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The South American country of Chile exports more than 800,000 tons of fruit to the U.S. annually, and over half of that is supplied during our winter months.
As the largest fruit exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile has everything from blueberries, to grapes and stone fruit — such as peaches, plums and nectarines — during the winter months. When you see these items in the produce department of your local supermarket, chances are the fruit is from Chile. This results in many fresh fruits being available the year around, something that did not exist, at least on today’s scale, 20 years ago.
Most of the Chilean produce items arrive by boat on both the east and west coasts of the United States.
Chilean cherries are available from November through January. Blueberries run from November through March. The grape arrivals from Chile runs from December through May, and peaches, plums and nectarines arrive in the U.S. from December through April.
Chile exports around 400,000 tons of grapes to the U.S. each year, representing about half of Chile’s entire export volume to the U.S.
Volume in tons of Chilean fruit imports has been fairly stable over the years, although the 2013-14 was certainly an exception.
Chile experienced its worst drought in 80 years, and the country also had a three-week port strike. With Chile continually expanding its global presence and selling to more international markets, one might expect to see decreasing volumes to the U.S., but that is not the case. Some commodities, like grapes, have seen decreased volumes, but others, such as blueberries and citrus, have had huge growth.
The potential fly in the ointment this season is the port strikes on the West Coast, particularly as L.A. and Long Beach, escalates.
More East Coast sweet potato loads are expected this season….As the California grape season finishes, be extra careful of loading fruit with quality problems.
North Carolina sweet potato shipments should be back to normal this season as the harvest for 2014 has pretty much wrapped up.
A return to normal yields after a rain-damaged 2013 shortfall caused many growers to run out of cured 2013 sweet potatoes and ship uncured or “green” potatoes in the early harvest weeks this year. An interesting side note this year is several North Carolina growers have formed a co-op, Yamco, which is making making sweet potato puree used in vodka, beer, jams, pastry mixes, and soon, whiskey…..Truck supplies are in short supply.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – grossing about $3000 to Boston.
Lower volume California grape shipments are expected as 2014 comes to a close. Loadings are expected to be down from this same time a year ago. The persistent drought in California meant less water for grapes, resulting in smaller sized fruit and subsequently lower volumes, plus hot weather at times has been an issue. Due to the drought and heat, quality has been hit and miss this season. As the season winds down, grape haulers should pay extra attention to what is being put in the truck to help reduce your chances of claims at destination.
California grape shipments will continue through Thanksgiving and perhaps up to Christmas. The first South American grape imports from Chile are not expected on the East Coast until December 8th and on the West Coast until December 24th.
Central San Joaquin Valley grapes – grossing about $6800 to New York City.
California vegetables are in a seasonal transition to more southern areas ranging from the Coachella and Imperial valleys, to the Yuma district….Also look for a big increase this season with Chilean cherries.
Western Vegetable shipments leading up to Thanksgiving have been modest at best, particularly for popular items such as romaine and the other lettuces as well as celery, broccoli and cauliflower.
As coastal California seasons for the various crops wind down, volume has been light, especially for romaine and broccoli. The meager supply situation will probably last at least through the week of December 15th. From Thanksgiving through Christmas produce shipments will be light as the transition has started to the California and Arizona deserts.
A side note is there are a lot more shipments of greens taking place than at other times of the year. These items range from kale, to chard, and collard greens, all of which are in the midst of a renaissance with consumers.
California and Arizona desert shipments ranging from lettuce, to peppers and cantaloupe – grossing about $5400 to Atlanta.
CHILEAN CHERRIES
Chilean cherry exports to North America could soar 45 percent this season. Total cherry exports from Chile should reach 100,00 tons in 2014-15. The South American country is bouncing back from a devastating freeze in 2013-14, which hit cherries and other fruits hard. Cherries will be available at U.S. ports in December and January.
By The U.S. Potato Board
DENVER — Research published recently in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition demonstrates how people can include potatoes as part of a weight management program.
The study, a collaborative effort between the University of California at Davis and the Illinois Institute of Technology, sought to gain a better understanding of the role of calorie reduction and the glycemic index in weight loss when potatoes are included in the diet.
