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California’s avocado shippers plan to move their third-largest crop in a 10 years during the 2024-25 season, with an estimated production of 375 million pounds. This amounts to a 44% increase from the previous three-year average and a 3% increase from the previous year.
The Hass variety will make up about 95% of California’s crop, which totals approximately 355 million pounds. The remaining 5% will consists of Lamb, Gem, and other varieties. California typically supplies approximately 90% of the avocados produced in the United States.
However, the nation’s total domestic production only accounts for about 10% of the total avocado availability in the country, highlighting the country’s significant dependence on imports.
The United States imported a record $3.8 billion worth of fresh avocados in 2024, the highest amount ever reported in both nominal and inflation-adjusted terms. The majority of the value, approximately 91%, was sourced from Mexico, with the majority being classified as Hass-like (both conventional and organic).
The majority of these avocados were imported through the Laredo district in South Texas, while lesser volumes were imported through Philadelphia (primarily from Peru and Colombia) and Miami (primarily from the Dominican Republic and Colombia). A transportation problem in the U.S. market was caused by lower shipments from Mexico and Peru earlier in the year, despite the improved crop in California.
California’s 2024/25 shipments commenced in mid- January (earlier than is customary) and had already reached 8% of the projected crop by early March, surpassing the 4-year average of 5%. The state’s season may conclude prematurely if this tempo persists, as was the case in 2022. Meanwhile, Mexican shipments are expected to continue as harvest moves to higher elevation orchards in Michoacán and Jalisco, but overall volumes may ease through the middle of the year.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Unprecedented growth is being experienced by the Colombian blueberry industry. The country exported over 1.4 million pounds of blueberries in 2024, according to Agraria.
With 1,600 acres currently under cultivation, the country is projected to reach between 7,400 and nearly 12,400 hectares by 2026. This represents an increase of 669 percent, according to projections from the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA).
New cultivation areas are driving the projected growth, especially in regions such as Antioquia, Cauca, the Coffee Region, and Nariño. These areas will complement the existing production areas in Bogotá and Boyacá.
Colombia’s unique climate allows for year-round blueberry cultivation, giving it a strategic advantage over seasonal producers. This climate advantage permits Colombian growers to supply global markets evenin the off-season, providing a competitive advantage over countries like Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
With expanding production and increasing demand, Colombia is well positioned to become a major supplier of blueberries to key markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia.
All signs point to continued growth. With more acres in production, consistent quality, and 12-month production capacity, Colombian blueberries are poised to gain ground on the international scene.
The Chilean/Peruvian offshore season will wrap up over the next three and one-half weeks. Grape shipments will transition to Mexican-grown product in mid- to late May. Expect pricing to increase as the offshore season continues to wind down, according to news release from Markhon of Salinas, CA.
Offshore
- The Peruvian/Chilean green and red grape seasons will end in mid-May
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Lunch Bunch Grapes will stop shipping in mid-May, but resume with Mexican product in late May
- Although stocks will tighten and markets will rise, suppliers do not expect any supply gaps between the offshore and Mexican seasons
Mexico
- MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Grapes will be shipped out of Mexico in late May
- Commodity supplies of Mexican green and red grapes will enter the market in mid-May
- Mexican portioned grapes become available in late May
- Expect elevated pricing as the season begins, then markets will gradually decrease
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
As the 2025 mango season unfolds, harvesting and packaging are actively taking place in Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The current data illustrates a robust mango shipping season, with significant volumes being transported from these countries.
In total, the volume of mango boxes shipped for the week of March 22nd amounted to approximately 3,148,076, bringing the season’s cumulative total to 40,304,935 boxes.
The ongoing mango harvest showed moderate growth, with many regions surpassing their previous year’s performance. These insights suggest a robust market presence for mangoes from these key Central and South American countries.
Peru
During the week ending March 22, 2025, Peru contributed around 108,080 boxes to the overall shipment volume. This brings Peru’s total for the season to approximately 29,244,849 boxes.
Notably, there were no shipments from Peru during the same week in 2024, highlighting a significant upward trend in production and export capabilities for the current season.
