YUMA, AZ – With the impending New Moon, Natural Delights is preparing their retailers with two, five, and eleven-pound date boxes to satisfy the demand driven by Muslim shoppers preparing for Ramadan.
Based on the lunar calendar, the observance starts on February 28th this year, but stores are advised that celebrators will start acquiring dates mid-February to have a surplus for the month of festivities ahead.
Last Ramadan, average weekly Medjool date sales increased by 31% for the category, while Natural Delights average weekly sales increased by 44%, according to Circana data. The growth of the Muslim community in the U.S. has contributed to an increased visibility of Ramadan practices and traditions across the country. Additionally, with the rise of social media, more Americans are becoming aware of and acknowledging Ramadan.
“Dates are traditionally eaten as a quick energy source before sunrise during Ramadan, and they pair wonderfully with complementary foods to help sustain energy throughout the day. Coffee, for example, is a beloved morning ritual that, when combined with dates and heart-healthy nuts like almonds or walnuts, provides a boost of caffeine without the crash,” explained Amy Davis, RDN.
A recently published report shows that increasing consumer demand for healthy snacks, rising awareness of nutritional benefits, and the growing popularity of plant-based diets drive the market expansion of dry fruits in the U.S.
The market is forecast to reach an estimated US$4.89 billion by 2033, compared to US$3.14 billion in 2024. This growth signifies a robust Compound Annual Growth Rate of 5.08% from 2025 to 2033.
Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, raisins, apricots, and dates are among the most popular dry fruits. These fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants.
Dry fruits are increasingly popular in the USA as convenient and healthy snacks because of their numerous health benefits. These include boosting heart health by lowering cholesterol, improving digestion due to their high fiber content, and supporting weight management by promoting satiety.
Due to their easy-to-eat format and packaging, dry fruits are becoming increasingly popular among American consumers. They are drawn to their convenience, portability, and ability to provide sustained energy.
Dry fruits are widely embraced in fitness circles for boosting energy and aiding post-workout recovery, making them a staple in health-conscious households.
According to the report, the shift toward plant-based eating is another key growth driver in the dry fruits market. Many consumers opt for vegetarian or vegan diets, increasing the demand for plant-derived nutrient sources. They are often used as meat substitutes in recipes or as an energy-dense snack.
The report also notes that the rise of e-commerce platforms has revolutionized the U.S.’s dry fruit market. Consumers now have easy access to a diverse range of dry fruit products, including organic, flavored, and exotic varieties, with the convenience of doorstep delivery.
Online platforms often provide detailed product information, reviews, and competitive pricing, encouraging informed purchasing decisions. Subscription services and bulk-buying options have also made it easier for consumers to integrate dry fruits into their daily diets.
As e-commerce grows, it is expected further to increase the sales and visibility of dry fruits nationwide.
The Arizona/California desert growing region began a warming trend over the past week with daytime highs peaking February 3 at 85°F. Temperatures will decline through this week but will remain in the upper 70°s to low 80°s, according to a press release by Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Although the higher temperatures will aid plant growth that had stalled after three weeks of strong winds and morning freeze events, Markon inspectors still expect to see quality challenges through February. In particular, epidermal peeling is expected to increase in iceberg and lettuces such as romaine and green leaf. Other challenges for lettuce and tender leaf items include but are not limited to:
Dehydration/wilting
Decreased or inconsistent case weights
Wind damage
Epidermal blistering & peeling
Shortened shelf-life potential
Yellowing leaves
Markon inspectors continue to monitor desert row crops closely and are working with growers to secure the best product for Markon orders.