“Some people have questioned the role of potatoes in a weight loss regimen because of the vegetable’s designation as a high glycemic index food,” explained Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, the lead investigator of the study. “However, the results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years: it is not about eliminating a certain food or food groups, rather, it is reducing calories that count,” said Burton-Freeman.
Ninety overweight men and women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) reduced calorie/high GI, (2) reduced calorie/low GI, (3) control group with no calorie or GI restrictions. All three groups were provided potatoes, healthful recipes and instructions to consume 5-7 servings of potatoes per week. At the end of the 12-week study period, the researchers found all three groups had lost weight and there was no significant difference in weight loss between the groups.
“There is no evidence that potatoes, when prepared in a healthful manner, contribute to weight gain. In fact, we are seeing that they can be part of a weight loss program,” said Burton-Freeman.
Interestingly, even the control group reduced their caloric intake and lost weight despite not being provided with a specific calorie restriction. “The fact that all groups, even the control group, lost weight is a curious finding and provides cause for future research,” said co-investigator Dr. Tissa Kappagoda, MD, PhD.
The study results are good news for potato lovers and any consumer who craves the satisfaction of wholesome yet healthy meal options. One medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on potato contains just 110 calories per serving, boasts more potassium (620g) than a banana, provides almost half the daily value of vitamin C (45 percent), and contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol.
This study was funded by the United States Potato Board. Visit www.PotatoGoodness.com for a wealth of potato nutrition information and healthy recipes.
For more information on the USPB as the nation’s potato marketing organization, positioned as the “catalyst for positive change,” and the central organizing force in implementing programs that will increase demand for potatoes, please visit www.uspotatoes.com. In an effort to enhance diversity of the Board, USDA encourages women, younger growers, minorities, and people with disabilities to seek positions on the board.
By The National Watermelon Promotion Board
Winter Springs, FL – At 92 percent water and chock full of nutrients, watermelon is a naturally hydrating food fit for the finish line. That’s the message National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), along with its entourage of watermelon queens from National Watermelon Association (NWA) and mascot J. Slice, shared during the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) festivities in Washington, D.C., last month 24-26 where it served a truckload of healthy watermelon to athletes and families.
“From watermelon queens decked out in crowns and sashes touring D.C. landmarks to hydration tips shared via social media and 10 tons of refreshing watermelon at the finish festival, watermelon made a showy appearance at the Marine Corps Marathon during the Board’s second year as a sponsor,” says Stephanie Barlow, NWPB director of PR and social media.
Starting with the three-day Health & Fitness Expo where runners picked up their registration packets, NWPB shared recipes and nutrition research showing why watermelon is nature-made for athletes – offering replenishing electrolytes, like potassium, and sore-muscle relief from the amino acid citrulline.
At Saturday’s MCM Kids Run, nearly 3,600 D.C.-area youth ran one mile at the Pentagon parking lot. National Watermelon Queen Brandi Harrison and mascot J. Slice acted as official race starters for one wave of youth runners.
“The Kids Run fosters a healthy family lifestyle. To that end, NWPB is sponsoring five ‘Jump with Jill’ shows – a music-based health program – next spring for five local schools that had the most participation and won the ‘Healthy School Award,’” shares Barlow. During the event, watermelon queens met with families and handed out 1,200 pounds of fresh watermelon slices while distributing recipe cards, coloring sheets and stickers. At the Mascot Games, J. Slice joined the Marine Corps’ bulldogs Miles and Molly and others to compete in the 100-yard dash.
Known as the “People’s Marathon” and the third largest marathon in the U.S., more than 30,000 athletes participated in the Marine Corps Marathon this year. On Sunday at the MCM Finish Festival in Rosslyn, Va., NWPB served 20,000 samples of refreshing watermelon to athletes and their supporters.
Here’s a shipping round up for deliveries in time for Thanksgiving, ranging from various shipping areas handling everything from strawberries to sweet potatoes, melons and veggies.
Strawberry Shipments from CA, FL, and Mexico
California is shipping about 2 million trays of strawberries per week, primarily out of Ventura County. However, this is expected to decline over the next few weeks.