Mexico
Mexico’s shipping data for the week reflects a substantial volume, with approximately 2,800,453 boxes shipped. This totals to about 10,625,056 boxes for the season.
This represents a 31% increase over last year’s 2,129,858 boxes shipped during the same week. However, 2024’s season total was 11,093,165 boxes, which showcases a slight decline in overall season totals despite an increase in weekly shipments.
Guatemala
Guatemala also made its mark in the mango shipping sector, with approximately 198,342 boxes shipped during the week. This brings the total for the season to about 332,289 boxes.
In contrast, the previous year, Guatemala shipped 153,342 boxes during the same week, totaling 302,675 boxes for the season. This indicates a positive growth trajectory for Guatemalan mango exports.
Nicaragua
Lastly, Nicaragua reported shipping approximately 41,201 boxes in the week ending March 22, 2025, resulting in a season total of approximately 102,741 boxes.
When analyzed against the previous year’s data, Nicaraguan shipments during the same week in 2024 stood at 39,500 boxes, with a total of 137,183 boxes for the season, showcasing a moderate increase in weekly shipments but a decline in overall season totals.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Georgia peach loadings are expected to get underway May 7 or 8 this season according to Genuine Georgia, which was formed in 2015, and brought together the state’s growers under a single marketing banner.
The organization reports great growing conditions up until now. Even more optimism is bolstered by the the new orchards established over the past five years are now in full production. Yields are anticipated to increase by 15% from the previous year.
Once the harvest starts, Georgia peach shipments will move fast, reaching store shelves within 36 hours in markets across the East Coast, from Texas to Montreal to Miami.
Georgia’s 2025 peach season is poised to produce one of the most robust crops in recent memory, as a result of the favorable conditions, increasing production, and healthy trees.
Total U.S. fruit intake declined 7 percent to 0.93 cup equivalent per person per day in 2017–18 from 1 cup equivalent in 2003–04.
A 50-percent drop in fruit juice intake, from 0.46 cup equivalent per person per day in 2003–04 to 0.23 cup equivalent in 2017-18, drove the overall decrease in fruit consumption.
For a nutritionally adequate diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 advises individuals to consume about one cup equivalent of fruit for every 1,000 calories, with some variations for children and adolescents based on sex and physical activity.
Fruit is a rich source of nutrients, including dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. Given the importance of this food group to diet quality, the USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS) recently examined U.S. fruit consumption patterns and trends.
These data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which nutritionists use to study diet quality.
CASTROVILLE, CA — North America’s leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, has officially kicked off their spring season.
With their annual migration north complete, the company’s transition to its spring/summer growing region – in Castroville and Salinas Valley, CA – is in full production.
“The spring crop is looking great,” said Ben Wilson, commodity account manager. Continuing, “If these first harvests are any indication of what our season will bring…it’s going to be a good one!” Wilson emphasized.
Easter was a big artichoke holiday, and this year was no exception.
“We will have promotable volumes in a variety of pack sizes to support customer demand,” Wilson stated.
In addition to our ample supply of green artichokes, our purple artichokes are a real fan-favorite and hard to keep on the shelves when retailers stock them.
“These first spring harvests of purple artichokes are yielding a beautiful crop; we expect good volumes for Easter and through April and possibly into May,” said Wilson.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Established in 1924, Ocean Mist Farms is a fourth-generation family-owned business located in Castroville, California. This company – the largest grower/shipper of fresh artichokes in No. America – celebrated their milestone 100-year anniversary in 2024. Committed to consistently delivering the highest standards in the industry for their Gold Standard artichokes, the company also offers a full line of 30+ premium fresh vegetable commodities and value-added products including their new award-winning Roastables Ready-To-Roast kits and Season & Steam lines.
Plátanos de Canarias just joined forces with Ausolan, a Spanish business group, to create an initiative to teach kids about the importance of physical activity and balanced, nutritious meals by collaborating with school kitchens.
The collaboration’s focus is to battle childhood obesity, which the organization says is a front-and-center issue in Spain.
According to a press release from the company, 36.1% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 are overweight, and 15.9% suffer from obesity.
The organization is also launching a special challenge for kids to win 50-spot kits with everything you need to stay active: a soccer ball, water bottle, gym towel, and pool shoes.
