the product grown by the Washington location of Eagle Eye Produce is shipped to retailers, and 30% goes to foodservice buyers.
Growing conditions also have been favorable for Norm Nelson Inc., of Burlington, WA. Good weather for planting and growing have been reported, with normal volume expected.
Established in the early 1940s, the family-owned company is now operated by members of the second and third generation.
Norm Nelson grows red, white, yellow and a few purple potatoes. Yellows have replaced red potato as the bestsellers.
The company will begin its harvest in early-to-mid-September and finish in early November. Potatoes will be shipped from storage through May.
Organically Grown Co., of Portland, OR sources and packs organic red, russet and yellow potatoes for retailers year round. It began its harvest in late July, with yellow potatoes leading its volume.
The shipper also handles specialty varieties of red, yellow, purple, fingerling and russet potatoes, most of which are available in 20-pound bulk cases.
Besides potatoes, Organically Grown Co. markets a full line of fresh organic produce year round that encompasses more n 350 commodities, Hardin adds.
Washington is second only to Idaho when it comes to potato production, according to the Washington Potato Commission of Moses Lake, WA.
The state’s growers harvested 159,500 acres of potatoes in 2024, according to USDA, and produced 101.2 million cwt for a value of $1.1 billion.
Acreage likely will drop to 145,000 to 150,000 acres this year as a result of softening demand, mostly for french fries and frozen potato products, the commission reports.
About 10% of the potatoes grown in Washington are shipped for the fresh market. The Columbia Basin in eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley are the state’s main potato-growing regions.
Oregon, the fourth-largest U.S. potato provider, produced 26,875,000 cwt of potatoes in 2024 for a value of $1.1 billion, according to the USDA.
About 5% to 10% of the state’s 43,000 harvested acres were devoted to fresh market product, notes the Oregon Potato Commission of Portland.
The state typically grows about 27 million cwt, but volume has been down the past couple of years because of a reduction in processed potato acreage. That shortfall is expected to continue for the 2025 season.
Potatoes are Oregon’s state vegetable, and they’re grown on 376 farms, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
In week 30, the global avocado trade exhibited mixed trends across key markets. According to intelligence firm Avobook,
The United States recorded its highest import volume since early April, with 1,731 containers and trucks entering the market. The last week of July was an 8% increase from the previous week.
Mexico accounted for 57% of those imports, followed by Peru (21%) and Colombia (7%). Notably, Peru and Mexico saw weekly market share increases of 28% and 12%, respectively, while Colombia experienced an 11% decline.
Europe received nearly 1,000 containers, representing a 2% weekly increase and higher volumes year-on-year. Peru continued to be the leading source of European imports, accounting for 78% of the volume, followed by South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Colombia, which maintained similar shares as in previous weeks.
In China, current trends continued, with 50 containers arriving from Peru during week 29. However, industry sources forecast a significant increase next week, with more than 100 containers expected. Although prices for sizes 18 to 24 rose by 7%, they remain 10% below 2024 levels.
Peru exported 1,330 avocado shipments in week 29. This reflects a 7% decrease in volume from the previous week, but a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Europe remained the leading destination for Peruvian avocados, with 56% of the country’s exports. It was followed by the U.S. (19%) and Chile (12%).
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Pacific Trellis Fruit Company, owner of the Dulcinea Brand, entered a long-term joint venture agreement with Desert Ghost, a Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, farming entity owned by the Carrillo family of Caborca.
Luis Carrillo also owns UVEX, a large table grape operation located in Caborca. Several years ago, Desert Ghost acquired a ranch in Hermosillo known as Campo La Colorada. Desert Ghost invested significant capital in developing the land by installing irrigation systems, building cold storage and packing house facilities, offices and a state-of-the-art pack line for all table grape pack styles, including all types of clam shells, according to a news release.
The focus in this ranch has always been on new proprietary varieties that can supply the best quality fruit in the early part of the season. New plantings of flames, Ivory, Krissy, Midnight Beauty, Ruby Rush and Autumncrisp soon followed, the release said.
