Author Archive
by Lufa Farms
MONTREAL – Urban agriculture pioneer Lufa Farms has just finished a third highly automated greenhouse in the Montreal borough of Anjou. The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau was there to see it in full production. The new 63,000 square foot rooftop greenhouse is a milestone in polyculture efficiency and produces over 40 varieties of urban-grown greens and vegetables throughout the year.
The Prime Minister was given a full tour of the new production facility by Lufa Farms founders Mohamed Hage and Lauren Rathmell. He witnessed first-hand the innovative complexity of the rooftop greenhouse, and even took time to harvest a basket of fresh greens for himself and his family.
The realization of sustainable cities
Lufa Farms’ six years of rapid growth and its successes in rooftop greenhouse design, cooperation with local sustainability-focused farmers, and appeal to thousands of Montreal consumers, make it one of the most successful large-scale urban agriculture models in the world, demonstrating how to sustainably feed entire cities. Lufa Farms already delivers more than 10,000 food baskets every week to consumers of Greater Montreal, who shop via their online marketplace.
Quebec investors inject $3.5 million into a more responsible local economy
Constructed on top of an existing warehouse building in Montreal’s borough of Anjou, Lufa Farms’ largest and most technologically advanced greenhouse was designed and constructed with the financial support of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and La Financière agricole du Québec. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ invested $3 million in debt financing, while La Financière agricole du Québec contributed an additional $500,000 to the successful greenhouse project.
“Supporting innovative companies like Lufa Farms is at the heart of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ’s strategic planning. The reinstatement of the federal tax credit by the Trudeau government made such investments possible,” says Gaétan Morin, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Financière agricole du Québec’s goals are as progressive, and consistent with the Quebec government’s Stratégie gouvernementale de développement durable 2015-2020.
The new greenhouse was designed by Dutch greenhouse innovators at KUBO, outfitted by Belgian greenhouse automation experts, Hortiplan, and includes advanced horticultural lighting systems from GE.
Funding underlines economic viability of urban agriculture
“Being able to finance this project in Quebec has been an important milestone for us,” says Mohamed Hage, Co-Founder and CEO of Lufa Farms. “It’s testimony that commercial-scale urban farming is truly economically viable. It also illustrates that a sustainable economy is possible. Urban growing centres like Lufa Farms will employ local workers and, together with local farmers, will provide fresh, responsible, and locally produced food to thousands of urban residents every day. That’s a desirable model for every city in the world.”
The future of Lufa Farms
Founded in 2009 by Mohamed Hage, Lauren Rathmell, Kurt Lynn, and Yahya Badran, Lufa Farms now has a combined urban growing space of 138,000 square feet. The company plans to continue the expansion of its urban farm projects in Quebec urban centres, and also in select New England locations in the U.S.
by Stemilt Growers
WENATCHEE, Wash. – Stemilt and their marketing partner, Douglas Fruit, are gearing up for another successful Artisan Organics® apricot season, which is predicted to start two weeks later than normal. Stemilt expects their organic apricots to begin harvest in late June, with volumes ramping up quickly for promotable volumes throughout July….Meanwhile, here’s a summary of the just finished Texas 1015 onion shipping season.
With a historic early start last year, it is only fitting to experience a late start for crops up and down the West Coast this year.
The Douglas family tree fruit growing roots date back to the 1890s and today, the fourth generation is hands-on when it involves the family’s growing and packing business, which includes apricots, peaches, nectarines, apples, and cherries. In 2007, the Douglas family started the transition process to move the majority of its apricot orchards to organic production, as well as their entire crop of peaches and nectarines, viewing the move to organic as an opportunity to differentiate the flavors of its stone fruits.
“We’ve found a great niche in growing apricots organically that matches well with our flavor focus,” said Jill Douglas, co-president of Douglas Fruit. “We farm in the best locale, Washington’s Columbia Basin, where warm days and cool nights create beautifully colored fruits with exceptional flavors. Artisan Organics® apricots really exceed standards thanks to the climate and organic farming practices.”
Stemilt accounts for approximately 40 percent of Washington State’s apricot crop taking the leading position in apricot production. Stemilt is also the leader in organic cots, with 60 percent of its entire apricot crop grown and certified as organic. The leading variety that Stemilt produces is Robada.
The peak of organic apricot shipping season should start in early July and continue through the first three weeks of July. Organic food sales are growing by double-digits annually.
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Yakima Valley apple shipments – grossing about $5700 to New York City.
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Texas Onion Shipments
Texas onion shipments were down early in the season, but finished strong where shipments for the overall season were about average. The Lower Rio Grande Valley was hit by excessive rains and insect damage by thrips. Thrips are a minute black winged insect that sucks plant sap and can be serious pest to ornamental and food plants when present in large numbers. Texas 1015 onion shipments got underway in early March about a month earlier than normal. Typically Texas will ship about 350 to 400 truck loads of 800 bags (40,000 pounds) daily, but during the period for Easter loadings shipments rose to around 480 to525 loads per day.
Lower Rio Grande Valley watermelon shipments – grossing about $4400 to New York City.
New Jersey vegetable shipments got underway in mid-April with spinach, collards, beets, radishes, escarole, endive, Swiss chard, lettuces and herbs such as parsley, dill, coriander and cilantro.
Asparagus loadings from Southern New Jersey began in mid-April in excellent quality. The state ranks fourth in U.S. production of asparagus. In 2016 some 5.6 million pounds of asparagus was harvested off 1,500 acres in New Jersey.
