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Almond shipments will reach 3 billion pounds, a 10% increase from 2024’s crop, according to the 2025 USDA-NASS California Almond Objective Measurement Report estimate.
This objective estimate is 7% higher than the USDA-NASS’s May subjective forecast and surpasses the 2024 harvest of 2.73 billion pounds. The 2024 crop was 2.5% below the previous year’s objective estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precise forecasting amid fluctuating weather and economic conditions.
“The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Almond Board of California CEO Clarice Turner. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”
Weather during the bloom period was variable, with storms bringing rain, wind, and hail that hindered bee activity and blossom development. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating crop progress.
Mild spring temperatures and timely rainfall supported nut growth and reduced heat stress in orchards, with reports indicating lower-than-normal pest and disease pressure. Harvest is expected to start on schedule.
The USDA-NASS forecasted yield per acre for 2025 is 2,160 pounds, up from 1,980 pounds in 2024. The average nut set per tree is projected at 4,364 nuts, an increase of 7% from last year, with Nonpareil trees averaging 4,526 nuts. This is up 9% year-on-year.
Kernel weight averaged 1.60 grams across sampled varieties, representing a 0.6% decrease from 2024. The Nonpareil variety specifically averaged 1.60 grams, down 2% from the previous year.
The 2025 report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. Sampling was conducted from May 24 to June 28, covering 1,892 trees in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS produces the Objective Report, Subjective Forecast, and Nursery Survey annually to support industry decision-making.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association investigated the potential health benefits of mango consumption for postmenopausal women. The research focused on how eating approximately two servings (330 grams or about 1.5 cups) of mango daily over a two-week period affected blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis and financially supported by the National Mango Board, involved 24 women aged 50 to 70 with overweight or obesity (BMI 25–40). Participants refrained from eating mangos before the study and then incorporated daily mango intake during the two-week period. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and related health markers were measured at baseline, and then at specified intervals following mango consumption.
Results indicated that two hours after eating mangos, participants experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure by approximately 6 points (6.3 mmHg) and a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 2.3 mmHg. Additionally, fasting total cholesterol decreased by nearly 13 mg/dL, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol decreased by about 13 mg/dL.
A subsidiary follow-up study with six participants assessed the effects on blood glucose and insulin responses. Compared to white bread, mango consumption resulted in smaller increases in blood glucose and more favorable insulin responses.
Researchers suggest that dietary strategies, such as including fresh mangoes, may support cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women, a group at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to metabolic changes associated with menopause. However, they note that further research is necessary to confirm and expand upon these initial findings.
Washington and Oregon grower/shippers cite favorable growing conditions this season should result in good-quality onion shipments out of Washington and Oregon.
Washington is the nation’s top onion producer and grew about 21 million cwt of onions in 2024, up from about 20 million cwt in 2023, according to USDA. Oregon produced 14,189,000 cwt of onions, up from 13,747,000 in 2023.
Eagle Eye Produce of Iona, ID reports onion acreage is up slightly this year due to the acquisition of the Baker and Murakamai warehouse in Ontario, OR. As a result the company has more supply than ever.
The company started harvesting its eastern Oregon crop in late July, which is slightly earlier than usual, and will continue through September.
Eagle Eye Produce ships out of storage through April from facilities in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Following that, it will transition to fresh-field onions from California, New Mexico and Texas.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
California Giant Berry Farms reports higher volumes of blueberry production, both conventional and organic, in the Pacific Northwest.
The organization expects Oregon’s strong volumes to last through the end of September,while British Columbia’s peak production hit the first week of August and will span most of the month.
Washington is set to produce steady volumes through early September. According to the Washington Blueberry Commission, the state’s 2025 harvest is shaping up to be a record-breaker, Agronometrics reports.
Last year, Washington produced its largest haul ever, and early reports suggest that in 2025, the state could meet or exceed last year’s 210 million pounds.
Quality in Oregon is also projected to be favorable, thanks to excellent spring weather and snowpack.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Colombia’s exports to the United States increased from 5 percent to 15 percent, with several produce items showing increases during the first quarter of 2025.
This growth triples the 5 percent increase recorded by the country’s total exports to the rest of the world, according to Redagricola, using figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).
A highlight of the report is the boost in non-mining and energy exports, which reached $2.413 billion, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Among the products that registered the greatest sales increases were unroasted coffee, with a 124 percent increase. Banana sales grew by 51 percent, while Hass avocados increased by over 300 percent. There were also increases in flowers, citrus fruits, and cocoa.
