Michigan apple shipments started early this season, with the state expecting a total of about 30.5 million bushels, or 1.281 billion pounds.
According to the Michigan Apple Committee of Lansing, MI, it’s unusual to have three large crops in a row, but warmer-than-normal temperatures in late winter and early spring caused buds to form early, leading to earlier bloom.
Growers didn’t experience significant frost and freeze events after that early bloom, meaning a plentiful crop was harvested about 10 days earlier than usual.
Michigan Apples are available nearly year-round from August to June. The largest and most valuable fruit crop in the state can be found at about 150 farm markets and cider mills in Michigan as well as more than 12,000 retail groceries across the U.S.
The US Department of Agriculture reported that Michigan harvested 31.9 million bushels of apples in 2023. The average annual crop size is approximately 25.9 million bushels. There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in Michigan.
Harvesting is currently happening on Galas, Macs, and Honeycrisp with Fujis and Golds being picked as well this week.
Peru’s agricultural exports reached $10.545 billion at the end of 2023, and they are projected to exceed $11.5 billion by the end of 2024, according to the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (Midagri), as reported by Andina.
“Despite the unfavorable context, the excellent work of agricultural producers and exporters, joined by the (Peruvian) State, allowed for reversing this adversity and making possible for agricultural shipments in 2023 to exceed by 2.9 percent those reported a year earlier,” Midagri’s Agricultural Foreign Trade Specialist Cesar Romero told El Peruano Official Gazette.
The official highlighted that, over the last 23 years, Peruvian agricultural exports have grown at an average rate of 11.9 percent per year.
Romero said there are 20 products that account for 74.6 percent of total agricultural exports. Among these are grapes, blueberries, avocados, asparagus, mangos, citrus, coffee, cacao, bananas, artichokes, dried paprika, ginger (kion), and quinoa.
However, according to the figures managed by Midagri, there are three Peruvian ag products whose annual performance exceeds or nears $1billion: grapes, blueberries, and avocados.
Grapes currently lead Peru’s agro-exports ranking, as in 2023, 649,000 tons were exported worth $1.745 billion, 28 percent more than in 2022.
During 2023, Peruvian grapes were exported to 55 markets, most notably to the U.S. (47 percent of the total), the European Union (17 percent), and Asian countries (13 percent), mainly in Hong Kong and China.
Blueberries are the second largest Peruvian agro-export product, since by the end of 2023, shipments abroad totaled $1.676 billion, registering a 23 percent growth compared to the previous year.
Peruvian blueberries reach 44 foreign markets, with the U.S. taking 57 percent of the total, followed by the European Union (22 percent), and then there are other destinations such as China and Hong Kong.
Avocados are ranked third among Peru’s main agro-export products, considering that in 2023 shipments abroad totaled $963 million, 7.6 percent above the previous year, as they reached 599,000 tons in volume.
According to the National Agricultural Health Service (Senasa), Peruvian avocados are allowed to be exported to 73 markets around the world, with the European Union being the largest buyer, accounting for 51.8 percent of the total. In second place is the U.S. (13.9 percent); followed by Mexico, Chile, and Asian countries.
Naturipe Farms, of Salinas, CA, a leading global berry producer, has announced this year’s raspberry crop is breaking company records. Coming from both Baja and Central Mexico, their proprietary conventional and organic varieties will be available in high quantities.
Naturipe Farms anticipates strong volumes of both conventional and organic raspberries through the end of the year. The improvements in acreage and crop quality position Naturipe well to continue this increased growth in the future.
The record volumes are due to two factors: first, Naturipe Farms has seen customer demand for raspberries rising, and as a response, has expanded their acreage in all growing areas. This allows for more berries to be grown, harvested, and distributed. Secondly, Naturipe’s proprietary raspberry varieties are performing exceptionally well this season thanks to a variety of environmental and growing factors.