Lettuces became available in late April. Cabbage, pickles and turnip shipments have just started. Cucumbers and squash will get underway in early June. Loadings for sweet corn and tomatoes will be available by the Fourth of July and, with an early start to the season this year, both should be in decent volume by then.
Minor quantities of early blueberry varieties like Weymouth should be starting in early June. The much more widely planted Duke variety should start three to four days later, with volume available a week after that. In 2015, New Jersey produced about 9,100 acres of berries yielding about 48.6 million pounds.
Yellow peach volume should start with the early cling varieties in mid-July, with volume by late July. The widely planted John Boy clingless varieties should start by the end of July. Good yellow volume is expected by early August through early September. White peach volume begins with the White Lady variety in mid-August through early September. About 150 peach producers grew about 42.2 million pounds of quality peaches on 4,700 total peach acres, according to the last U.S. Department of Agriculture census.
More than two dozen vegetables are being shipped, many to regional markets, but some are destined up and down the East Coast and even to the Midwest.
New Jersey has a great diversity of fruits and vegetables due to its moderate climate and growing conditions. The Garden State’s 11 principal fresh-market vegetables are tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, eggplant, escarole, snap beans and asparagus. The five principal fresh market fruits are strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and cranberries.
By California Avocado Commission
IRVINE, Calif. – The avocado industry estimates that 123 million pounds of Hass avocados will be shipped for the for Memorial Day weekend activities, which surpasses the volume for Cinco de Mayo this year. It is prime season for California avocados, and the California Avocado Commission (CAC) has put together its sixth annual program supporting avocado sales for American summer holidays, with a strong push on the start of the season.
“Memorial Day continues to be a sweet spot for California avocado merchandising activity,” said Jan DeLyser, CAC vice president marketing. “For the targeted retailers who carry California avocados, the timing of Memorial Day and crop availability plus California’s origin create a golden opportunity for thematic marketing.”
For 2017 CAC developed a promotional theme, “United Plates of America”, with the intent to make California avocados synonymous with the key American summer holidays by highlighting their origin and ability to make recipes and get-togethers even more special.
The Commission created a United Plates of America retail recipe booklet that includes 18 recipes and tips pairing California avocados with “plates” from the USA, particularly from California and Western states. The booklet is available to retailers who merchandise California avocados. Other CAC retail programs for Memorial Day and summer holidays include demos, point-of-sale material and display bins.
CAC’s advertising support includes in-store radio and Pandora radio targeted to where California avocados are in distribution. Online advertising, social media and consumer public relations outreach showcase recipes that fit the United Plates of America theme, including recipes from custom content providers. In addition, CAC will send out email blasts to its fans and create Memorial Day and Fourth of July blog posts that encourage usage of California avocados for summertime picnics and parties.
The California avocado harvesting and distribution is well underway and is anticipated to be strong through Fourth of July. This year’s crop forecast is on track to hit 200 million pounds.
About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state’s nearly 4,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry.
Northwest cherry shipments will get underway next month with more volume expected than usual later in the season. Meanwhile, South African clementine exports are expected to have good volume this season.
In the first shipping estimate of the year, 21.8 million 20-pound boxes of Northwest cherries are expected. This is an increase from 20.9 million boxes last year, but less than the 2014 record crop of 23.2 million boxes.
The first of four cherry shipping estimates set for release this season. The May 4th crop estimate covers all Northwest growing districts. Cherry shipments will begin later than last year, pushing more of the loadings into July and August.
The forecast has 5.2 million boxes of cherries will be shipped in June, 13.3 million boxes in July and 3.3 million boxes in August. Last year, the Northwest shipped 500,000 boxes in May, 10 million boxes in June, 7.9 million boxes in July and very limited volume in August.
The 2017 estimate includes a strong rainier crop, exceeding the nearly identical 1.7 million box (15-pound) crops of 2015 and 2016.
With bloom running very late this, the estimate said consistent warm weather produced a great bloom across all regions. The earliest growers expect shipments to start during the second week of June, with volume extending through August.
Citrus Imports
The first South African clementines are expected to arrive in the U.S. in late May or early June. However, California mandarins are expected to ship a little longer this season, into mid-June.
The season for South African mandarins will extend into late September. South Africa’s late-season mandarins are exceptional, and should start arriving in the U.S. in August. The heavest volume is expected to start in late June or early July.
A clementine is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange and was named such in 1902.] The exterior is a deep orange color with a smooth, glossy appearance.
The mandarin orange, also known as the mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling other oranges. Mandarins are smaller and oblate, rather than spherical like the common oranges. The taste is considered less sour, as well as sweeter and stronger.
BOISE, Idaho — The Big Idaho® Potato Truck is back on America’s highways promoting Idaho’s most famous agricultural product, the Idaho® potato. In just six months, the Truck will log 23,000 miles, stop in more than 60 cities both large and small and be photographed millions of times by spud lovers across the country. The Truck’s popular “A Big Helping” charitable program will continue to support local non-profits across the country.”When we launched the Truck six years ago, it was intended to be a one year campaign. Instead, the Truck became an overnight sensation – reminding consumers at every turn to look for the ‘Grown in Idaho®’ seal, which is prominently featured on the side of cab,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). “We placed several other graphics on the Truck to communicate important key messages such as the Idaho® potato’s certification by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy food; the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl logo, the premier cold-weather college football bowl game; Spuddy Buddy, the Idaho® potato mascot; and important nutrition facts.”
The Tour
The Truck’s first national appearance is the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA. Other stops throughout the summer include the Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC., the Potato Chip Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY and the NASCAR Pocono Raceway Cup Series. To view the entire calendar visit www.bigidahopotato.com
The Truck
The Big Idaho® potato weighs more than 6 tons (the equivalent of 32,346 medium-sized Idaho® potatoes).