By region, Antioquia was the main exporter with more than $686 million, followed by Bogotá and Cundinamarca. Furthermore, regions such as Meta, Caldas, Casanare, and Cauca registered growth exceeding 100 percent, demonstrating positive momentum in non-traditional regions. In total, 23 of the 28 exporting departments surpassed $1 million in sales to the U.S.
In response, the president of the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Colombia), María Claudia Lacouture, highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities with the U.S.
“The impact of seizing opportunities with the U.S. is undeniable. The numbers speak for themselves,” she said.
Lacouture also asserted that these results make it clear that strengthening relations with the U.S. is a priority.
“We need to keep diplomatic channels open and work on common interests. Opportunities exist, and we must seize them,” Lacouture said.
Texas watermelons this year have high quality and high yields, according to the Texas Watermelon Association of McAllen, TX.
With multiple cuttings of the crop combined with hot weather shipments are expected to continue into October. Hot weathers translates to high consumer demand for watermelons, the association notes.
About half of Texas-grown watermelons stay in and around the Lone Star State. The remainder are mostly shipped to other parts of the country, with some TWA members targeting larger eastern markets, including New York, and western growth areas, such as Colorado. There, they compete with international imports from Mexico, which are redistributed nationwide.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a lot of change on Americans when it came to food. Restaurants were closed. We had to wonder if we needed to disinfect our groceries for a while. That obsession with making sourdough started up.
But apparently people started eating more fresh fruit and vegetables too.
The USDA Economic Research Service released a report on the impacts of COVID-19 on food spending and diet on May 20. The report found that — as is common with negative economic events — the pandemic shifted American’s food purchasing behavior.
The report — U.S. Household Food Spending Post COVID-19 and the Implications for Diet Quality by ERS research agricultural economists Abigail Okrent and Eliana Zeballos — compared changes in household food spending in different groups before, during and after the pandemic (2016 to 2022).
“Economic recessions and slowdowns have profoundly influenced spending patterns on food as consumers navigate tighter budgets and uncertainty,” according to the report. “These changes in food consumption behaviors can have enduring effects on health, persisting long after a recession ends.”
Pandemic food purchasing
The economic shocks of the pandemic were unique compared to previous economic shocks in a few ways, according to the report. The main one was the closure of restaurants and stay-at-home orders around the country.
“This prompted significant shifts in the ways people purchased and acquired food, such as increased online shopping and home cooking,” the report said. More consumers bought food at grocery stores — referred to as food at home (FAH) in the report — during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic years of 2016 to 2019.
Buying more food at grocery stores compared to restaurants and other “food away from home” venues changed how consumers spent money on different food categories.
“On the one hand, 2020 had little to no association with spending on dairy, fats and oils, poultry, eggs, fish and seafood, beverages, and desserts,” the report summarized. “On the other hand, spending during 2020 was higher than 2016 to 2019 levels for vegetables (7%), other FAH not elsewhere classified (7%), grains (6%), and prepared meals (6%).”
Some of these shifts continued into the pandemic in 2021, with vegetable spending up 8% and fruit spending up 7% compared to the 2016 to 2019 levels. In 2022, which the report used as a post-pandemic benchmark, spending behavior began to trend back toward pre-pandemic levels with some exceptions. This included spending on vegetables, which was still up 5% in 2022 compared to 2016 to 2019 levels.
The report authors highlighted this trend as potentially beneficial.
“Given that vegetable and fruit consumption has largely been flat over the past few decades and well below [Dietary Guidelines for Americans] recommendations overall, such a shift in spending could lead to better adherence to DGA recommendations.”
Fruit and vegetable buying trends overall
The report also found some key differences in food spending across different demographic groups regardless of year. For example, the report found that urban households spend more on fruit and vegetables compared to their rural counterparts. Similarly, West Coast households spend the most on fruit and vegetables overall out of the U.S. geographic regions.
Racial and ethnic demographic details also played a role in food spending behaviors, regardless of the year.
“Independent of income and other covariates, non-Hispanic Asian households spent more on fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and seafood, and eggs, and less on processed red meats and beverages than non-Hispanic White, Black, and Native American/Pacific Islander/multiracial households,” the report found.