“Over the past six years, we have evaluated many varieties and identified the ones that are better suited for our region. In this second phase of our project, we can focus on those cultivars that have proven to perform great,” Carrillo said.
When the joint venture with PTF was signed earlier this year, Desert Ghost embarked on a massive project to remove the Ivory and Krissy blocks and plant back new vines with Early Sweet, Ruby Rush and Applause varieties. The rest of the prepared open ground has also been planted with new blocks of Honey Pop, more Ruby Rush and Early Sweet, the release said.
“We have a 14-year relationship with Pacific Trellis, and we are thrilled to go into this new phase of the project with a company that shares our commitment to quality, and we look forward to continuing to expand our program,“ Carillo said.
“PTF has had a long-standing relationship with the Carrillo family, and this opportunity provided us with a chance to lay a cornerstone in our Mexican table grape program with an aligned strategic partner,” said Earl McMenamin, senior sales executive and category manager for Mexico and California Grapes. “We look forward to an exciting future with these new additions to our table grape portfolio.”
With an existing Mexican grape program that sources 1.5 million boxes from all districts, including Guaymas, Hermosillo and Caborca, this joint venture is a significant enhancement that will bring PTF’s total program close to two million boxes in three years, the release said, adding that the Mexican grape program, along with their large South American and California programs, allows PTF to supply customers with premium table grapes 365 days a year.
By Iyer Amruthur ALC San Antonio
You weren’t born yet; there’s no record you can follow back, the digital and paper trail buried deeper than your local fiber cables, allowing you to read this periodical! I’m, of course, talking about 1200 BCE, when historians theorize that the first ocean trade route began. Thankfully, dusty naval logs and old boxes of hardtack are not what we’re here for. We’re here to talk about something pretty topical in today’s economic world: tariffs. A tariff is critical to trade, as it is a tax or duty paid upon importing a certain good or product class from another country. They can range from small to cripplingly large in terms of fees. They’re almost as old as trade, but not quite. The United States issued its first tariff back on July 4, 1789, 286 years ago. It levied a charge per ton of goods brought into the USA towards the selling party, such as wine, beer, and coffee.
Fast-forwarding to modern times, tariffs are a common and omnipresent part of trade. Discussions about tariff policy have evolved into a raucous, entropic, and engrossing conversation. The effects are wide-ranging and sweeping. As you can imagine, the cost of goods and services has wild implications, almost a butterfly effect on a country’s economy and even its partners. Let’s take the example of a simple tariff on imported aluminum and steel. Every car frame, CNC-turned bolt, or screw, down to the cost of buying a new truck and trailer for transport, is affected. When the cost of goods and manufacturing starts to balloon, the implications and effects become pervasive.
A more expensive sheet of aluminum can lead to layoffs, higher purchasing costs, slower development times, cutting corners, and, in some cases, the collapse of a brand or product category. I’m sure you all remember when eggs became a bit “pricey”, and we saw quite an explosion of creative, if not tasty, substitutes for the traditional American breakfast. A tariff can also vary in terms of total cost, ranging from minor to major, and levying vastly different impacts on the respective industry.
To give an example, the USA recently placed a 25% tariff on Mexican Imports (for non-USMCA-compliant goods). In order for goods to avoid this, they must be compliant under standards requiring a large majority of the final “product” to be built within the USMCA region. The regional clause allows Mexico to avoid 87% of all tariffs on goods, including cars, machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural goods, beer, and spirits. Along with a base 10% tariff for all other countries, these policies were put into play in March of this year.
Tariffs can often be implemented as a trade tool, but are also used as a reactionary or punitive measure. For instance, the tariffs levied against Mexico were cited as a deterrent and countermeasure to an influx of drugs into the USA, where efforts perceived by Mexico were assessed as “lax”, as well as solving a growing trade imbalance between the USA and Mexico. This gives the USA an opportunity to “level” the playing field by encouraging outside companies to invest in USA-based production, pressure foreign competitors to “play ball”, and aid in job creation.