Green Leaf
Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Green Leaf is available
Quality is very good
Yellowing outer leaves are being removed at the field level
Harvesting crews are avoiding uneven heads
Demand is strengthening; industry supplies vary from supplier to supplier following consecutive weeks of freezing temperatures that slowed growth
Iceberg
MFC Premium Iceberg Lettuce is sporadic due to low weights; Markon Best Available (MBA) is being substituted as needed
Quality is good
Epidermal blistering/peeling, growth cracks, and lower weights are being observed in many lots
This week’s warmer weather will further exacerbate blister and peel quality issues
Demand is strong; industry supplies are tighter, pushing markets higher
Romaine
Markon First Crop (MFC) Premium Romaine is available
Quality is strong; epidermal blistering and peeling are present following consecutive lettuce ice events but reduced compared to prior seasons
Demand is strengthening; however, supplies remain ample
The U.S. citrus crop looked promising in recent weeks with overall good quality for the 2024-25 shipping season.
Total U.S. volume of oranges was forecast at 60.3 million boxes, down slightly from 61.5 million boxes last season, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service January forecast, conducted in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.
Grapefruit volume was forecast at 7.4 million boxes, down from 8.5 million last year, and the lemon forecast was at 27.5 million boxes, up slightly from 27.2 million last season.
In the tangerines/mandarins category, volume for the current season was estimated to be 25.3 million boxes, up from about 24 million boxes last year.
California Citrus Mutual of Exeter, CA reports a good crop this year.
California’s early-season navel oranges were smaller than usual because hot summertime temperatures extended into October.
Growers had to size-pick to meet market demand.
CCM reports average to slightly above-average rainfall in Northern California helped improve size a bit as the season progressed, but citrus, as well as other commodities, were a little on the smaller size.
The 2024-25 California Navel Orange Objective Measurement Report from the California Department of Food and Agriculture forecast the current season’s volume in the Golden State to be 78 million 40-pound cartons, up 2% from last year.
Florida Citrus Mutual of Lakeland, FL reports shipments are progressing. despite Hurricane Milton which blew across 70% of the state’s most productive citrus acreage in October. The Florida citrus industry remains in a recovery mode.
There’s not as much fruit available because of the hurricane, but the quality is good, he said. FCM reported.
USDA expected to see 7 million 90-pound boxes of valencia oranges out of Florida this season and 5 million boxes of non-valencias.
USDA forecast about 1 million 85-pound boxes of grapefruit from Florida, with about 500,000 boxes of specialty citrus, including lemons.
Texas, where red grapefruit accounts for up to 65% of the citrus crop, continues to rebound from a hurricane in 2020, a freeze in 2021 and a series of droughts, reports Texas Citrus Mutual of Mission, TX.
The crop is about 50% of average is.
Quality, size and prices are all good this year.
USDA forecast the Texas 2024-25 grapefruit crop at 1.2 million 80-pound boxes, down from about 1.8 million last year, and estimated the orange crop to be 900,000 90-pound boxes, down from about 1.1 million last year.
2024 began with moderate exports, but fresh mandarins from Peru experienced an increase starting in June, recording several months with results higher than those of 2023, according to Agraria.
Fresh mandarins from Peru reached 33 international markets throughout 2024, with the U.S. as the main buyer, representing 57 percent of exports. It was followed by Mexico, with a 10 percent share and the Netherlands, with 8 percent.
Shipments to the U.S. totaled 129,406 tons for $171 million, which meant an increase of 45 percent in volume and 61 percent in value compared to 2023. Likewise, the average price in this market rose to $1.32 per kilogram, which was 11 percent higher.
Last year, mandarin shipments reached 230,038 tons, for $300 million, which represented a growth of 19 percent in volume and 35 percent in value compared to 2023.
In addition, the average price of the product stood at $1.30 per kilogram, showing an increase of 14 percent compared to the previous year.
Mexico, for its part, stood out as the market with the greatest growth in the last year, with exports of 20,481 tons for $30 million, which represented an increase of 130 percent in volume and value compared to the previous year.
The Netherlands was in third place, acquiring 20,272 tons for $25 million, which represented a decrease of 16 percent in volume and 9 percent in value. However, the average price in this market rose to $1.25 per kilogram, 8 percent higher, partially mitigating the drop in purchases.