About Naturipe
Naturipe is a farmer-owned producer and marketer of nutritious, best tasting, premium berries and avocados that has been an industry leader for more than 100 years producing healthy, deliciously fresh, frozen, and value-added products. Because our diverse grower base shares resources, skills, labor, and knowledge, we are better farmers and, in turn, strengthen the local farm community. Our focus on innovation ensures year-round availability of locally grown and Globally Local TM conventional and organic fruit.
Chicago — Circana, a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior, recently released a new report providing a complete view of food and beverage consumption trends, both at home and away from home.
The 39th annual report, “Eating Patterns in America,” highlights a growing trend toward at-home dining over the past year, with 86% of eating occasions sourced from home.
While retail volumes show modest growth, foodservice traffic remains under pressure. However, significant opportunities remain in both sectors, with American consumers spending nearly $1.7 trillion annually on food and beverages. The report offers strategic insights for manufacturers, retailers, foodservice operators, and distributors aiming to better engage with their target consumers.
“Despite easing inflation, consumers continue to face the cumulative impact of several years of rising prices and ongoing economic challenges,” said David Portalatin, senior vice president and industry advisor, Food and Foodservice, Circana.
“With dining out costing four times more than eating at home, many are cutting back on restaurant visits. Meal patterns have shifted as consumers spend more time at home and adapt to new daily rhythms. However, convenience and health remain top priorities, with consumers willing to spend on products offering added benefits, especially in the beverage space, where innovation is rising to meet these demands.”
The report highlights several key findings, including:
Home-Centric Dining: In the post-pandemic era, at-home food and beverage consumption remains a cornerstone of daily life. Regardless of where meals were sourced, consumers ate 116 more meals at home over the past year than they did pre-pandemic. As consumers seek the optimal balance between value and convenience, low price is not the sole driver of a compelling value proposition. New mobility patterns, inflationary pressures, and evolving attitudes around well-being offer opportunities to craft retail solutions that help consumers source meals, snacks, and beverages for both in-home and on-the-go occasions. While gains in away-from-home consumption are leveling off, fast casual restaurants are gaining market share. Despite a challenging macroeconomic environment, some foodservice operators have demonstrated resilience and achieved growth. Focusing on efficiency, innovation in menu offerings and delivering value will be key to driving continued growth.
Daypart Disruption: While breakfast, lunch, and dinner remain the primary meal occasions, their composition, timing, and sources are evolving to fit consumers’ daily routines. Breakfast now starts earlier, with mid-morning snacks away from home rising in popularity. Lunch has shifted significantly due to changes in workplace mobility, with lunchtime traffic falling to about half of pre-pandemic levels. Snack consumption is growing, with consumers increasingly preferring quick bites or meal replacements over larger meals. As snacking becomes more common throughout the day, the boundaries between traditional mealtimes will continue to blur.
Beverage Innovation: Over the past year, beverage consumption has surged, particularly among coffee, carbonated soft drinks, and functional beverages. This rise in consumption is driven by manufacturers’ innovations aimed at addressing evolving consumer needs. Today’s beverages cater to various functional requirements, including hydration, energy, and nutrition. Coffee remains a daily staple for many, offering both comfort and an energy boost. Carbonated soft drinks continue to be popular for their refreshing qualities, while functional beverages are gaining traction for their added benefits, such as vitamins, electrolytes, and other health-enhancing ingredients. This trend reflects a broader movement toward beverages that serve as both enjoyable and functional components of daily life, adapting to changing lifestyles and preferences.
For more information or to purchase the full report, contact your Circana representative or click here.
About Circana Circana is a leading advisor on the complexity of consumer behavior. Through superior technology, advanced analytics, cross-industry data, and deep expertise, we provide clarity that helps almost 7,000 of the world’s leading brands and retailers take action and unlock business growth. We understand more about the complete consumer, the complete store, and the complete wallet so our clients can go beyond the data to apply insights, ignite innovation, meet consumer demand, and outpace the competition. Learn more at circana.com.
BAKERSFIELD, CA — Grimmway Farms, a global leader in fresh produce, is promoting the health and nutritional benefits of baby carrots in a nationwide campaign targeting grocery retailers and shoppers. The I Love Baby Carrots campaign runs through October and tells the multi-faceted story of baby carrots using social media, brand ambassadors, and local and trade media channels.