Tariffs are simple, effective, and potent measures to control global and domestic trade. However, they also have wide-ranging implications that extend across both macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions. Let us look forward to a future of balanced and healthy trade!
*****
Iyer Amruthur is a national sales manager in the ALC San Antonio office and has been with the company for three years. He attended The University of Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
If you are hauling are importing kiwifruit right now, it is coming from New Zealand.
Currently, kiwifruit sold in the United States is being supplied by New Zealand through October, after which the domestic California harvest enters the market, followed by imports from Italy. U.S. goods trade with New Zealand totaled an estimated $10.1 billion in 2024.
Zespri reports the improved outlook to increased yields, improved fruit sizing for Green and RubyRed varieties, and added volume from newly producing orchards, particularly for SunGold and RubyRed.
“We have another bumper crop of more than 200 million trays from New Zealand this season, and our sales programs have started well, particularly in Europe and North America, where we’ve seen strong demand,” according to Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake.
Zespri is also advancing key strategic initiatives, including efforts to increase grower ownership.
As part of a recent share alignment initiative, the proportion of growers who hold shares in Zespri has risen to more than 60%, up from 48%. The increase follows a 2024 grower vote in which 91% supported Zespri’s offshore expansion strategy.
USDA’s July citrus forecast shows a 1% increase in Florida orange production since June. This is the fifth month in a row the agency has not seen a decrease in the state’s citrus production.
July’s orange production forecast saw a 3% increase, carried by a 5% increase in Valencia oranges. In May, all orange production increased a little under 1%. April orange production remained unchanged.
Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual Matt Joyner called the news encouraging and said “the path forward for Florida’s citrus industry is bright with new opportunities for growth.”
“Promising treatments for citrus greening, disease-tolerant citrus varieties, targeted state funds to support research and replanting, and federal disaster relief programs like the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program will equip citrus growers with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The USDA’s July forecast of 12.15 million boxes marks the third consecutive month of production gains – an encouraging indicator that we’re on the path to a more resilient future. Our growers have shown incredible perseverance through citrus greening and hurricanes, and we remain hopeful that our growers can build on this momentum next season with continued improvements in tree health and fruit production.”
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
With the California citrus season ending, the Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA has turned its focus to domestic and imports with its summer citrus line.
“Over the past few decades, the Bee Sweet Citrus team has worked hard to develop a program that supplements shoppers’ needs during our off-season,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “This summer, we’re pleased to provide our customers with both offshore and domestic products to meet their needs.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges started arriving in mid July, while offshore lemons began arriving at the end of July.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges are expected to arrive next week, while offshore lemons are due to arrive at the end of the month.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
A grower, packer and shipper of premium 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 approximately 10 different citrus varieties to its consumers! Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bee Sweet is focused on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Results from a recent survey funded by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) have shown that dried fruits containing both fiber and sorbitol can substantially improve chronic constipation. The findings were presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, California.
Sorbitol is a carbohydrate that contributes to fruit’s sweetness and is particularly present in dried fruits.
This randomized, placebo-controlled food intervention trial examined the effects of dried fruit, fruit juice, and a fruit-flavored placebo on constipation symptoms. The study included 150 participants who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) consuming 90 grams daily of dried fruit (prunes, raisins, and dried apricots), (2) consuming juice made from the same fruits, or (3) consuming a fruit-flavored placebo.
Researchers assessed changes in stool weight over a seven-day collection period. Additional outcomes evaluated included stool consistency, stool frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation-specific symptoms, quality of life, and gut microbiota.
Results indicated that stool weight increases were significantly greater in the dried fruit group compared to the placebo group. Participants in the dried fruit group also experienced significant improvements in both complete and spontaneous bowel movements. Furthermore, the dried fruit group reported greater enhancements in quality of life relative to the placebo group.
“Living with constipation can have a large impact on quality of life, but we found that a half-cup or about 3 oz of mixed dried fruits per day can offer a real benefit,” said study author Simon Steenson, PhD, who is a postdoctoral research associate in the nutritional sciences department at King’s College London.