Early October hot weather and cooler weather in November are two factors blamed for reducing California strawberry shipments. However, by December, Southern California, Florida and Mexico will be ramping up for holiday shipments including Christmas and New Year’s.
Mexican strawberry shipments are now moving into good volume. Florida berries should hit decent volume by the week of November 24th and hit heavy loadings by mid December.
Oxnard, CA strawberry shipments – grossing about $7000 to Boston.
Sweet Potato Shipments
Four states ship the vast majority of the nation’s sweet potatoes. However, North Carolina is shipping as many as Mississippi, Louisiana and California (Atwood/Livingston district) combined. However, volume from all of these states are increasing as we approach Thanksgiving. North Carolina is averaging around 250 truck loads per week.
Eastern North Carolina sweet potatoes – grossing about $3000 to Chicago.
Nogales Produce Shipments
While Nogales, AZ will not hit peak produce shipments with product from Mexico until the end of the year, or January, decent supplies are currently available on some items. Watermelons are averaging about 625 truck loads weekly, with honeydew being about one-half this volume. A number vegetables ranging from various types of peppers to zuchnni and butternut squash are available in light volume, but seasonally increasing.
Unfortunately, there are too many mixed loads this time of year, due to limited volume. It’s not uncommon for produce haulers to start out in Central or Southern California and making several pick ups before filling out the truck in Nogales.
Mexican melons and vegetables through Nogales – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
By The Produce Mom
Thanksgiving’s almost here—time to give thanks and celebrate the bounty of the harvest on this holiday that emphasizes family values. But moms who are trying to offer up a wow factor along with their healthy Thanksgiving feasts may find it more of a challenge than a celebration. For fresh, family-friendly holiday meal ideas with pizzazz, join The Produce Mom and her partners as they host a #HealthyThanksgiving Twitter Party Wednesday, November 19, at 9 p.m. EST.
“Thanksgiving, a day that reminds us all that food truly is culture, is the perfect occasion for creating unique food presentations and putting a new spin on favorite dishes that will impress family and guests,” said Lori Taylor, The Produce Mom. “This season, two of the hottest topics are how to create chef-quality dishes and how to ensure our meals are sustainable and minimize waste, and we’ve got lots of ideas on how to do just that.”
“Food is the ultimate way to deliver the wow factor this Thanksgiving, but you don’t have to be a chef to impress your guests,” said Nick Quintero, digital marketing manager for Melissa’s Produce. “Our chef-inspired recipes encourage consumers to enjoy all the ingredients of the global market to create fantastic dishes for friends and family.”
“With Josie’s Organics organic vegetables, sustainability extends from the farm all the way to the family table,” said Chadwick Boyd, Josie’s Organics food and lifestyle expert. “We use the whole vegetable, from root to leaf, in our recipes so that no part of our veggies—especially during the holidays—goes to waste.”
The Produce Mom’s social media parties and contests typically reach more than a million consumers. During their time slot, they often rank among the top 10 national trending hash tags on Twitter, so it’s a great way for consumers to participate in an activity that enjoys a history of trending. The hour-long parties receive nearly 3,500 posts to the party-specific hash tag.
If consumers aren’t familiar with tweeting, it’s easy to get started. Here’s how. First, go to twitter.com/signup and set up a free Twitter account. Once you’re logged in, click the Follow button next to The Produce Mom’s profile page, @ProduceMom. Then, on Wednesday, November 19, at 9 p.m. EST, log in to your Twitter account and join in on the conversation using the #HealthyThanksgiving hash tag in your tweets.
During the party, prizes supplied by each host organization are randomly awarded to lucky participants who respond to hosts’ questions using the #HealthyThanksgiving hash tag.
For this #HealthyThanksgiving Twitter Party we’ve gathered together 12 event hosts, each with a unique perspective, to share their fresh take on this holiday that holds special meaning to families everywhere.
Here is a glimpse of produce loading opportunities from three states on the east coast.
Florida winter produce shipments are generally increasing. However, the following information is qualified by the fact this is WINTER produce, and while state volume is light and increasing, this is all relative to this time of the year.