“Grimmway has been known for our delicious baby carrots since we first introduced them to the market nearly 30 years ago,” said Grimmway Farms Executive Vice President Eric Proffitt. “As the market leader in healthy, fresh produce, this campaign is an opportunity for us to help retailers tell the complete baby carrot story – from the inception of the category, to how they are grown and processed, to the convenience and nutritional benefits they offer to kids and families.”
Baby carrots have long been synonymous with eye health, but Proffitt noted there are several other proven benefits of these crunchy and versatile snacks, including increased antioxidant protection, reduced inflammation, and improved heart and skin health. In fact, research findings presented at the 2024 annual meeting of the American Society of Nutrition found that eating a single serving of baby carrots just three times a week can increase skin carotenoid levels by more than 10 percent.
“Generations of families have long enjoyed the health benefits and convenience of baby carrots, whether as lunchbox snacks, paired with dips, or incorporated into recipes,” Proffitt noted. “We’re excited to share all the reasons why even more shoppers should fall in love with them too.”
Shoppers are invited to follow #ILoveBabyCarrots on Instagram and tune into @grimmwayfarms Wednesdays through October 9, 2024.
About Grimmway Farms
Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, Grimmway Farms traces its roots to a produce stand opened by the Grimm brothers in the early 1960s. Grimmway is a global produce leader and one of the largest producers of carrots. Grimmway supplies more than 65 organic, USA-grown crops and brands include Cal-Organic Farms and Bunny-Luv.
Fresno, CA – With school back in session and fall weather approaching, the California table grape industry is loading the majority of its volume; every year roughly 65% of the crop ships after September 1.
“September through December is an exciting and productive time of year, as nearly 80 different varieties are harvested, promotions expand, and the majority of the crop ships to California grape-loving consumers around the world,” said Kathleen Nave, president of the California Table Grape Commission.
“A robust global marketing campaign to promote California grapes throughout the fall and early winter tied to an amazing selection of varieties, great quality, and promotable volume creates strong demand,” said Nave.
She noted that while the U.S. is the largest market and demand is strong from retail partners, there is significantly increased demand this year in export markets, and USDA is buying more grapes this season with deliveries already scheduled until close to Christmas.
In terms of crop size, Nave says the industry comes together three times a year to estimate the crop, and has been doing so with a high degree of accuracy for decades.
“Individual viewpoints often circulate in the fall with a frequent favorite being talk of a short California grape crop. Whether coming from inside or outside the California industry, these individual narratives often masquerade as news.”
Fall and early winter mean a lot of shipments of grapes, as consumers have great-tasting, healthy back-to-school lunches or fall and winter celebrations.
Brazil has been exporting mangoes since the first week of August and will continue through December. It is projected to export 10.7 million boxes, according to the National Mango Board.
The primary varieties in Brazil are Tommy Atkins (81 percent), Kent (7 percent), Keitt (6 percent) and others (6 percent).
The volume shipped in the week ending August 3 was 28,560 boxes (4kg). In the same period last year, the amount shipped was 39,984 boxes.
Brazil is currently harvesting and/or packing the fruit.
The board reports that in Mexico, approximately 3.4 million boxes were shipped in the same week this year. In the same week last year, the volume was 3.6 million boxes.
Currently, the Mexican regions of Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Southern Sinaloa, and Northern Sinaloa are harvesting and/or packing mangos. The top three varieties shipped were Kent (53 percent), Keitt (31 percent), and Ataúlfo (12 percent). There is also limited supply of Tommy Atkins, Manilla Rosa, Nam Doc Mai, and Manilla.
The NMB indicated that the volume of mangos shipped from week 32 (August 10) through week 37 (September 14) is expected to be 9 percent higher than last year, with arrivals expected between weeks 33 and 38.
Currently, the Mexican regions of Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit, Southern Sinaloa, and Northern Sinaloa are harvesting and/or packing mangos. The top three varieties shipped were Kent (53 percent), Keitt (31 percent), and Ataúlfo (12 percent). There is also limited supply of Tommy Atkins, Manilla Rosa, Nam Doc Mai, and Manilla.