This study is the largest clinical trial to date demonstrating that dried fruit consumption can benefit individuals with constipation. The findings support dietary recommendations encouraging the inclusion of dried fruits as part of constipation management strategies.
Frutas de Cile reports summer citrus from Chile got off to a strong start during the fourth week of April with 519 metric tons of clementines shipped to the U.S. This is up significantly from last year’s start of 44 tons.
Lemon shipments got underway the same week with 59 tons sent to northern Europe. Last year, Chilean lemon exports started a week earlier, with 385 tons shipped to the U.S.
Chilean navel orange exports started the first week of June, and mandarins followed the last week of June.
Growing conditions have been ideal.
In 2024, Chilean growers exported 50,419 tons of clementines to the U.S. (98% of total clementine exports), 126,263 tons of mandarins (95%), 60,359 tons of lemons (63%) and 97,627 tons of navel oranges (93%).
Significant production increases are seen in the initial forecast for the coming season, especially for mandarins.
Mandarin volume is expected to increase by 32%, clementines should be up 25% and lemons are projected to rise 6%, but navel orange production might be down 18%.
Chile’s total citrus production is forecast to come in at 444 tons, an increase of 11% over 2024.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-4045863.
Enstructure, the operator of Port Wilmington in Delaware, announced it has signed a long-term agreement with Chiquita Brands to continue and further expand its partnership as the company’s mid-Atlantic distribution hub.
In a press release, Enstructure said the agreement builds upon an existing partnership built in 1988 between Chiquita and the Port of Wilmington, which positioned the port as the brand’s mid-Atlantic supply chain operation. Since then, Port of Wilmington has become the brand’s largest port operation in North America.
The Port is operated by Enstructure under a long-term concession agreement as part of a public-private partnership at Port Wilmington with the owner, Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), a State of Delaware entity.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for Enstructure, the State of Delaware, and DSPC,” said Enstructure Co-CEOs Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny. “We are reinforcing our commitment to the perishable fruit industry, investing in the port’s customers and infrastructure, and increasing job opportunities for our workforce, all while enhancing the quality of service we provide to long-standing partners like Chiquita.”
Washington and Oregon potato shipments may be down slightly this season, although good size and quality are being reported by growers.
Growing conditions have been very good so far this summer for Mattawa, Wash.-based
Del Christensen & Sons, of Mattawa, WA, whose potatoes are marketed by Eagle
Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, ID.
Eagle Eye notes the company, which ships russet potatoes year round from the Mattawa location, will begin its 2025 harvest in August and continue as late as mid-October.
Eagle Eye has been marketing product from Del Christensen & Sons, a multigenerational family farm, for about 10 years. Great size and great quality are being reported.
About 70% of the product grown by the Washington location of Eagle Eye Produce is shipped to retailers, and 30% goes to foodservice buyers.
Growing conditions also have been favorable for Norm Nelson Inc., of Burlington, WA. Good weather for planting and growing have been reported, with normal volume expected.
Established in the early 1940s, the family-owned company is now operated by members of the second and third generation.
Norm Nelson grows red, white, yellow and a few purple potatoes. Yellows have replaced red potato as the bestsellers.
The company will begin its harvest in early-to-mid-September and finish in early November. Potatoes will be shipped from storage through May.
Organically Grown Co., of Portland, OR sources and packs organic red, russet and yellow potatoes for retailers year round. It began its harvest in late July, with yellow potatoes leading its volume.
The shipper also handles specialty varieties of red, yellow, purple, fingerling and russet potatoes, most of which are available in 20-pound bulk cases.
Besides potatoes, Organically Grown Co. markets a full line of fresh organic produce year round that encompasses more n 350 commodities, Hardin adds.
Washington is second only to Idaho when it comes to potato production, according to the Washington Potato Commission of Moses Lake, WA.
The state’s growers harvested 159,500 acres of potatoes in 2024, according to USDA, and produced 101.2 million cwt for a value of $1.1 billion.