The report also noted that there were some seasonality trends in food purchasing at grocery stores — but not at restaurants — that was seen across all years in review.
“In particular, spending on fruits tended to be higher in the spring ($20 more per capita) and summer months ($20) compared to fall (-$6) and winter months (base), whereas vegetable consumption was unaffected by the seasons.”
The report authors speculated that the seasonality in fruit consumption, even in the face of expanded trade that means fresh fruit is reliably available year round, “may indicate consumers prefer to eat seasonal fruit produced within the United States.”
USDA’s July citrus forecast shows a 1% increase in Florida orange production since June. This is the fifth month in a row the agency has not seen a decrease in the state’s citrus production.
July’s orange production forecast saw a 3% increase, carried by a 5% increase in Valencia oranges. In May, all orange production increased a little under 1%. April orange production remained unchanged.
Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual Matt Joyner called the news encouraging and said “the path forward for Florida’s citrus industry is bright with new opportunities for growth.”
“Promising treatments for citrus greening, disease-tolerant citrus varieties, targeted state funds to support research and replanting, and federal disaster relief programs like the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program will equip citrus growers with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The USDA’s July forecast of 12.15 million boxes marks the third consecutive month of production gains – an encouraging indicator that we’re on the path to a more resilient future. Our growers have shown incredible perseverance through citrus greening and hurricanes, and we remain hopeful that our growers can build on this momentum next season with continued improvements in tree health and fruit production.”
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
With the California citrus season ending, the Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA has turned its focus to domestic and imports with its summer citrus line.
“Over the past few decades, the Bee Sweet Citrus team has worked hard to develop a program that supplements shoppers’ needs during our off-season,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “This summer, we’re pleased to provide our customers with both offshore and domestic products to meet their needs.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges started arriving in mid July, while offshore lemons began arriving at the end of July.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges are expected to arrive next week, while offshore lemons are due to arrive at the end of the month.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
A grower, packer and shipper of premium California citrus, Bee Sweet Citrus is a leader in today’s agriculture industry. Founded in 1987, Bee Sweet Citrus is a family owned and operated company and provides approximately 10 different citrus varieties to its consumers! Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bee Sweet is focused on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Results from a recent survey funded by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) have shown that dried fruits containing both fiber and sorbitol can substantially improve chronic constipation. The findings were presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, California.
Sorbitol is a carbohydrate that contributes to fruit’s sweetness and is particularly present in dried fruits.
This randomized, placebo-controlled food intervention trial examined the effects of dried fruit, fruit juice, and a fruit-flavored placebo on constipation symptoms. The study included 150 participants who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) consuming 90 grams daily of dried fruit (prunes, raisins, and dried apricots), (2) consuming juice made from the same fruits, or (3) consuming a fruit-flavored placebo.
Researchers assessed changes in stool weight over a seven-day collection period. Additional outcomes evaluated included stool consistency, stool frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation-specific symptoms, quality of life, and gut microbiota.
Results indicated that stool weight increases were significantly greater in the dried fruit group compared to the placebo group. Participants in the dried fruit group also experienced significant improvements in both complete and spontaneous bowel movements. Furthermore, the dried fruit group reported greater enhancements in quality of life relative to the placebo group.
“Living with constipation can have a large impact on quality of life, but we found that a half-cup or about 3 oz of mixed dried fruits per day can offer a real benefit,” said study author Simon Steenson, PhD, who is a postdoctoral research associate in the nutritional sciences department at King’s College London.
This study is the largest clinical trial to date demonstrating that dried fruit consumption can benefit individuals with constipation. The findings support dietary recommendations encouraging the inclusion of dried fruits as part of constipation management strategies.
Almond shipments will reach 3 billion pounds, a 10% increase from 2024’s crop, according to the 2025 USDA-NASS California Almond Objective Measurement Report estimate.
This objective estimate is 7% higher than the USDA-NASS’s May subjective forecast and surpasses the 2024 harvest of 2.73 billion pounds. The 2024 crop was 2.5% below the previous year’s objective estimate, reflecting the difficulty of precise forecasting amid fluctuating weather and economic conditions.
“The Objective Measurement reflects the hard work by California almond growers during uncertain times,” said Almond Board of California CEO Clarice Turner. “While shipping has remained consistently strong, we know uncertainty remains surrounding future trade policies. We continue to engage with trade partners and stakeholders to encourage constructive solutions that support fair and stable trade so California almonds can continue to be enjoyed by consumers around the world.”