Florida’s mature green tomatoes, grape tomatoes and roma shipments have been less-than-normal and larger volumes are expected around Thanksgiving (November 27th). This includes the Palmetto-Ruskin volume that is running lighter than normal and south Florida’s shipments from Immokalee.
Heavy rains that struck during fall plantings should produce lighter-than-normal early loadings of sweet corn and green beans through Thanksgiving. Due to rain in September, there will be shipping gaps.
Florida produce – grossing about $2000 to Chicago.
New York Produce Shipments
Most onion shipments are coming out of Orange County, NY. With the harvest completed, shipments are increasing and averaging about 150 truck loads per week….New York apple shipments are steady from the Hudson Valley, western and central parts of the state and the Champlain Valley….Cabbages shipments are originating from western and central areas of the Empire State.
New York cabbage – grossing $1500 to $2000 to New York City.
Maine Potato Shipments
Light loadings of potatoes are originating from Aroostrock County, ME, averaging around 100 truck loads per week. Most product is destined to east coast markets.
Loading opportunities for Michigan apples this season, as well as Red River Valley potatoes, were expected to be good. However, more shipments than originally thought, should occur from both shipping areas.
Michigan apple shipments two years ago were the worst on record because of an early freeze. However, in the fall of 2013, it was the best crop on record. This season, shipments were expected to be good, but are turning out even better.
The Michigan apple crop now stands at 25 million bushels, about three million more than originally predicted. The state is now averaging about 300 truck loads per week. Michigan is the third-largest apple producer, behind New York and Washington state.
Michigan apple shipments – grossing about $3200 to Oklahoma City.
Red River Valley
Trucks remain in short suppply for RRV potatoes.
There should more Red River Valley potato shipments this season for red potatoes than originally thought, primarily due to better yields in North Dakota. The average potato yield in the state jumped 25 hundredweight (cwt.) per acre compared to last year, to a record 315, which shattered the 300 cwt. per acre record set in 2012. The expected higher shipments come despite the harvested acres estimate dropping from 86,000 in June to 79,000 in November; a plunge of 8 percent. Despite the big drop in harvested acres, the 2014 crop still topped the 2013 crop by 1.7 million cwt. (7 percent), producing a 24.3 million cwt. crop.
Minnesota’s Red River Valley portion also has fewer acres, but like North Dakota, had higher yields, 400 cwt. per acre. Minnesota’s June acreage estimate was 49,000 acres, but the November 1 estimate came in at 42,000 acres, a 14.3 percent drop.
Red River Valley red potatoes – grossing about $2000 to Chicago.
If you haul imported produce at ports ranging from Washington state to Long Beach on the West Coast, your chances of claims are increasing as delays in getting product out of the ports are increasing, due to a labor dispute.
Imported perishables coming through West Coast ports have been delayed two to three day late on average.
This is resulting in a domino effect through distribution procedures and with timely deliveries. These delays effect overall shelf life of the imported fruit and in the end trickles down to less time for consumers to eat the product.
The Pacific Maritime Association said recently a slowdown by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., had spread to Los Angeles and Long Beach. The two California ports handle about 64 percent of containerized cargo on the West Coast. The union has denied a slowdown is taking place in either state, blaming the problems on a business model that interferes with on-time delivery of chassis systems.
Congestion has been occurring since at least last September in Los Angeles and Long Beach, where management lays blame on a variety of causes including a shortage of chassis, rail cars, surging cargo volume and a shortage of truck drivers. Labor strife will aggravate that, they said.
“Although the existing congestion has had ripple effects throughout the supply chain, it is the ILWU slowdowns that now have the potential to bring the port complex to the brink of gridlock,” Pacific Maritime Association spokesman Wade Gates said in a news release.
In Seattle and Tacoma terminals that typically move 25 to 35 containers hourly, were moving just 10 to 18, according to the Pacific Maritime Association.
The two sides have been in negotiations since July 1, when the last contract expired.
The South American country of Chile exports more than 800,000 tons of fruit to the U.S. annually, and over half of that is supplied during our winter months.