Acreage likely will drop to 145,000 to 150,000 acres this year as a result of softening demand, mostly for french fries and frozen potato products, the commission reports.
About 10% of the potatoes grown in Washington are shipped for the fresh market. The Columbia Basin in eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley are the state’s main potato-growing regions.
Oregon, the fourth-largest U.S. potato provider, produced 26,875,000 cwt of potatoes in 2024 for a value of $1.1 billion, according to the USDA.
About 5% to 10% of the state’s 43,000 harvested acres were devoted to fresh market product, notes the Oregon Potato Commission of Portland.
The state typically grows about 27 million cwt, but volume has been down the past couple of years because of a reduction in processed potato acreage. That shortfall is expected to continue for the 2025 season.
Potatoes are Oregon’s state vegetable, and they’re grown on 376 farms, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
In week 30, the global avocado trade exhibited mixed trends across key markets. According to intelligence firm Avobook,
The United States recorded its highest import volume since early April, with 1,731 containers and trucks entering the market. The last week of July was an 8% increase from the previous week.
Mexico accounted for 57% of those imports, followed by Peru (21%) and Colombia (7%). Notably, Peru and Mexico saw weekly market share increases of 28% and 12%, respectively, while Colombia experienced an 11% decline.
Europe received nearly 1,000 containers, representing a 2% weekly increase and higher volumes year-on-year. Peru continued to be the leading source of European imports, accounting for 78% of the volume, followed by South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Colombia, which maintained similar shares as in previous weeks.
In China, current trends continued, with 50 containers arriving from Peru during week 29. However, industry sources forecast a significant increase next week, with more than 100 containers expected. Although prices for sizes 18 to 24 rose by 7%, they remain 10% below 2024 levels.
Peru exported 1,330 avocado shipments in week 29. This reflects a 7% decrease in volume from the previous week, but a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Europe remained the leading destination for Peruvian avocados, with 56% of the country’s exports. It was followed by the U.S. (19%) and Chile (12%).
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Pacific Trellis Fruit Company, owner of the Dulcinea Brand, entered a long-term joint venture agreement with Desert Ghost, a Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, farming entity owned by the Carrillo family of Caborca.
Luis Carrillo also owns UVEX, a large table grape operation located in Caborca. Several years ago, Desert Ghost acquired a ranch in Hermosillo known as Campo La Colorada. Desert Ghost invested significant capital in developing the land by installing irrigation systems, building cold storage and packing house facilities, offices and a state-of-the-art pack line for all table grape pack styles, including all types of clam shells, according to a news release.
The focus in this ranch has always been on new proprietary varieties that can supply the best quality fruit in the early part of the season. New plantings of flames, Ivory, Krissy, Midnight Beauty, Ruby Rush and Autumncrisp soon followed, the release said.
“Over the past six years, we have evaluated many varieties and identified the ones that are better suited for our region. In this second phase of our project, we can focus on those cultivars that have proven to perform great,” Carrillo said.
When the joint venture with PTF was signed earlier this year, Desert Ghost embarked on a massive project to remove the Ivory and Krissy blocks and plant back new vines with Early Sweet, Ruby Rush and Applause varieties. The rest of the prepared open ground has also been planted with new blocks of Honey Pop, more Ruby Rush and Early Sweet, the release said.
“We have a 14-year relationship with Pacific Trellis, and we are thrilled to go into this new phase of the project with a company that shares our commitment to quality, and we look forward to continuing to expand our program,“ Carillo said.
“PTF has had a long-standing relationship with the Carrillo family, and this opportunity provided us with a chance to lay a cornerstone in our Mexican table grape program with an aligned strategic partner,” said Earl McMenamin, senior sales executive and category manager for Mexico and California Grapes. “We look forward to an exciting future with these new additions to our table grape portfolio.”
With an existing Mexican grape program that sources 1.5 million boxes from all districts, including Guaymas, Hermosillo and Caborca, this joint venture is a significant enhancement that will bring PTF’s total program close to two million boxes in three years, the release said, adding that the Mexican grape program, along with their large South American and California programs, allows PTF to supply customers with premium table grapes 365 days a year.