Weather during the bloom period was variable, with storms bringing rain, wind, and hail that hindered bee activity and blossom development. Conditions improved in early March with warm temperatures accelerating crop progress.
Mild spring temperatures and timely rainfall supported nut growth and reduced heat stress in orchards, with reports indicating lower-than-normal pest and disease pressure. Harvest is expected to start on schedule.
The USDA-NASS forecasted yield per acre for 2025 is 2,160 pounds, up from 1,980 pounds in 2024. The average nut set per tree is projected at 4,364 nuts, an increase of 7% from last year, with Nonpareil trees averaging 4,526 nuts. This is up 9% year-on-year.
Kernel weight averaged 1.60 grams across sampled varieties, representing a 0.6% decrease from 2024. The Nonpareil variety specifically averaged 1.60 grams, down 2% from the previous year.
The 2025 report is based on actual almond counts using a statistically rigorous methodology. Sampling was conducted from May 24 to June 28, covering 1,892 trees in 946 orchards. USDA-NASS produces the Objective Report, Subjective Forecast, and Nursery Survey annually to support industry decision-making.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
A recent study published in the Journal of the American Nutrition Association investigated the potential health benefits of mango consumption for postmenopausal women. The research focused on how eating approximately two servings (330 grams or about 1.5 cups) of mango daily over a two-week period affected blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
The study, conducted by researchers at the University of California Davis and financially supported by the National Mango Board, involved 24 women aged 50 to 70 with overweight or obesity (BMI 25–40). Participants refrained from eating mangos before the study and then incorporated daily mango intake during the two-week period. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and related health markers were measured at baseline, and then at specified intervals following mango consumption.
Results indicated that two hours after eating mangos, participants experienced a reduction in systolic blood pressure by approximately 6 points (6.3 mmHg) and a decrease in mean arterial pressure by 2.3 mmHg. Additionally, fasting total cholesterol decreased by nearly 13 mg/dL, and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol decreased by about 13 mg/dL.
A subsidiary follow-up study with six participants assessed the effects on blood glucose and insulin responses. Compared to white bread, mango consumption resulted in smaller increases in blood glucose and more favorable insulin responses.
Researchers suggest that dietary strategies, such as including fresh mangoes, may support cardiovascular health in postmenopausal women, a group at increased risk of cardiovascular disease due to metabolic changes associated with menopause. However, they note that further research is necessary to confirm and expand upon these initial findings.
Washington and Oregon grower/shippers cite favorable growing conditions this season should result in good-quality onion shipments out of Washington and Oregon.
Washington is the nation’s top onion producer and grew about 21 million cwt of onions in 2024, up from about 20 million cwt in 2023, according to USDA. Oregon produced 14,189,000 cwt of onions, up from 13,747,000 in 2023.
Eagle Eye Produce of Iona, ID reports onion acreage is up slightly this year due to the acquisition of the Baker and Murakamai warehouse in Ontario, OR. As a result the company has more supply than ever.
The company started harvesting its eastern Oregon crop in late July, which is slightly earlier than usual, and will continue through September.
Eagle Eye Produce ships out of storage through April from facilities in Idaho, Oregon and Washington.
Following that, it will transition to fresh-field onions from California, New Mexico and Texas.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
California Giant Berry Farms reports higher volumes of blueberry production, both conventional and organic, in the Pacific Northwest.
The organization expects Oregon’s strong volumes to last through the end of September,while British Columbia’s peak production hit the first week of August and will span most of the month.
Washington is set to produce steady volumes through early September. According to the Washington Blueberry Commission, the state’s 2025 harvest is shaping up to be a record-breaker, Agronometrics reports.
Last year, Washington produced its largest haul ever, and early reports suggest that in 2025, the state could meet or exceed last year’s 210 million pounds.
Quality in Oregon is also projected to be favorable, thanks to excellent spring weather and snowpack.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Colombia’s exports to the United States increased from 5 percent to 15 percent, with several produce items showing increases during the first quarter of 2025.
This growth triples the 5 percent increase recorded by the country’s total exports to the rest of the world, according to Redagricola, using figures from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE).
A highlight of the report is the boost in non-mining and energy exports, which reached $2.413 billion, representing a 25 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Among the products that registered the greatest sales increases were unroasted coffee, with a 124 percent increase. Banana sales grew by 51 percent, while Hass avocados increased by over 300 percent. There were also increases in flowers, citrus fruits, and cocoa.