As the largest fruit exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile has everything from blueberries, to grapes and stone fruit — such as peaches, plums and nectarines — during the winter months. When you see these items in the produce department of your local supermarket, chances are the fruit is from Chile. This results in many fresh fruits being available the year around, something that did not exist, at least on today’s scale, 20 years ago.
Most of the Chilean produce items arrive by boat on both the east and west coasts of the United States.
Chilean cherries are available from November through January. Blueberries run from November through March. The grape arrivals from Chile runs from December through May, and peaches, plums and nectarines arrive in the U.S. from December through April.
Chile exports around 400,000 tons of grapes to the U.S. each year, representing about half of Chile’s entire export volume to the U.S.
Volume in tons of Chilean fruit imports has been fairly stable over the years, although the 2013-14 was certainly an exception.
Chile experienced its worst drought in 80 years, and the country also had a three-week port strike. With Chile continually expanding its global presence and selling to more international markets, one might expect to see decreasing volumes to the U.S., but that is not the case. Some commodities, like grapes, have seen decreased volumes, but others, such as blueberries and citrus, have had huge growth.
The potential fly in the ointment this season is the port strikes on the West Coast, particularly as L.A. and Long Beach, escalates.
More East Coast sweet potato loads are expected this season….As the California grape season finishes, be extra careful of loading fruit with quality problems.
North Carolina sweet potato shipments should be back to normal this season as the harvest for 2014 has pretty much wrapped up.
A return to normal yields after a rain-damaged 2013 shortfall caused many growers to run out of cured 2013 sweet potatoes and ship uncured or “green” potatoes in the early harvest weeks this year. An interesting side note this year is several North Carolina growers have formed a co-op, Yamco, which is making making sweet potato puree used in vodka, beer, jams, pastry mixes, and soon, whiskey…..Truck supplies are in short supply.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – grossing about $3000 to Boston.
Lower volume California grape shipments are expected as 2014 comes to a close. Loadings are expected to be down from this same time a year ago. The persistent drought in California meant less water for grapes, resulting in smaller sized fruit and subsequently lower volumes, plus hot weather at times has been an issue. Due to the drought and heat, quality has been hit and miss this season. As the season winds down, grape haulers should pay extra attention to what is being put in the truck to help reduce your chances of claims at destination.
California grape shipments will continue through Thanksgiving and perhaps up to Christmas. The first South American grape imports from Chile are not expected on the East Coast until December 8th and on the West Coast until December 24th.
Central San Joaquin Valley grapes – grossing about $6800 to New York City.
California vegetables are in a seasonal transition to more southern areas ranging from the Coachella and Imperial valleys, to the Yuma district….Also look for a big increase this season with Chilean cherries.
Western Vegetable shipments leading up to Thanksgiving have been modest at best, particularly for popular items such as romaine and the other lettuces as well as celery, broccoli and cauliflower.
As coastal California seasons for the various crops wind down, volume has been light, especially for romaine and broccoli. The meager supply situation will probably last at least through the week of December 15th. From Thanksgiving through Christmas produce shipments will be light as the transition has started to the California and Arizona deserts.
A side note is there are a lot more shipments of greens taking place than at other times of the year. These items range from kale, to chard, and collard greens, all of which are in the midst of a renaissance with consumers.
California and Arizona desert shipments ranging from lettuce, to peppers and cantaloupe – grossing about $5400 to Atlanta.
CHILEAN CHERRIES
Chilean cherry exports to North America could soar 45 percent this season. Total cherry exports from Chile should reach 100,00 tons in 2014-15. The South American country is bouncing back from a devastating freeze in 2013-14, which hit cherries and other fruits hard. Cherries will be available at U.S. ports in December and January.
By The U.S. Potato Board
DENVER — Research published recently in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition demonstrates how people can include potatoes as part of a weight management program.
The study, a collaborative effort between the University of California at Davis and the Illinois Institute of Technology, sought to gain a better understanding of the role of calorie reduction and the glycemic index in weight loss when potatoes are included in the diet.