To date, the Truck has visited 48 states (all but Hawaii and Alaska), traveled through 5,000+ towns/cities and traveled more than 100,000 miles since its 2012 launch celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the IPC. The Big Idaho® Potato Truck was built by Chris and Sharolyn Schofield of Weiser, Idaho with the help of a few specialized contractors. The Truck took a full year to design and build.
Big volume Mexican grape shipments are underway and volume and is more than double that of California’s Coachella Valley, which also has is shipping. Meanwhile, here’s a peak at Hood River pear shipments coming this summer.
Mexican grape shipments should hit nearly 20 million cases this year, exceeding 2016 volume by 3.3 million cases.
Nearly all Mexican grapes are grown in the state of Sonora.
Export volume this season is estimated at 19.4 million cartons compared to last year’s total exports of 16.1 million.
As usual, 2017’s biggest increase will come from the red Flame variety, which is up 1.3 million cases over a year ago. Flames this year should total of 10.5 million cases from Sonora. A year ago, that production was 9.2 million, or an increase of 12.5 percent.
With 3.9 million cases, Sugraone again exceeds the green grape category with the Sugraone volume up by 22.9 percent. This is 892,000 cases more thane 2016, totaling 3 million cases. The third-largest Sonoran grape category this year are green grapes, which includes Perlettes, Primes and early green varieties. T hat total volume is expected to be up 17.2 percent this year to 3 million cases, up 515,000 from last year.
The biggest increase for 2017, is the black grape volume at 35.3 percent. Black grapes this year should total 900,000 cartons compared to 582,000 in 2016.
Red Globe production in 2017 is up 26.1 percent to 700,000 and other varieties are up 25.6 percent to 400,000 this season.
Sonoran volume was building in early May, and peaked in mid-May with heavy shipments seen forfor Memorial Day (May 29) and well into June. Mexican grape shipments continue until late June.
Oregon Pear Shipments
Oregon’s Hood River pear shipments will start later this season due to winter growing conditions. A year ago, the regional harvest and packing got under way the last week of July The 2017 season is running seven to 10 days later than normal, and three weeks behind a year ago. This means shipments of bartletts and starkrimson won’t start until later in August. Pear loading will continue through October. Green anjou, red anjou, bosc, comice, forelle and seckel are usually about three weeks behind bartletts and should start shipping by mid-September.
by Bee Sweet Citrus
FOWLER, Calif., – Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Manager Joe Berberian welcomes the start of Bee Sweet’s 2017 summer import program.
“Bee Sweet Citrus is grower, packer and shipper of premium California citrus,” said Berberian. “While our domestic season has come to an end, we can continue to provide exceptional citrus to our consumers through our summer import program.”
For over 15 years, Bee Sweet Citrus has been developing close ties with both Chilean and Peruvian citrus growers. In order to ensure that all imported products are safe, fresh and of high quality, the Bee Sweet Citrus Food Safety and Quality Control team ensure that all products are certified and audited in food safety, social accountability and sustainability.
“All imported citrus is sent straight to our facility where it’s re-graded to ensure the high quality,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “Additionally, we offer our customers the ability to repack and reconfigure the fruit to any specific pack style that they may want during the program.”
Between May and October, Bee Sweet Citrus receives imported Clementines, Navel Oranges, Cara Caras, Minneolas and lemons. In addition, the Bee Sweet Citrus sales team handles all import clearance, logistics, inventory and conducts weekly market analysis calls with their international partners.
About Bee Sweet Citrus
A grower, packer and shipper of California citrus, the company was founded in 1987> It is a family owned and operated company, and ships over 20 different varieties of citrus.
Apple Shipments
Thanks to a large amount of red delicious and gala apples, May 1 fresh market apples remaining to be shipped to at 38.7 million cartons, up 16% from a year ago and 7% more than the five-year average of 36 million cartons.
The U.S. Apple Association reported fresh market holdings on May 1 were 38.7 million cartons, up from 33.4 million cartons in 2016 but down from 44.9 million cartons to 2015.
Washington fresh apples in storage stood at 35.9 million cartons, which accounted for 93% of total U.S. fresh supplies.
By The Hass Avocado Board
MISSION VIEJO, CA – Avocados are appearing more often on menus when family and friends gather for holiday celebrations. The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) recently released a study that shows the growing popularity of avocados as measured by retail sales trends during thirteen key holidays and events. Overall in 2016, shoppers purchased +10% more avocados than in the prior year, with nearly 1.9 billion avocados sold at retailers across the country. Holidays have historically been a large contributor to annual sales, and 2016 was no exception. The thirteen holiday and event weeks tracked in the study contributed 502 million avocados (27%) to annual volume, up +11% vs prior year.
Consumers are showing increasing interest in serving avocado dishes during the holidays, and retailers are reaping the benefits. Retail sales grew for twelve of thirteen holiday weeks in 2016. The Big Game continues to be a popular avocado eating occasion, turning in the top holiday volume week at +54MM units (+16% vs 2015). The Big Game was also the second highest holiday dollar week, behind Independence Day, which ranked number one in holiday dollar sales, at $44.9MM. Valentine’s Day is growing in popularity with avocado shoppers, surpassing 2015 volume by +29%.
“This study showcases the importance of these holidays and events to the avocado category,” says Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board. “It is our goal to provide the industry with actionable insights into the avocado category, and the Holiday and Events study is a valuable source for seasonal sales information.”