By Iyer Amruthur ALC San Antonio
You weren’t born yet; there’s no record you can follow back, the digital and paper trail buried deeper than your local fiber cables, allowing you to read this periodical! I’m, of course, talking about 1200 BCE, when historians theorize that the first ocean trade route began. Thankfully, dusty naval logs and old boxes of hardtack are not what we’re here for. We’re here to talk about something pretty topical in today’s economic world: tariffs. A tariff is critical to trade, as it is a tax or duty paid upon importing a certain good or product class from another country. They can range from small to cripplingly large in terms of fees. They’re almost as old as trade, but not quite. The United States issued its first tariff back on July 4, 1789, 286 years ago. It levied a charge per ton of goods brought into the USA towards the selling party, such as wine, beer, and coffee.
Fast-forwarding to modern times, tariffs are a common and omnipresent part of trade. Discussions about tariff policy have evolved into a raucous, entropic, and engrossing conversation. The effects are wide-ranging and sweeping. As you can imagine, the cost of goods and services has wild implications, almost a butterfly effect on a country’s economy and even its partners. Let’s take the example of a simple tariff on imported aluminum and steel. Every car frame, CNC-turned bolt, or screw, down to the cost of buying a new truck and trailer for transport, is affected. When the cost of goods and manufacturing starts to balloon, the implications and effects become pervasive.
A more expensive sheet of aluminum can lead to layoffs, higher purchasing costs, slower development times, cutting corners, and, in some cases, the collapse of a brand or product category. I’m sure you all remember when eggs became a bit “pricey”, and we saw quite an explosion of creative, if not tasty, substitutes for the traditional American breakfast. A tariff can also vary in terms of total cost, ranging from minor to major, and levying vastly different impacts on the respective industry.
To give an example, the USA recently placed a 25% tariff on Mexican Imports (for non-USMCA-compliant goods). In order for goods to avoid this, they must be compliant under standards requiring a large majority of the final “product” to be built within the USMCA region. The regional clause allows Mexico to avoid 87% of all tariffs on goods, including cars, machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural goods, beer, and spirits. Along with a base 10% tariff for all other countries, these policies were put into play in March of this year.
Tariffs can often be implemented as a trade tool, but are also used as a reactionary or punitive measure. For instance, the tariffs levied against Mexico were cited as a deterrent and countermeasure to an influx of drugs into the USA, where efforts perceived by Mexico were assessed as “lax”, as well as solving a growing trade imbalance between the USA and Mexico. This gives the USA an opportunity to “level” the playing field by encouraging outside companies to invest in USA-based production, pressure foreign competitors to “play ball”, and aid in job creation.
Tariffs are simple, effective, and potent measures to control global and domestic trade. However, they also have wide-ranging implications that extend across both macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions. Let us look forward to a future of balanced and healthy trade!
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Iyer Amruthur is a national sales manager in the ALC San Antonio office and has been with the company for three years. He attended The University of Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications.
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If you are hauling are importing kiwifruit right now, it is coming from New Zealand.
Currently, kiwifruit sold in the United States is being supplied by New Zealand through October, after which the domestic California harvest enters the market, followed by imports from Italy. U.S. goods trade with New Zealand totaled an estimated $10.1 billion in 2024.
Zespri reports the improved outlook to increased yields, improved fruit sizing for Green and RubyRed varieties, and added volume from newly producing orchards, particularly for SunGold and RubyRed.
“We have another bumper crop of more than 200 million trays from New Zealand this season, and our sales programs have started well, particularly in Europe and North America, where we’ve seen strong demand,” according to Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake.
Zespri is also advancing key strategic initiatives, including efforts to increase grower ownership.
As part of a recent share alignment initiative, the proportion of growers who hold shares in Zespri has risen to more than 60%, up from 48%. The increase follows a 2024 grower vote in which 91% supported Zespri’s offshore expansion strategy.