“Some people have questioned the role of potatoes in a weight loss regimen because of the vegetable’s designation as a high glycemic index food,” explained Dr. Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, the lead investigator of the study. “However, the results of this study confirm what health professionals and nutrition experts have said for years: it is not about eliminating a certain food or food groups, rather, it is reducing calories that count,” said Burton-Freeman.
Ninety overweight men and women were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) reduced calorie/high GI, (2) reduced calorie/low GI, (3) control group with no calorie or GI restrictions. All three groups were provided potatoes, healthful recipes and instructions to consume 5-7 servings of potatoes per week. At the end of the 12-week study period, the researchers found all three groups had lost weight and there was no significant difference in weight loss between the groups.
“There is no evidence that potatoes, when prepared in a healthful manner, contribute to weight gain. In fact, we are seeing that they can be part of a weight loss program,” said Burton-Freeman.
Interestingly, even the control group reduced their caloric intake and lost weight despite not being provided with a specific calorie restriction. “The fact that all groups, even the control group, lost weight is a curious finding and provides cause for future research,” said co-investigator Dr. Tissa Kappagoda, MD, PhD.
The study results are good news for potato lovers and any consumer who craves the satisfaction of wholesome yet healthy meal options. One medium-size (5.3 ounce) skin-on potato contains just 110 calories per serving, boasts more potassium (620g) than a banana, provides almost half the daily value of vitamin C (45 percent), and contains no fat, sodium or cholesterol.
This study was funded by the United States Potato Board. Visit www.PotatoGoodness.com for a wealth of potato nutrition information and healthy recipes.
For more information on the USPB as the nation’s potato marketing organization, positioned as the “catalyst for positive change,” and the central organizing force in implementing programs that will increase demand for potatoes, please visit www.uspotatoes.com. In an effort to enhance diversity of the Board, USDA encourages women, younger growers, minorities, and people with disabilities to seek positions on the board.
By The National Watermelon Promotion Board
Winter Springs, FL – At 92 percent water and chock full of nutrients, watermelon is a naturally hydrating food fit for the finish line. That’s the message National Watermelon Promotion Board (NWPB), along with its entourage of watermelon queens from National Watermelon Association (NWA) and mascot J. Slice, shared during the Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) festivities in Washington, D.C., last month 24-26 where it served a truckload of healthy watermelon to athletes and families.
“From watermelon queens decked out in crowns and sashes touring D.C. landmarks to hydration tips shared via social media and 10 tons of refreshing watermelon at the finish festival, watermelon made a showy appearance at the Marine Corps Marathon during the Board’s second year as a sponsor,” says Stephanie Barlow, NWPB director of PR and social media.
Starting with the three-day Health & Fitness Expo where runners picked up their registration packets, NWPB shared recipes and nutrition research showing why watermelon is nature-made for athletes – offering replenishing electrolytes, like potassium, and sore-muscle relief from the amino acid citrulline.
At Saturday’s MCM Kids Run, nearly 3,600 D.C.-area youth ran one mile at the Pentagon parking lot. National Watermelon Queen Brandi Harrison and mascot J. Slice acted as official race starters for one wave of youth runners.
“The Kids Run fosters a healthy family lifestyle. To that end, NWPB is sponsoring five ‘Jump with Jill’ shows – a music-based health program – next spring for five local schools that had the most participation and won the ‘Healthy School Award,’” shares Barlow. During the event, watermelon queens met with families and handed out 1,200 pounds of fresh watermelon slices while distributing recipe cards, coloring sheets and stickers. At the Mascot Games, J. Slice joined the Marine Corps’ bulldogs Miles and Molly and others to compete in the 100-yard dash.
Known as the “People’s Marathon” and the third largest marathon in the U.S., more than 30,000 athletes participated in the Marine Corps Marathon this year. On Sunday at the MCM Finish Festival in Rosslyn, Va., NWPB served 20,000 samples of refreshing watermelon to athletes and their supporters.
Here’s a shipping round up for deliveries in time for Thanksgiving, ranging from various shipping areas handling everything from strawberries to sweet potatoes, melons and veggies.