In addition to the national trends, the report also details holiday and event performance for eight geographic regions. Nearly all holidays and events performed well in each region. The Big Game was the star volume sales event in all regions, except the Northeast, where Cinco de Mayo ranked first in holiday volume.
To read about holidays and events in each region and to get more in-depth information about avocado sales for each holiday, visit hassavocadoboard.com/retail. Sign up here for the Hass Avocado Board’s Hass Insights Newsletters to receive updates on current retail avocado trends delivered straight to your inbox.
About The Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) was established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass avocados in the United States. The Hass Avocado Board is committed to increasing awareness and providing industry leaders with fresh insights into this vibrant category. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Hass avocados are grown in California and imported into the U.S. from Mexico, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and New Zealand.
Jimmy DeMatteis, CTB, President & CEO of Des Moines Truck Brokers was honored by the national Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) with the 2017 Heritage Award presented at their 39th annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 18.
The Heritage Award is the most respected honor in the logistics industry. It recognizes exceptional industry leadership and long standing support of the TIA, the premier organization for third-party logistics professionals in North America and over 1,600 members.
In reflecting on his career, Jimmy wrote the following:
30 years ago, in April of 1987, I attended my very first trade association conference. We had joined the TBCA (Transportation Brokers Conference of America). I was curious to see what others in our industry were doing and determine if this would be a fit for DMTB. I spent two days at the Adams Mark Hotel in Houston, TX exchanging business cards with other brokers (Logistics and 3PL were tags we didn’t use then) and learning everything I could about how these other brokers ran
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James R. DeMatteis, (l-r) CTB accepts Heritage Award from Jason Beardall, chair,and Robert Voltman, president and CEO, Transportation Intermediaries Association.
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their businesses. I returned to our office in Norwalk, IA with a few ideas I could try and found some were good for us. I met some people at that conference that have long since become friends.
I was excited to return to the next conference the following year in Las Vegas. My Dad was very much in charge those days and he pulled rank and took along Rick Demory one of our retired colleagues who is also a very good friend and golfing buddy of my Dad. When they returned home I was excited to hear if their experience was as good as mine. Who did they meet? What were the hot topics? Anything new we needed to be on top of? To my chagrin Dad said, “Oh we went to one meeting, but the weather was great so we played golf for three straight days!” I decided then I would be attending the future conferences.
Since that meeting in Las Vegas I have only missed two conferences, one with the passing of my son in law and the other due to a severe case of pneumonia. The industry has changed drastically and so has DMTB. We worked from a Roladex and yes I do still have mine. No CTBs (Certified Truck Brokers), no computer, no website, no electronic invoices or payments, no real time electronic tracking and tracing, no portals that allow our customers to enter an order or check its status, no apps that allow our carriers to send a proof of delivery or receive a load confirmation instantly; shoot we didn’t even have cell phones… Contracts? Nope. Just our word and a promise to do things ethically with no excuses.
20 years ago the TBCA became TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association). By then we had a computer, fax machine, email, contracts, and a documented Code of Ethics. All of this and more due to our involvement with TIA. All of these tools allowed us to grow. We built our business on relationships by exceeding expectations, paying our carriers very fast, and we still followed Dad’s lead to keep our word and make no excuses.
11 years ago I became President of DMTB and was honored to be elected to the TIA board of Directors. Permitting me to work side by side with some of Logistics best minds, many of whom have become dear friends. While serving on the board, we started the TIAPAC and I was asked to be our first PAC Chairman, a role I played for six years. This allowed us to create a voice in Washington. We started Legislative fly-ins to allow our members to walk the halls of DC and meet face to face with transportation and infrastructure members of Congress. We went from obscurity to a respected voice for transportation and supply chain. Today nearly 17,000 companies are licensed property brokers. TIA membership represents the top 10% of the industry and accounting for over 60% of our $166 Billion commerce. That’s four times the candy industry and one and a half times the beer industry!
In April of this year Ben Batten, CTB became a partner at DMTB. Ben, Jim Walstrom, CTB (our Operations Manager), and I traveled to Las Vegas for the 2017 TIA Conference. Prior to leaving we found out DMTB made Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Broker list! I attended my final board meeting at TIA and reflected on what we have accomplished as an industry. There is still more to accomplish and we have great leadership in place.
General George Patton once said, “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way”. At DMTB our entire operations staff has earned their CTB from TIA. We currently have six new members of our team either testing or studying to test for their CTB. We have individuals that have taken leadership roles in UFPA, IMTA, and IGIA. We have a culture built on participation with each member of our team taking their turn leading our monthly company team meetings. There is a sign posted in our Ops room that says 100/0. 100% effort 0 excuses. We will celebrate our 48th year in business this June. We continue to experience double digit growth in staff, load count, revenue and more importantly benevolence. For this we are humbled and grateful to all of you.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way…No excuses.
(The son of a truck driver, I’ve known Jimmy DeMatteis for nearly 30 years. My congratulations on a well deserved award! When I think of Jimmy and DMTB, I think of honesty, integrity and someone who does things the right way. — Bill Martin)
by Lufa Farms
MONTREAL – Urban agriculture pioneer Lufa Farms has just finished a third highly automated greenhouse in the Montreal borough of Anjou. The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau was there to see it in full production. The new 63,000 square foot rooftop greenhouse is a milestone in polyculture efficiency and produces over 40 varieties of urban-grown greens and vegetables throughout the year.
The Prime Minister was given a full tour of the new production facility by Lufa Farms founders Mohamed Hage and Lauren Rathmell. He witnessed first-hand the innovative complexity of the rooftop greenhouse, and even took time to harvest a basket of fresh greens for himself and his family.