- Plantains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Plantains promote bowel regularity due to their fiber content.
- They are good for heart health.
- Plantains are versatile and can be used in various dishes.
To participate, kids should post a photo on their favorite social media platform practicing a sport with their favorite fruit, tag the organization’s Instagram: @platano_decanarias and use the hashtag #LaFrutaDelDeporte.
Watsonville, CA – A bountiful harvest of California strawberries has arrived for California Giant Berry Farms, as the company shares news of strong volumes of its cornerstone product.
The berry purveyor’s high yields of excellent quality fruit ensures peak promotable volumes of California strawberries throughout the coming months.
The Santa Maria region is showing strong early season production of conventional and organic strawberries exhibiting ideal size, quality, and flavor. Peak volumes are anticipated to arrive by mid-May. Notably, organic production in Santa Maria will mirror the conventional peak, ensuring a steady supply of premium organic fruit as we move into the middle of May.
The Watsonville and Salinas growing region is also ramping up production, with volumes increasing weekly. Currently, spring rains have caused temporary harvest disruptions, but the company projects peak harvest volumes to be sustained throughout the month of June. Ranches in the region are reporting excellent fruit quality, flavor, and impressive size. The Watsonville/Salinas organic peak will mirror that of Santa Maria, hitting its stride in mid-May.
Blueberry supplies are extremely limited, as the California and Georgia seasons are off to slow starts. Expect elevated prices and low volume for the next three weeks, according to Markon of Salinas, CA.
The Mexican season is past its peak, as production is rapidly decreasing and is expected to end in late May.
The Georgia season has been delayed up to two weeks due to unseasonably cool weather. Florida volume is down 40 percent compared to this time last year. California’s San Joaquin Valley season is expected to start the week of May 5.
Demand far exceeds supply, and the industry will remain in a production gap for the next three weeks. Expect high markets and pro-rated orders for the next three weeks.
California’s avocado shippers plan to move their third-largest crop in a 10 years during the 2024-25 season, with an estimated production of 375 million pounds. This amounts to a 44% increase from the previous three-year average and a 3% increase from the previous year.
The Hass variety will make up about 95% of California’s crop, which totals approximately 355 million pounds. The remaining 5% will consists of Lamb, Gem, and other varieties. California typically supplies approximately 90% of the avocados produced in the United States.
However, the nation’s total domestic production only accounts for about 10% of the total avocado availability in the country, highlighting the country’s significant dependence on imports.
The United States imported a record $3.8 billion worth of fresh avocados in 2024, the highest amount ever reported in both nominal and inflation-adjusted terms. The majority of the value, approximately 91%, was sourced from Mexico, with the majority being classified as Hass-like (both conventional and organic).
The majority of these avocados were imported through the Laredo district in South Texas, while lesser volumes were imported through Philadelphia (primarily from Peru and Colombia) and Miami (primarily from the Dominican Republic and Colombia). A transportation problem in the U.S. market was caused by lower shipments from Mexico and Peru earlier in the year, despite the improved crop in California.
California’s 2024/25 shipments commenced in mid- January (earlier than is customary) and had already reached 8% of the projected crop by early March, surpassing the 4-year average of 5%. The state’s season may conclude prematurely if this tempo persists, as was the case in 2022. Meanwhile, Mexican shipments are expected to continue as harvest moves to higher elevation orchards in Michoacán and Jalisco, but overall volumes may ease through the middle of the year.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Unprecedented growth is being experienced by the Colombian blueberry industry. The country exported over 1.4 million pounds of blueberries in 2024, according to Agraria.
With 1,600 acres currently under cultivation, the country is projected to reach between 7,400 and nearly 12,400 hectares by 2026. This represents an increase of 669 percent, according to projections from the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA).
New cultivation areas are driving the projected growth, especially in regions such as Antioquia, Cauca, the Coffee Region, and Nariño. These areas will complement the existing production areas in Bogotá and Boyacá.
Colombia’s unique climate allows for year-round blueberry cultivation, giving it a strategic advantage over seasonal producers. This climate advantage permits Colombian growers to supply global markets evenin the off-season, providing a competitive advantage over countries like Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
With expanding production and increasing demand, Colombia is well positioned to become a major supplier of blueberries to key markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia.