Strawberry Shipments from CA, FL, and Mexico
California is shipping about 2 million trays of strawberries per week, primarily out of Ventura County. However, this is expected to decline over the next few weeks.
Early October hot weather and cooler weather in November are two factors blamed for reducing California strawberry shipments. However, by December, Southern California, Florida and Mexico will be ramping up for holiday shipments including Christmas and New Year’s.
Mexican strawberry shipments are now moving into good volume. Florida berries should hit decent volume by the week of November 24th and hit heavy loadings by mid December.
Oxnard, CA strawberry shipments – grossing about $7000 to Boston.
Sweet Potato Shipments
Four states ship the vast majority of the nation’s sweet potatoes. However, North Carolina is shipping as many as Mississippi, Louisiana and California (Atwood/Livingston district) combined. However, volume from all of these states are increasing as we approach Thanksgiving. North Carolina is averaging around 250 truck loads per week.
Eastern North Carolina sweet potatoes – grossing about $3000 to Chicago.
Nogales Produce Shipments
While Nogales, AZ will not hit peak produce shipments with product from Mexico until the end of the year, or January, decent supplies are currently available on some items. Watermelons are averaging about 625 truck loads weekly, with honeydew being about one-half this volume. A number vegetables ranging from various types of peppers to zuchnni and butternut squash are available in light volume, but seasonally increasing.
Unfortunately, there are too many mixed loads this time of year, due to limited volume. It’s not uncommon for produce haulers to start out in Central or Southern California and making several pick ups before filling out the truck in Nogales.
Mexican melons and vegetables through Nogales – grossing about $6000 to New York City.
By The Produce Mom
Thanksgiving’s almost here—time to give thanks and celebrate the bounty of the harvest on this holiday that emphasizes family values. But moms who are trying to offer up a wow factor along with their healthy Thanksgiving feasts may find it more of a challenge than a celebration. For fresh, family-friendly holiday meal ideas with pizzazz, join The Produce Mom and her partners as they host a #HealthyThanksgiving Twitter Party Wednesday, November 19, at 9 p.m. EST.
“Thanksgiving, a day that reminds us all that food truly is culture, is the perfect occasion for creating unique food presentations and putting a new spin on favorite dishes that will impress family and guests,” said Lori Taylor, The Produce Mom. “This season, two of the hottest topics are how to create chef-quality dishes and how to ensure our meals are sustainable and minimize waste, and we’ve got lots of ideas on how to do just that.”
“Food is the ultimate way to deliver the wow factor this Thanksgiving, but you don’t have to be a chef to impress your guests,” said Nick Quintero, digital marketing manager for Melissa’s Produce. “Our chef-inspired recipes encourage consumers to enjoy all the ingredients of the global market to create fantastic dishes for friends and family.”
“With Josie’s Organics organic vegetables, sustainability extends from the farm all the way to the family table,” said Chadwick Boyd, Josie’s Organics food and lifestyle expert. “We use the whole vegetable, from root to leaf, in our recipes so that no part of our veggies—especially during the holidays—goes to waste.”
The Produce Mom’s social media parties and contests typically reach more than a million consumers. During their time slot, they often rank among the top 10 national trending hash tags on Twitter, so it’s a great way for consumers to participate in an activity that enjoys a history of trending. The hour-long parties receive nearly 3,500 posts to the party-specific hash tag.
If consumers aren’t familiar with tweeting, it’s easy to get started. Here’s how. First, go to twitter.com/signup and set up a free Twitter account. Once you’re logged in, click the Follow button next to The Produce Mom’s profile page, @ProduceMom. Then, on Wednesday, November 19, at 9 p.m. EST, log in to your Twitter account and join in on the conversation using the #HealthyThanksgiving hash tag in your tweets.
During the party, prizes supplied by each host organization are randomly awarded to lucky participants who respond to hosts’ questions using the #HealthyThanksgiving hash tag.
For this #HealthyThanksgiving Twitter Party we’ve gathered together 12 event hosts, each with a unique perspective, to share their fresh take on this holiday that holds special meaning to families everywhere.
Here is a glimpse of produce loading opportunities from three states on the east coast.