The realization of sustainable cities
Lufa Farms’ six years of rapid growth and its successes in rooftop greenhouse design, cooperation with local sustainability-focused farmers, and appeal to thousands of Montreal consumers, make it one of the most successful large-scale urban agriculture models in the world, demonstrating how to sustainably feed entire cities. Lufa Farms already delivers more than 10,000 food baskets every week to consumers of Greater Montreal, who shop via their online marketplace.
Quebec investors inject $3.5 million into a more responsible local economy
Constructed on top of an existing warehouse building in Montreal’s borough of Anjou, Lufa Farms’ largest and most technologically advanced greenhouse was designed and constructed with the financial support of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ and La Financière agricole du Québec. The Fonds de solidarité FTQ invested $3 million in debt financing, while La Financière agricole du Québec contributed an additional $500,000 to the successful greenhouse project.
“Supporting innovative companies like Lufa Farms is at the heart of the Fonds de solidarité FTQ’s strategic planning. The reinstatement of the federal tax credit by the Trudeau government made such investments possible,” says Gaétan Morin, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Fonds de solidarité FTQ.
Financière agricole du Québec’s goals are as progressive, and consistent with the Quebec government’s Stratégie gouvernementale de développement durable 2015-2020.
The new greenhouse was designed by Dutch greenhouse innovators at KUBO, outfitted by Belgian greenhouse automation experts, Hortiplan, and includes advanced horticultural lighting systems from GE.
Funding underlines economic viability of urban agriculture
“Being able to finance this project in Quebec has been an important milestone for us,” says Mohamed Hage, Co-Founder and CEO of Lufa Farms. “It’s testimony that commercial-scale urban farming is truly economically viable. It also illustrates that a sustainable economy is possible. Urban growing centres like Lufa Farms will employ local workers and, together with local farmers, will provide fresh, responsible, and locally produced food to thousands of urban residents every day. That’s a desirable model for every city in the world.”
The future of Lufa Farms
Founded in 2009 by Mohamed Hage, Lauren Rathmell, Kurt Lynn, and Yahya Badran, Lufa Farms now has a combined urban growing space of 138,000 square feet. The company plans to continue the expansion of its urban farm projects in Quebec urban centres, and also in select New England locations in the U.S.
by Stemilt Growers
WENATCHEE, Wash. – Stemilt and their marketing partner, Douglas Fruit, are gearing up for another successful Artisan Organics® apricot season, which is predicted to start two weeks later than normal. Stemilt expects their organic apricots to begin harvest in late June, with volumes ramping up quickly for promotable volumes throughout July….Meanwhile, here’s a summary of the just finished Texas 1015 onion shipping season.
With a historic early start last year, it is only fitting to experience a late start for crops up and down the West Coast this year.
The Douglas family tree fruit growing roots date back to the 1890s and today, the fourth generation is hands-on when it involves the family’s growing and packing business, which includes apricots, peaches, nectarines, apples, and cherries. In 2007, the Douglas family started the transition process to move the majority of its apricot orchards to organic production, as well as their entire crop of peaches and nectarines, viewing the move to organic as an opportunity to differentiate the flavors of its stone fruits.
“We’ve found a great niche in growing apricots organically that matches well with our flavor focus,” said Jill Douglas, co-president of Douglas Fruit. “We farm in the best locale, Washington’s Columbia Basin, where warm days and cool nights create beautifully colored fruits with exceptional flavors. Artisan Organics® apricots really exceed standards thanks to the climate and organic farming practices.”
Stemilt accounts for approximately 40 percent of Washington State’s apricot crop taking the leading position in apricot production. Stemilt is also the leader in organic cots, with 60 percent of its entire apricot crop grown and certified as organic. The leading variety that Stemilt produces is Robada.
The peak of organic apricot shipping season should start in early July and continue through the first three weeks of July. Organic food sales are growing by double-digits annually.
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Yakima Valley apple shipments – grossing about $5700 to New York City.
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Texas Onion Shipments
Texas onion shipments were down early in the season, but finished strong where shipments for the overall season were about average. The Lower Rio Grande Valley was hit by excessive rains and insect damage by thrips. Thrips are a minute black winged insect that sucks plant sap and can be serious pest to ornamental and food plants when present in large numbers. Texas 1015 onion shipments got underway in early March about a month earlier than normal. Typically Texas will ship about 350 to 400 truck loads of 800 bags (40,000 pounds) daily, but during the period for Easter loadings shipments rose to around 480 to525 loads per day.
Lower Rio Grande Valley watermelon shipments – grossing about $4400 to New York City.
New Jersey vegetable shipments got underway in mid-April with spinach, collards, beets, radishes, escarole, endive, Swiss chard, lettuces and herbs such as parsley, dill, coriander and cilantro.
Asparagus loadings from Southern New Jersey began in mid-April in excellent quality. The state ranks fourth in U.S. production of asparagus. In 2016 some 5.6 million pounds of asparagus was harvested off 1,500 acres in New Jersey.
Lettuces became available in late April. Cabbage, pickles and turnip shipments have just started. Cucumbers and squash will get underway in early June. Loadings for sweet corn and tomatoes will be available by the Fourth of July and, with an early start to the season this year, both should be in decent volume by then.
Minor quantities of early blueberry varieties like Weymouth should be starting in early June. The much more widely planted Duke variety should start three to four days later, with volume available a week after that. In 2015, New Jersey produced about 9,100 acres of berries yielding about 48.6 million pounds.