By region, Antioquia was the main exporter with more than $686 million, followed by Bogotá and Cundinamarca. Furthermore, regions such as Meta, Caldas, Casanare, and Cauca registered growth exceeding 100 percent, demonstrating positive momentum in non-traditional regions. In total, 23 of the 28 exporting departments surpassed $1 million in sales to the U.S.
In response, the president of the Colombian-American Chamber of Commerce (AmCham Colombia), María Claudia Lacouture, highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities with the U.S.
“The impact of seizing opportunities with the U.S. is undeniable. The numbers speak for themselves,” she said.
Lacouture also asserted that these results make it clear that strengthening relations with the U.S. is a priority.
“We need to keep diplomatic channels open and work on common interests. Opportunities exist, and we must seize them,” Lacouture said.
Texas watermelons this year have high quality and high yields, according to the Texas Watermelon Association of McAllen, TX.
With multiple cuttings of the crop combined with hot weather shipments are expected to continue into October. Hot weathers translates to high consumer demand for watermelons, the association notes.
About half of Texas-grown watermelons stay in and around the Lone Star State. The remainder are mostly shipped to other parts of the country, with some TWA members targeting larger eastern markets, including New York, and western growth areas, such as Colorado. There, they compete with international imports from Mexico, which are redistributed nationwide.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced a lot of change on Americans when it came to food. Restaurants were closed. We had to wonder if we needed to disinfect our groceries for a while. That obsession with making sourdough started up.
But apparently people started eating more fresh fruit and vegetables too.
The USDA Economic Research Service released a report on the impacts of COVID-19 on food spending and diet on May 20. The report found that — as is common with negative economic events — the pandemic shifted American’s food purchasing behavior.
The report — U.S. Household Food Spending Post COVID-19 and the Implications for Diet Quality by ERS research agricultural economists Abigail Okrent and Eliana Zeballos — compared changes in household food spending in different groups before, during and after the pandemic (2016 to 2022).
“Economic recessions and slowdowns have profoundly influenced spending patterns on food as consumers navigate tighter budgets and uncertainty,” according to the report. “These changes in food consumption behaviors can have enduring effects on health, persisting long after a recession ends.”
Pandemic food purchasing
The economic shocks of the pandemic were unique compared to previous economic shocks in a few ways, according to the report. The main one was the closure of restaurants and stay-at-home orders around the country.
“This prompted significant shifts in the ways people purchased and acquired food, such as increased online shopping and home cooking,” the report said. More consumers bought food at grocery stores — referred to as food at home (FAH) in the report — during the pandemic compared to the pre-pandemic years of 2016 to 2019.
Buying more food at grocery stores compared to restaurants and other “food away from home” venues changed how consumers spent money on different food categories.
“On the one hand, 2020 had little to no association with spending on dairy, fats and oils, poultry, eggs, fish and seafood, beverages, and desserts,” the report summarized. “On the other hand, spending during 2020 was higher than 2016 to 2019 levels for vegetables (7%), other FAH not elsewhere classified (7%), grains (6%), and prepared meals (6%).”
Some of these shifts continued into the pandemic in 2021, with vegetable spending up 8% and fruit spending up 7% compared to the 2016 to 2019 levels. In 2022, which the report used as a post-pandemic benchmark, spending behavior began to trend back toward pre-pandemic levels with some exceptions. This included spending on vegetables, which was still up 5% in 2022 compared to 2016 to 2019 levels.
The report authors highlighted this trend as potentially beneficial.
“Given that vegetable and fruit consumption has largely been flat over the past few decades and well below [Dietary Guidelines for Americans] recommendations overall, such a shift in spending could lead to better adherence to DGA recommendations.”
Fruit and vegetable buying trends overall
The report also found some key differences in food spending across different demographic groups regardless of year. For example, the report found that urban households spend more on fruit and vegetables compared to their rural counterparts. Similarly, West Coast households spend the most on fruit and vegetables overall out of the U.S. geographic regions.
Racial and ethnic demographic details also played a role in food spending behaviors, regardless of the year.
“Independent of income and other covariates, non-Hispanic Asian households spent more on fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish and seafood, and eggs, and less on processed red meats and beverages than non-Hispanic White, Black, and Native American/Pacific Islander/multiracial households,” the report found.