Florida winter produce shipments are generally increasing. However, the following information is qualified by the fact this is WINTER produce, and while state volume is light and increasing, this is all relative to this time of the year.
Florida’s mature green tomatoes, grape tomatoes and roma shipments have been less-than-normal and larger volumes are expected around Thanksgiving (November 27th). This includes the Palmetto-Ruskin volume that is running lighter than normal and south Florida’s shipments from Immokalee.
Heavy rains that struck during fall plantings should produce lighter-than-normal early loadings of sweet corn and green beans through Thanksgiving. Due to rain in September, there will be shipping gaps.
Florida produce – grossing about $2000 to Chicago.
New York Produce Shipments
Most onion shipments are coming out of Orange County, NY. With the harvest completed, shipments are increasing and averaging about 150 truck loads per week….New York apple shipments are steady from the Hudson Valley, western and central parts of the state and the Champlain Valley….Cabbages shipments are originating from western and central areas of the Empire State.
New York cabbage – grossing $1500 to $2000 to New York City.
Maine Potato Shipments
Light loadings of potatoes are originating from Aroostrock County, ME, averaging around 100 truck loads per week. Most product is destined to east coast markets.
Loading opportunities for Michigan apples this season, as well as Red River Valley potatoes, were expected to be good. However, more shipments than originally thought, should occur from both shipping areas.
Michigan apple shipments two years ago were the worst on record because of an early freeze. However, in the fall of 2013, it was the best crop on record. This season, shipments were expected to be good, but are turning out even better.
The Michigan apple crop now stands at 25 million bushels, about three million more than originally predicted. The state is now averaging about 300 truck loads per week. Michigan is the third-largest apple producer, behind New York and Washington state.
Michigan apple shipments – grossing about $3200 to Oklahoma City.
Red River Valley
Trucks remain in short suppply for RRV potatoes.
There should more Red River Valley potato shipments this season for red potatoes than originally thought, primarily due to better yields in North Dakota. The average potato yield in the state jumped 25 hundredweight (cwt.) per acre compared to last year, to a record 315, which shattered the 300 cwt. per acre record set in 2012. The expected higher shipments come despite the harvested acres estimate dropping from 86,000 in June to 79,000 in November; a plunge of 8 percent. Despite the big drop in harvested acres, the 2014 crop still topped the 2013 crop by 1.7 million cwt. (7 percent), producing a 24.3 million cwt. crop.
Minnesota’s Red River Valley portion also has fewer acres, but like North Dakota, had higher yields, 400 cwt. per acre. Minnesota’s June acreage estimate was 49,000 acres, but the November 1 estimate came in at 42,000 acres, a 14.3 percent drop.
Red River Valley red potatoes – grossing about $2000 to Chicago.
If you haul imported produce at ports ranging from Washington state to Long Beach on the West Coast, your chances of claims are increasing as delays in getting product out of the ports are increasing, due to a labor dispute.
Imported perishables coming through West Coast ports have been delayed two to three day late on average.
This is resulting in a domino effect through distribution procedures and with timely deliveries. These delays effect overall shelf life of the imported fruit and in the end trickles down to less time for consumers to eat the product.
The Pacific Maritime Association said recently a slowdown by the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) in Seattle and Tacoma, Wash., had spread to Los Angeles and Long Beach. The two California ports handle about 64 percent of containerized cargo on the West Coast. The union has denied a slowdown is taking place in either state, blaming the problems on a business model that interferes with on-time delivery of chassis systems.
Congestion has been occurring since at least last September in Los Angeles and Long Beach, where management lays blame on a variety of causes including a shortage of chassis, rail cars, surging cargo volume and a shortage of truck drivers. Labor strife will aggravate that, they said.
“Although the existing congestion has had ripple effects throughout the supply chain, it is the ILWU slowdowns that now have the potential to bring the port complex to the brink of gridlock,” Pacific Maritime Association spokesman Wade Gates said in a news release.
In Seattle and Tacoma terminals that typically move 25 to 35 containers hourly, were moving just 10 to 18, according to the Pacific Maritime Association.
The two sides have been in negotiations since July 1, when the last contract expired.