The Allen Lund Company was recently named one of the Best Places to Work in Southern California by the Best Companies Group.
The selection process for applicants relied significantly on detailed employee surveys. Key factors such as corporate culture, training and development opportunities, salary and benefits, and overall employee satisfaction were crucial in identifying the top workplaces in Southern California.
Senior Director of Human Resources Matt Barnes stated, “We are excited to be recognized once again as one of the best places to work in Southern California. Our culture, growth opportunities, benefits, and especially our people, are all top flight. It is a well-earned acknowledgement that we will be proud to advertise.”
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with offices across North America and over 700 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers nationwide to arrange dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight. ALC manages over 550,000 loads a year and was designated by Transport Topics in 2024 as the 17th Top Freight Brokerage Firm. The Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, ranked 48th in the Transport Topics 2024 list of Top 100 Logistics Companies and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF. Please click here if you want to join the Allen Lund Company team.
Family business Bland Farms in Glennville, GA., has been exporting Peruvian sweet onions for 28 years — and this year is shaping up to be a good season with a good-sized crop and quality.
A difference this year is Vidalia onion shipments are lasting longer, which can affect imports of sweet onions from Peru.
The Vidalia sweet onion season is running a few weeks longer than normal. Because of this, Bland Farms has slowed imports of its Peru premium sweet onions.
The company prefers to ship the Vidalias as long as they are available and the quality is good. Fortunately, Bland has been able to move most of the sweets it has out of Peru to Spain and Chile.
It’s a similar situation for Shuman Farms of Reidsville, GA. The grower/shipper expects the operation to start shipping sweet onions from Peru in mid-September.
Shuman has had a robust Vidalia season this year, and is prepared for a smooth transition to its Peruvian season.
G&R Farms of Glennville, GA, had recently visited Peru, where it met with the farm’s production team. Harvest was underway south of the equator and the crop looked good.
G&R Farms, which has exported onions from Peru for 15 years, sources its onions from the Ica and Arequipa regions in Peru.
A new partnership with Tennessee’s largest insurer aims to address statewide food insecurity while improving health outcomes and preventative care participation, FarmboxRx.
Collaborating with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee members will receive deliveries of healthy food with condition-specific health education shipped directly to their doors after completing critical preventative health screenings, according to a news release.
One in seven people in the state faces hunger, and 40% of families with children say they are food insecure, the release said. FarmboxRx said the partnership will expand access to nutritious foods at a time when Tennesseans, particularly in urban areas, continue to struggle with the affordability and accessibility of healthy meals, facing higher risks of developing long-term health issues and complications as a result.
This announcement follows the release of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee’s health equity report, which shed light on contributors to health disparities across race, ethnicity, age and economic status. This initiative furthers the organization’s commitment to addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in collaboration with a company purpose-built to do so, according to the release.
“To narrow health disparities, we need to first tackle the social determinants of health affecting these communities,” said FarmboxRx founder and CEO Ashley Tyrner. “Food insecurity is a multidimensional issue — and it’s not always as simple as having access to food. Given the unique challenges each community faces, we must assess state-specific barriers to nutrition and subsequent health issues. Our health plan partners recognize this, and I’m grateful for their commitment to our shared mission.”
Beyond addressing nutritional needs, FarmboxRx says it can enhance health outcomes for individuals by providing condition-specific health literacy materials in each box. Its programs empower members with information about their health and covered benefits through their insurance provider, in this case, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee, the release said. The health literacy materials encourage members to adopt a proactive and informed approach to their well-being and the well-being of their families in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
FarmboxRx says its approach to using healthy food delivery as an engagement tool to incentivize members has helped healthcare organizations nationally promote health equity and inspire self-efficacy.
To date, FarmboxRx has shipped millions of pounds of fresh produce, healthy grocery items and medically tailored meals to members of managed care organizations nationwide in all 50 states and penned partnerships with more than 90 health plans, the release said.