The report also noted that there were some seasonality trends in food purchasing at grocery stores — but not at restaurants — that was seen across all years in review.
“In particular, spending on fruits tended to be higher in the spring ($20 more per capita) and summer months ($20) compared to fall (-$6) and winter months (base), whereas vegetable consumption was unaffected by the seasons.”
The report authors speculated that the seasonality in fruit consumption, even in the face of expanded trade that means fresh fruit is reliably available year round, “may indicate consumers prefer to eat seasonal fruit produced within the United States.”
USDA’s July citrus forecast shows a 1% increase in Florida orange production since June. This is the fifth month in a row the agency has not seen a decrease in the state’s citrus production.
July’s orange production forecast saw a 3% increase, carried by a 5% increase in Valencia oranges. In May, all orange production increased a little under 1%. April orange production remained unchanged.
Executive Vice President and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual Matt Joyner called the news encouraging and said “the path forward for Florida’s citrus industry is bright with new opportunities for growth.”
“Promising treatments for citrus greening, disease-tolerant citrus varieties, targeted state funds to support research and replanting, and federal disaster relief programs like the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program will equip citrus growers with the resources they need to recover and rebuild,” said Matt Joyner, executive vice president and CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual. “The USDA’s July forecast of 12.15 million boxes marks the third consecutive month of production gains – an encouraging indicator that we’re on the path to a more resilient future. Our growers have shown incredible perseverance through citrus greening and hurricanes, and we remain hopeful that our growers can build on this momentum next season with continued improvements in tree health and fruit production.”
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
With the California citrus season ending, the Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA has turned its focus to domestic and imports with its summer citrus line.
“Over the past few decades, the Bee Sweet Citrus team has worked hard to develop a program that supplements shoppers’ needs during our off-season,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative Jason Sadoian. “This summer, we’re pleased to provide our customers with both offshore and domestic products to meet their needs.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges started arriving in mid July, while offshore lemons began arriving at the end of July.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
Bee Sweet Citrus currently offers imported mandarins, as well as domestic grapefruit, lemons, and Royal Red oranges, for its customers. Offshore Navel oranges are expected to arrive next week, while offshore lemons are due to arrive at the end of the month.
“Once imported product arrives at our facility, it undergoes a thorough quality inspection to ensure freshness before it’s shipped to shoppers,” continued Sadoian. “We also have the ability to pack product in any bag style that’s preferred by our customers.”
A grower, packer and shipper of premium California citrus, Bee Sweet Citrus is a leader in today’s agriculture industry. Founded in 1987, Bee Sweet Citrus is a family owned and operated company and provides approximately 10 different citrus varieties to its consumers! Located in the heart of California’s Central Valley, Bee Sweet is focused on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Results from a recent survey funded by the International Nut & Dried Fruit Council (INC) have shown that dried fruits containing both fiber and sorbitol can substantially improve chronic constipation. The findings were presented at the Digestive Disease Week conference in San Diego, California.
Sorbitol is a carbohydrate that contributes to fruit’s sweetness and is particularly present in dried fruits.
This randomized, placebo-controlled food intervention trial examined the effects of dried fruit, fruit juice, and a fruit-flavored placebo on constipation symptoms. The study included 150 participants who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: (1) consuming 90 grams daily of dried fruit (prunes, raisins, and dried apricots), (2) consuming juice made from the same fruits, or (3) consuming a fruit-flavored placebo.
Researchers assessed changes in stool weight over a seven-day collection period. Additional outcomes evaluated included stool consistency, stool frequency, gastrointestinal symptoms, constipation-specific symptoms, quality of life, and gut microbiota.
Results indicated that stool weight increases were significantly greater in the dried fruit group compared to the placebo group. Participants in the dried fruit group also experienced significant improvements in both complete and spontaneous bowel movements. Furthermore, the dried fruit group reported greater enhancements in quality of life relative to the placebo group.
“Living with constipation can have a large impact on quality of life, but we found that a half-cup or about 3 oz of mixed dried fruits per day can offer a real benefit,” said study author Simon Steenson, PhD, who is a postdoctoral research associate in the nutritional sciences department at King’s College London.
This study is the largest clinical trial to date demonstrating that dried fruit consumption can benefit individuals with constipation. The findings support dietary recommendations encouraging the inclusion of dried fruits as part of constipation management strategies.