On the other hand, throughout 2024, nearly 100 exporters participated, with Consorcio de Productores de Fruta S.A. standing out as the main player (20 percent share). It was followed by Procesadora Laran S.A.C., with 15 percent; and San Miguel Fruits Perú S.A., with 8 percent. For their part, agro-exporters mostly chose DP World for their shipments, concentrating 40 percent of the total; followed by APM Terminals, with 27 percent; the Terminal Portuario General San Martín – Paracas, with 26 percent; and Terminales Portuarios Euroandinos, with 7 percent.
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA is reporting good volumes and shipments of fresh strawberries leading up to Valentine’s Day, both on the West Coast and from Florida.
The grower/shipper’s latest forecast shows strong volumes of organic and conventionally grown strawberries in the next few weeks, which includes volumes from its Fresh From Florida-labeled product.
California Giant reports its Florida growers will have peak volumes from mid-February to mid-March. This is the second year featuring its Fresh From Florida label — an addition to the classic California Giant insignia which promotes Florida agricultural products through consumer marketing campaigns, partnerships with domestic and international retailers.
The company praised Florida growers for overcoming significant setbacks caused by Hurricane Milton, which delayed the start of the season.
California Giant expects its conventional and organic crop from Santa Maria, CA to increase week over week, barring any major weather events. California Giant reports Mexican strawberries are in peak production and will span the month of February into March. Combined, the Florida, California and Mexican production is set to provide ample volume for Valentine’s Day.
Peruvian fruit exports exceeded $6 billion in 2024, according to Agraria, citing the head of the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (Mincetur), Desilú León Chempén.
She noted blueberry shipments abroad exceeded $2 billion, while avocado shipments amounted to more than $1.3 billion. Regarding avocados, she pointed out it is a product that is positioning itself in different markets, and there are still more destinations to reach.
A large quantity of Peruvian grapes are being exported to Japan and China. New agreements are expected to be closed soon with Indonesia and India.
Peruvian exports reach the destination markets with very important quality certifications.
With the inauguration of the Chancay megaport, Peru has an enormous opportunity, she said, which considerably reduces travel time.
“The first shipments have already left, which have taken 23 days to reach Asia, that is, a saving of 14 days in the transfer of our fresh products,” she said.
The primary U.S. winter citrus shipping areas are well underway for the 2024-25 season and here are some assessments from growers in California, Florida and Texas.
Sunkist Growers Inc. of Valencia, CA reports a strong start, with a wide range of conventional and organic orange, lemon and specialty citrus varieties.
January begins peak citrus shipping season for the cooperative with cara caras, bloods and minneolas loadings joining shipments of navel oranges, pummelos, lemons and mandarins. Volume on most items is expected to be higher than last year, though below the 10-year average.
Blood and cara cara oranges are expected to increase by 20%, and minneola volume is expected to grow from 20% to 35%.
Wonderful Citrus’ of Los Angeles notes its California mandarin season started in November and will continue through May.
The company launched its sixth season of Wonderful seedless lemons in July and now has year-round distribution nationwide. Its Texas red grapefruit program began in the fall.
The company’s overall quality and sizing of this season’s citrus crop has been good.
Feek Family Citrus of Fort Pierce, FL grows grapefruit, juice oranges and tangerines, and early hamlin oranges.
The season kicked off in early October and will continue until through July.
The company’s growing volume will be down because of Hurricane Milton in October, but packinghouse volume will stay the same, since more growers are producing fresh citrus.
Lone Star Citrus Growers of Mission, TX has begun exporting to South Korea this season.
About 90% of the company’s grapefruit crop is rio reds. The company also produces a few orange varieties, including early, Marrs, pineapple and valencia.
The company’s effort to recover from a 2021 freeze continues to be stymied by the ongoing drought and a light freeze in January 2024. This is resulting in having about 75% of a typical crop.