Yellow peach volume should start with the early cling varieties in mid-July, with volume by late July. The widely planted John Boy clingless varieties should start by the end of July. Good yellow volume is expected by early August through early September. White peach volume begins with the White Lady variety in mid-August through early September. About 150 peach producers grew about 42.2 million pounds of quality peaches on 4,700 total peach acres, according to the last U.S. Department of Agriculture census.
More than two dozen vegetables are being shipped, many to regional markets, but some are destined up and down the East Coast and even to the Midwest.
New Jersey has a great diversity of fruits and vegetables due to its moderate climate and growing conditions. The Garden State’s 11 principal fresh-market vegetables are tomatoes, sweet corn, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, lettuce, spinach, eggplant, escarole, snap beans and asparagus. The five principal fresh market fruits are strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apples and cranberries.
By California Avocado Commission
IRVINE, Calif. – The avocado industry estimates that 123 million pounds of Hass avocados will be shipped for the for Memorial Day weekend activities, which surpasses the volume for Cinco de Mayo this year. It is prime season for California avocados, and the California Avocado Commission (CAC) has put together its sixth annual program supporting avocado sales for American summer holidays, with a strong push on the start of the season.
“Memorial Day continues to be a sweet spot for California avocado merchandising activity,” said Jan DeLyser, CAC vice president marketing. “For the targeted retailers who carry California avocados, the timing of Memorial Day and crop availability plus California’s origin create a golden opportunity for thematic marketing.”
For 2017 CAC developed a promotional theme, “United Plates of America”, with the intent to make California avocados synonymous with the key American summer holidays by highlighting their origin and ability to make recipes and get-togethers even more special.
The Commission created a United Plates of America retail recipe booklet that includes 18 recipes and tips pairing California avocados with “plates” from the USA, particularly from California and Western states. The booklet is available to retailers who merchandise California avocados. Other CAC retail programs for Memorial Day and summer holidays include demos, point-of-sale material and display bins.
CAC’s advertising support includes in-store radio and Pandora radio targeted to where California avocados are in distribution. Online advertising, social media and consumer public relations outreach showcase recipes that fit the United Plates of America theme, including recipes from custom content providers. In addition, CAC will send out email blasts to its fans and create Memorial Day and Fourth of July blog posts that encourage usage of California avocados for summertime picnics and parties.
The California avocado harvesting and distribution is well underway and is anticipated to be strong through Fourth of July. This year’s crop forecast is on track to hit 200 million pounds.
About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission strives to increase demand for California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities that benefit the state’s nearly 4,000 avocado growers. The California Avocado Commission serves as the official information source for California avocados and the California avocado industry.
Northwest cherry shipments will get underway next month with more volume expected than usual later in the season. Meanwhile, South African clementine exports are expected to have good volume this season.In the first shipping estimate of the year, 21.8 million 20-pound boxes of Northwest cherries are expected. This is an increase from 20.9 million boxes last year, but less than the 2014 record crop of 23.2 million boxes.
The first of four cherry shipping estimates set for release this season. The May 4th crop estimate covers all Northwest growing districts. Cherry shipments will begin later than last year, pushing more of the loadings into July and August.
The forecast has 5.2 million boxes of cherries will be shipped in June, 13.3 million boxes in July and 3.3 million boxes in August. Last year, the Northwest shipped 500,000 boxes in May, 10 million boxes in June, 7.9 million boxes in July and very limited volume in August.
The 2017 estimate includes a strong rainier crop, exceeding the nearly identical 1.7 million box (15-pound) crops of 2015 and 2016.
With bloom running very late this, the estimate said consistent warm weather produced a great bloom across all regions. The earliest growers expect shipments to start during the second week of June, with volume extending through August.
Citrus Imports
The first South African clementines are expected to arrive in the U.S. in late May or early June. However, California mandarins are expected to ship a little longer this season, into mid-June.
The season for South African mandarins will extend into late September. South Africa’s late-season mandarins are exceptional, and should start arriving in the U.S. in August. The heavest volume is expected to start in late June or early July.
A clementine is a hybrid between a mandarin orange and a sweet orange and was named such in 1902.] The exterior is a deep orange color with a smooth, glossy appearance.
The mandarin orange, also known as the mandarin or mandarine, is a small citrus tree with fruit resembling other oranges. Mandarins are smaller and oblate, rather than spherical like the common oranges. The taste is considered less sour, as well as sweeter and stronger.
BOISE, Idaho — The Big Idaho® Potato Truck is back on America’s highways promoting Idaho’s most famous agricultural product, the Idaho® potato. In just six months, the Truck will log 23,000 miles, stop in more than 60 cities both large and small and be photographed millions of times by spud lovers across the country. The Truck’s popular “A Big Helping” charitable program will continue to support local non-profits across the country.”When we launched the Truck six years ago, it was intended to be a one year campaign. Instead, the Truck became an overnight sensation – reminding consumers at every turn to look for the ‘Grown in Idaho®’ seal, which is prominently featured on the side of cab,” explained Frank Muir, President & CEO, Idaho Potato Commission (IPC). “We placed several other graphics on the Truck to communicate important key messages such as the Idaho® potato’s certification by the American Heart Association as a heart-healthy food; the Famous Idaho® Potato Bowl logo, the premier cold-weather college football bowl game; Spuddy Buddy, the Idaho® potato mascot; and important nutrition facts.”