All signs point to continued growth. With more acres in production, consistent quality, and 12-month production capacity, Colombian blueberries are poised to gain ground on the international scene.
The Chilean/Peruvian offshore season will wrap up over the next three and one-half weeks. Grape shipments will transition to Mexican-grown product in mid- to late May. Expect pricing to increase as the offshore season continues to wind down, according to news release from Markhon of Salinas, CA.
Offshore
- The Peruvian/Chilean green and red grape seasons will end in mid-May
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Lunch Bunch Grapes will stop shipping in mid-May, but resume with Mexican product in late May
- Although stocks will tighten and markets will rise, suppliers do not expect any supply gaps between the offshore and Mexican seasons
Mexico
- MFC and Markon Essentials (ESS) Grapes will be shipped out of Mexico in late May
- Commodity supplies of Mexican green and red grapes will enter the market in mid-May
- Mexican portioned grapes become available in late May
- Expect elevated pricing as the season begins, then markets will gradually decrease
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
As the 2025 mango season unfolds, harvesting and packaging are actively taking place in Peru, Mexico, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. The current data illustrates a robust mango shipping season, with significant volumes being transported from these countries.
In total, the volume of mango boxes shipped for the week of March 22nd amounted to approximately 3,148,076, bringing the season’s cumulative total to 40,304,935 boxes.
The ongoing mango harvest showed moderate growth, with many regions surpassing their previous year’s performance. These insights suggest a robust market presence for mangoes from these key Central and South American countries.
Peru
During the week ending March 22, 2025, Peru contributed around 108,080 boxes to the overall shipment volume. This brings Peru’s total for the season to approximately 29,244,849 boxes.
Notably, there were no shipments from Peru during the same week in 2024, highlighting a significant upward trend in production and export capabilities for the current season.
Mexico
Mexico’s shipping data for the week reflects a substantial volume, with approximately 2,800,453 boxes shipped. This totals to about 10,625,056 boxes for the season.
This represents a 31% increase over last year’s 2,129,858 boxes shipped during the same week. However, 2024’s season total was 11,093,165 boxes, which showcases a slight decline in overall season totals despite an increase in weekly shipments.
Guatemala
Guatemala also made its mark in the mango shipping sector, with approximately 198,342 boxes shipped during the week. This brings the total for the season to about 332,289 boxes.
In contrast, the previous year, Guatemala shipped 153,342 boxes during the same week, totaling 302,675 boxes for the season. This indicates a positive growth trajectory for Guatemalan mango exports.
Nicaragua
Lastly, Nicaragua reported shipping approximately 41,201 boxes in the week ending March 22, 2025, resulting in a season total of approximately 102,741 boxes.
When analyzed against the previous year’s data, Nicaraguan shipments during the same week in 2024 stood at 39,500 boxes, with a total of 137,183 boxes for the season, showcasing a moderate increase in weekly shipments but a decline in overall season totals.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Georgia peach loadings are expected to get underway May 7 or 8 this season according to Genuine Georgia, which was formed in 2015, and brought together the state’s growers under a single marketing banner.
The organization reports great growing conditions up until now. Even more optimism is bolstered by the the new orchards established over the past five years are now in full production. Yields are anticipated to increase by 15% from the previous year.
Once the harvest starts, Georgia peach shipments will move fast, reaching store shelves within 36 hours in markets across the East Coast, from Texas to Montreal to Miami.
Georgia’s 2025 peach season is poised to produce one of the most robust crops in recent memory, as a result of the favorable conditions, increasing production, and healthy trees.
Total U.S. fruit intake declined 7 percent to 0.93 cup equivalent per person per day in 2017–18 from 1 cup equivalent in 2003–04.
A 50-percent drop in fruit juice intake, from 0.46 cup equivalent per person per day in 2003–04 to 0.23 cup equivalent in 2017-18, drove the overall decrease in fruit consumption.
For a nutritionally adequate diet, the Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2020–2025 advises individuals to consume about one cup equivalent of fruit for every 1,000 calories, with some variations for children and adolescents based on sex and physical activity.