A newly published study expands on previous research that demonstrated the long-term consumption of mixed nuts can significantly lower total and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol levels. This latest research aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the connection between nut intake and the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) related to lipoproteins.
The findings revealed that regular consumption of mixed nuts markedly enhances blood lipid profiles, leading to changes in specific lipoprotein subclasses that are associated with improved heart health. These insights shed light on the positive impact nuts can have on blood lipid levels.
The study was designed as a randomized, controlled crossover trial that examined the effects of daily mixed nut consumption on lipoprotein particle levels in older adults classified as overweight or obese.
A total of 28 participants completed two 16-week periods. The first 8 weeks were used as a control phase with no nut consumption, and the next 8 weeks as an intervention phase. An 8-week washout period separated the two phases.
During the intervention phase, participants consumed 60 grams of mixed nuts daily, including 15 grams each of walnuts, pistachios, cashews, and hazelnuts.
“Our results suggest that incorporating mixed nuts into the diet may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in older adults,” noted Dr. Peter Joris and Dr. Kevin Nijssen from Maastricht University in the Netherlands.
Researchers assessed the impact of nut consumption on lipoprotein particle numbers, sizes, and lipid content across various subclasses using an advanced NMR metabolomics platform.
BEAVERTON, Ore.–Demand for trucks on the spot market rose in December, suggesting solid retail and grocery sales ahead of the holidays, said DAT Freight & Analytics, which operates the DAT One freight marketplace and DAT iQ data analytics service.
The van and refrigerated Truckload Volume Index (TVI) increased modestly compared to November:
Van TVI: 260, up 2.4%
Refrigerated TVI: 220, up 3%
Flatbed TVI: 237, down 5%
Year over year, the van and reefer TVI were up 12% and 20%, respectively, and the flatbed TVI was 7% higher.
“December freight volumes were strong despite the quirks of the calendar,” said Ken Adamo, DAT Chief of Analytics, noting that Christmas fell on a Wednesday and there were only three non-holiday weeks between Thanksgiving and the end of the year. “The combination of seasonal volumes, fewer shipping days, and truckers taking time off for the holidays led to higher spot prices compared to November. Net fuel, the van rate was the highest monthly average since January 2023.”
Truckload rates shifted higher
The national average spot rates increased for all three equipment types:
Spot van: $2.11 per mile ($1.74 net fuel), up 9 cents compared to November
Spot reefer: $2.47 ($2.06 net fuel), up 2 cents
Spot flatbed: $2.39 ($1.94 net fuel), up 2 cents
National average contract van and flatbed rates edged higher last month:
Contract van rate: $2.42 per mile, up 2 cents
Contract reefer rate: $2.74 a mile, unchanged
Contract flatbed rate: $3.06 a mile, up 3 cents
“The difference between van and reefer spot and contract rates narrowed for the fourth straight month and was the smallest since March 2022, when spot rates entered a severe deflationary period,” Adamo said. “When the gap between spot and long-term contract rates is trending lower, it’s a signal that capacity is tightening and negotiating power is shifting toward truckload carriers.”
About the DAT Truckload Volume Index
The DAT Truckload Volume Index reflects the change in the number of loads with a pickup date during that month. A baseline of 100 equals the number of loads moved in January 2015, as recorded in DAT RateView, a truckload pricing database and analysis tool with rates paid on an average of 3 million monthly loads.
DAT benchmark spot rates are derived from invoice data for hauls of 250 miles or more with a pickup date during the month reported. Linehaul rates subtract an amount equal to an average fuel surcharge.
About DAT Freight & Analytics
DAT Freight & Analytics operates both the largest truckload freight marketplace and truckload freight data analytics service in North America. Shippers, transportation brokers, carriers, news organizations, and industry analysts rely on DAT for market trends and data insights based on more than 400 million annual freight matches, and a database of $150 billion in annual freight market transactions.
Founded in 1978, DAT is a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. DAT is headquartered in Beaverton, Ore. Visit dat.com for more information