The Tour
The Truck’s first national appearance is the International Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, GA. Other stops throughout the summer include the Memorial Day Parade in Washington, DC., the Potato Chip Festival in Saratoga Springs, NY and the NASCAR Pocono Raceway Cup Series. To view the entire calendar visit www.bigidahopotato.com
The Truck
The Big Idaho® potato weighs more than 6 tons (the equivalent of 32,346 medium-sized Idaho® potatoes).
To date, the Truck has visited 48 states (all but Hawaii and Alaska), traveled through 5,000+ towns/cities and traveled more than 100,000 miles since its 2012 launch celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the IPC. The Big Idaho® Potato Truck was built by Chris and Sharolyn Schofield of Weiser, Idaho with the help of a few specialized contractors. The Truck took a full year to design and build.
Big volume Mexican grape shipments are underway and volume and is more than double that of California’s Coachella Valley, which also has is shipping. Meanwhile, here’s a peak at Hood River pear shipments coming this summer.
Mexican grape shipments should hit nearly 20 million cases this year, exceeding 2016 volume by 3.3 million cases.
Nearly all Mexican grapes are grown in the state of Sonora.
Export volume this season is estimated at 19.4 million cartons compared to last year’s total exports of 16.1 million.
As usual, 2017’s biggest increase will come from the red Flame variety, which is up 1.3 million cases over a year ago. Flames this year should total of 10.5 million cases from Sonora. A year ago, that production was 9.2 million, or an increase of 12.5 percent.
With 3.9 million cases, Sugraone again exceeds the green grape category with the Sugraone volume up by 22.9 percent. This is 892,000 cases more thane 2016, totaling 3 million cases. The third-largest Sonoran grape category this year are green grapes, which includes Perlettes, Primes and early green varieties. T hat total volume is expected to be up 17.2 percent this year to 3 million cases, up 515,000 from last year.
The biggest increase for 2017, is the black grape volume at 35.3 percent. Black grapes this year should total 900,000 cartons compared to 582,000 in 2016.
Red Globe production in 2017 is up 26.1 percent to 700,000 and other varieties are up 25.6 percent to 400,000 this season.
Sonoran volume was building in early May, and peaked in mid-May with heavy shipments seen forfor Memorial Day (May 29) and well into June. Mexican grape shipments continue until late June.
Oregon Pear Shipments
Oregon’s Hood River pear shipments will start later this season due to winter growing conditions. A year ago, the regional harvest and packing got under way the last week of July The 2017 season is running seven to 10 days later than normal, and three weeks behind a year ago. This means shipments of bartletts and starkrimson won’t start until later in August. Pear loading will continue through October. Green anjou, red anjou, bosc, comice, forelle and seckel are usually about three weeks behind bartletts and should start shipping by mid-September.
by Bee Sweet Citrus
FOWLER, Calif., – Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Manager Joe Berberian welcomes the start of Bee Sweet’s 2017 summer import program.
“Bee Sweet Citrus is grower, packer and shipper of premium California citrus,” said Berberian. “While our domestic season has come to an end, we can continue to provide exceptional citrus to our consumers through our summer import program.”
For over 15 years, Bee Sweet Citrus has been developing close ties with both Chilean and Peruvian citrus growers. In order to ensure that all imported products are safe, fresh and of high quality, the Bee Sweet Citrus Food Safety and Quality Control team ensure that all products are certified and audited in food safety, social accountability and sustainability.
“All imported citrus is sent straight to our facility where it’s re-graded to ensure the high quality,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “Additionally, we offer our customers the ability to repack and reconfigure the fruit to any specific pack style that they may want during the program.”
Between May and October, Bee Sweet Citrus receives imported Clementines, Navel Oranges, Cara Caras, Minneolas and lemons. In addition, the Bee Sweet Citrus sales team handles all import clearance, logistics, inventory and conducts weekly market analysis calls with their international partners.
About Bee Sweet Citrus
A grower, packer and shipper of California citrus, the company was founded in 1987> It is a family owned and operated company, and ships over 20 different varieties of citrus.
Apple Shipments
Thanks to a large amount of red delicious and gala apples, May 1 fresh market apples remaining to be shipped to at 38.7 million cartons, up 16% from a year ago and 7% more than the five-year average of 36 million cartons.
The U.S. Apple Association reported fresh market holdings on May 1 were 38.7 million cartons, up from 33.4 million cartons in 2016 but down from 44.9 million cartons to 2015.
Washington fresh apples in storage stood at 35.9 million cartons, which accounted for 93% of total U.S. fresh supplies.
By The Hass Avocado Board
MISSION VIEJO, CA – Avocados are appearing more often on menus when family and friends gather for holiday celebrations. The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) recently released a study that shows the growing popularity of avocados as measured by retail sales trends during thirteen key holidays and events. Overall in 2016, shoppers purchased +10% more avocados than in the prior year, with nearly 1.9 billion avocados sold at retailers across the country. Holidays have historically been a large contributor to annual sales, and 2016 was no exception. The thirteen holiday and event weeks tracked in the study contributed 502 million avocados (27%) to annual volume, up +11% vs prior year.
Consumers are showing increasing interest in serving avocado dishes during the holidays, and retailers are reaping the benefits. Retail sales grew for twelve of thirteen holiday weeks in 2016. The Big Game continues to be a popular avocado eating occasion, turning in the top holiday volume week at +54MM units (+16% vs 2015). The Big Game was also the second highest holiday dollar week, behind Independence Day, which ranked number one in holiday dollar sales, at $44.9MM. Valentine’s Day is growing in popularity with avocado shoppers, surpassing 2015 volume by +29%.