Fruit is a rich source of nutrients, including dietary fiber, potassium, calcium, and vitamin D. Given the importance of this food group to diet quality, the USDA, Economic Research Service (ERS) recently examined U.S. fruit consumption patterns and trends.
These data come from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), which nutritionists use to study diet quality.
CASTROVILLE, CA — North America’s leading grower and shipper of fresh artichokes, has officially kicked off their spring season.
With their annual migration north complete, the company’s transition to its spring/summer growing region – in Castroville and Salinas Valley, CA – is in full production.
“The spring crop is looking great,” said Ben Wilson, commodity account manager. Continuing, “If these first harvests are any indication of what our season will bring…it’s going to be a good one!” Wilson emphasized.
Easter was a big artichoke holiday, and this year was no exception.
“We will have promotable volumes in a variety of pack sizes to support customer demand,” Wilson stated.
In addition to our ample supply of green artichokes, our purple artichokes are a real fan-favorite and hard to keep on the shelves when retailers stock them.
“These first spring harvests of purple artichokes are yielding a beautiful crop; we expect good volumes for Easter and through April and possibly into May,” said Wilson.
About Ocean Mist Farms
Established in 1924, Ocean Mist Farms is a fourth-generation family-owned business located in Castroville, California. This company – the largest grower/shipper of fresh artichokes in No. America – celebrated their milestone 100-year anniversary in 2024. Committed to consistently delivering the highest standards in the industry for their Gold Standard artichokes, the company also offers a full line of 30+ premium fresh vegetable commodities and value-added products including their new award-winning Roastables Ready-To-Roast kits and Season & Steam lines.
Plátanos de Canarias just joined forces with Ausolan, a Spanish business group, to create an initiative to teach kids about the importance of physical activity and balanced, nutritious meals by collaborating with school kitchens.
The collaboration’s focus is to battle childhood obesity, which the organization says is a front-and-center issue in Spain.
According to a press release from the company, 36.1% of children between the ages of 2 and 17 are overweight, and 15.9% suffer from obesity.
The organization is also launching a special challenge for kids to win 50-spot kits with everything you need to stay active: a soccer ball, water bottle, gym towel, and pool shoes.
- Plantains are rich sources of complex carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals.
- Plantains promote bowel regularity due to their fiber content.
- They are good for heart health.
- Plantains are versatile and can be used in various dishes.
To participate, kids should post a photo on their favorite social media platform practicing a sport with their favorite fruit, tag the organization’s Instagram: @platano_decanarias and use the hashtag #LaFrutaDelDeporte.
Watsonville, CA – A bountiful harvest of California strawberries has arrived for California Giant Berry Farms, as the company shares news of strong volumes of its cornerstone product.
The berry purveyor’s high yields of excellent quality fruit ensures peak promotable volumes of California strawberries throughout the coming months.
The Santa Maria region is showing strong early season production of conventional and organic strawberries exhibiting ideal size, quality, and flavor. Peak volumes are anticipated to arrive by mid-May. Notably, organic production in Santa Maria will mirror the conventional peak, ensuring a steady supply of premium organic fruit as we move into the middle of May.
The Watsonville and Salinas growing region is also ramping up production, with volumes increasing weekly. Currently, spring rains have caused temporary harvest disruptions, but the company projects peak harvest volumes to be sustained throughout the month of June. Ranches in the region are reporting excellent fruit quality, flavor, and impressive size. The Watsonville/Salinas organic peak will mirror that of Santa Maria, hitting its stride in mid-May.
Blueberry supplies are extremely limited, as the California and Georgia seasons are off to slow starts. Expect elevated prices and low volume for the next three weeks, according to Markon of Salinas, CA.
The Mexican season is past its peak, as production is rapidly decreasing and is expected to end in late May.
The Georgia season has been delayed up to two weeks due to unseasonably cool weather. Florida volume is down 40 percent compared to this time last year. California’s San Joaquin Valley season is expected to start the week of May 5.
Demand far exceeds supply, and the industry will remain in a production gap for the next three weeks. Expect high markets and pro-rated orders for the next three weeks.