“This study showcases the importance of these holidays and events to the avocado category,” says Emiliano Escobedo, executive director of the Hass Avocado Board. “It is our goal to provide the industry with actionable insights into the avocado category, and the Holiday and Events study is a valuable source for seasonal sales information.”
In addition to the national trends, the report also details holiday and event performance for eight geographic regions. Nearly all holidays and events performed well in each region. The Big Game was the star volume sales event in all regions, except the Northeast, where Cinco de Mayo ranked first in holiday volume.
To read about holidays and events in each region and to get more in-depth information about avocado sales for each holiday, visit hassavocadoboard.com/retail. Sign up here for the Hass Avocado Board’s Hass Insights Newsletters to receive updates on current retail avocado trends delivered straight to your inbox.
About The Hass Avocado Board
The Hass Avocado Board (HAB) was established in 2002 to promote the consumption of Hass avocados in the United States. The Hass Avocado Board is committed to increasing awareness and providing industry leaders with fresh insights into this vibrant category. A 12-member board representing domestic producers and importers of Hass avocados directs HAB’s promotion, research and information programs under supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture. Hass avocados are grown in California and imported into the U.S. from Mexico, Chile, Peru, Dominican Republic and New Zealand.
Jimmy DeMatteis, CTB, President & CEO of Des Moines Truck Brokers was honored by the national Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) with the 2017 Heritage Award presented at their 39th annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada on April 18.
The Heritage Award is the most respected honor in the logistics industry. It recognizes exceptional industry leadership and long standing support of the TIA, the premier organization for third-party logistics professionals in North America and over 1,600 members.
In reflecting on his career, Jimmy wrote the following:
30 years ago, in April of 1987, I attended my very first trade association conference. We had joined the TBCA (Transportation Brokers Conference of America). I was curious to see what others in our industry were doing and determine if this would be a fit for DMTB. I spent two days at the Adams Mark Hotel in Houston, TX exchanging business cards with other brokers (Logistics and 3PL were tags we didn’t use then) and learning everything I could about how these other brokers ran
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James R. DeMatteis, (l-r) CTB accepts Heritage Award from Jason Beardall, chair,and Robert Voltman, president and CEO, Transportation Intermediaries Association.
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their businesses. I returned to our office in Norwalk, IA with a few ideas I could try and found some were good for us. I met some people at that conference that have long since become friends.
I was excited to return to the next conference the following year in Las Vegas. My Dad was very much in charge those days and he pulled rank and took along Rick Demory one of our retired colleagues who is also a very good friend and golfing buddy of my Dad. When they returned home I was excited to hear if their experience was as good as mine. Who did they meet? What were the hot topics? Anything new we needed to be on top of? To my chagrin Dad said, “Oh we went to one meeting, but the weather was great so we played golf for three straight days!” I decided then I would be attending the future conferences.
Since that meeting in Las Vegas I have only missed two conferences, one with the passing of my son in law and the other due to a severe case of pneumonia. The industry has changed drastically and so has DMTB. We worked from a Roladex and yes I do still have mine. No CTBs (Certified Truck Brokers), no computer, no website, no electronic invoices or payments, no real time electronic tracking and tracing, no portals that allow our customers to enter an order or check its status, no apps that allow our carriers to send a proof of delivery or receive a load confirmation instantly; shoot we didn’t even have cell phones… Contracts? Nope. Just our word and a promise to do things ethically with no excuses.
20 years ago the TBCA became TIA (Transportation Intermediaries Association). By then we had a computer, fax machine, email, contracts, and a documented Code of Ethics. All of this and more due to our involvement with TIA. All of these tools allowed us to grow. We built our business on relationships by exceeding expectations, paying our carriers very fast, and we still followed Dad’s lead to keep our word and make no excuses.
11 years ago I became President of DMTB and was honored to be elected to the TIA board of Directors. Permitting me to work side by side with some of Logistics best minds, many of whom have become dear friends. While serving on the board, we started the TIAPAC and I was asked to be our first PAC Chairman, a role I played for six years. This allowed us to create a voice in Washington. We started Legislative fly-ins to allow our members to walk the halls of DC and meet face to face with transportation and infrastructure members of Congress. We went from obscurity to a respected voice for transportation and supply chain. Today nearly 17,000 companies are licensed property brokers. TIA membership represents the top 10% of the industry and accounting for over 60% of our $166 Billion commerce. That’s four times the candy industry and one and a half times the beer industry!
In April of this year Ben Batten, CTB became a partner at DMTB. Ben, Jim Walstrom, CTB (our Operations Manager), and I traveled to Las Vegas for the 2017 TIA Conference. Prior to leaving we found out DMTB made Transport Topics Top 100 Freight Broker list! I attended my final board meeting at TIA and reflected on what we have accomplished as an industry. There is still more to accomplish and we have great leadership in place.
General George Patton once said, “Lead me, follow me, or get out of my way”. At DMTB our entire operations staff has earned their CTB from TIA. We currently have six new members of our team either testing or studying to test for their CTB. We have individuals that have taken leadership roles in UFPA, IMTA, and IGIA. We have a culture built on participation with each member of our team taking their turn leading our monthly company team meetings. There is a sign posted in our Ops room that says 100/0. 100% effort 0 excuses. We will celebrate our 48th year in business this June. We continue to experience double digit growth in staff, load count, revenue and more importantly benevolence. For this we are humbled and grateful to all of you.
Lead, follow, or get out of the way…No excuses.
(The son of a truck driver, I’ve known Jimmy DeMatteis for nearly 30 years. My congratulations on a well deserved award! When I think of Jimmy and DMTB, I think of honesty, integrity and someone who does things the right way. — Bill Martin)