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BATAVIA, IL — ALDI, the fastest-growing grocer in the U.S., today announced recently its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy.
This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip.*
The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format. In total, ALDI will convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to the ALDI format through 2027.
As part of the strategy, ALDI has closed a transaction to divest approximately 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores that are not part of the ALDI conversion plan to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors. This transaction allows ALDI to create a focused conversion portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country.
“When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth. Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI.
“Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less. As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat,” added Hart.
Grand openings for the first several converted Southeastern Grocers stores are underway, with approximately 100 converted locations re-opening as ALDI stores by the end of 2025.
In addition to its Southeast expansion, ALDI will add to its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow its presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities, like Las Vegas. As ALDI grows its footprint to serve more customers, it also brings its employee-focused culture and industry-leading pay and benefits to more communities.
“ALDI continues to see more shoppers come through our doors as they experience our quicker, easier and more affordable shopping experience firsthand,” said Hart. “With our expansion across the country, ALDI is earning the trust of more shoppers in more communities than ever before, bringing us closer to becoming America’s first stop for groceries.”
Last year, ALDI opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to over 2,400 and solidifying its position as the third-largest grocery chain by store count in the U.S. More than one-in-four American households shop at ALDI for its affordable, quality groceries, which is double the amount from just six years ago. With shoppers saving money with every trip, more shoppers are flocking to ALDI than ever before.
With the lowest prices of any national grocery store* ALDI is a welcome solution to inflation as it enters more communities nationwide. In 2024, 19 million new shoppers were drawn to its quality, affordable groceries, quicker, easier shopping experience, shelves stocked with only the best products at even better prices, and ultra-popular, on-trend ALDI Finds. Customers can conveniently shop in-store, through curbside pickup, or via delivery to get the essentials they need how, when and where they need them.
Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor to ALDI. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP was transaction counsel to ALDI and Kayne Law Group served as co- real estate counsel to ALDI.
About ALDI U.S.
ALDI is America’s fastest-growing retailer, serving millions of customers across the country each month. Our disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest prices of any national grocery store.* ALDI strives to have a positive impact on its customers, employees and communities by being socially and environmentally responsible, earning ALDI recognition as a leading grocer in sustainability.** In addition to helping protect the planet, ALDI helps customers save time and money through convenient shopping options via in-store, curbside pickup or delivery at shop.aldi.us. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA has shared the availability of its GIANT Blueberries. These large (20mm+) and flavorful berries are now available in a vibrant new label design, selected by California Giant’s consumer audience.
This new, modern label celebrates a product California Giant has expanded on since the opening of its state-of-the-art blueberry pack house in Santa Maria, CA.
California Giant’s GIANT Blueberries are available in good volume from March through August, with peak availability in April and May. Sourcing begins in Mexico, shifts to California, and then moves to the Pacific Northwest as the growing season progresses, to ensure a consistent supply of these flavorful berries throughout the spring and summer.
The GIANT Blueberries, boasting impressive size and superior flavor, are sorted for color, firmness, size, and other quality indicators using a state-of-the-art Unitec sorting line at the Santa Maria facility. This ensures only the highest-quality berries make it into each clamshell. The Santa Maria pack house serves as a central hub for California Giant’s growers and outside suppliers, offering co-packing assistance and reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting its industry partners.
Jumbo blueberries are a rapidly growing segment of the berry category, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. Nielsen data shows double-digit growth in both dollar sales and pounds compared to the previous year, with jumbo blueberries also increasing their dollar share of the total blueberry category. Notably, the top three jumbo blueberry items accounted for 50% of total dollar sales, and the top ten items made up an impressive 90%, highlighting the strong consumer demand for premium jumbo offerings.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA GIANT BERRY FARMS
At California Giant Berry Farms, the difference is Giant. As the most resilient berry company in the world, California Giant strives to deliver premium berries while nourishing its communities. California Giant’s year-round supply of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries set the standard for quality and consistency and provides retailers, foodservice, and consumers with the best berry experience. Over four decades, California Giant has evolved into a global family united by a passion for delivering excellence. Quality, consistency and community inspire the mission and values that sustain the California Giant enterprise.
A study from Western New England University (WNE) suggests that regularly eating grapes can positively impact muscle gene expression, with particularly strong effects in females.
The research, recently published in the journal Foods, found that daily grape consumption alters muscle gene expression in ways that promote lean muscle mass and reduce markers of muscle degeneration.
“This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level,” said Dr. John Pezzuto, senior investigator of the study and professor and dean of the WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Alterations in muscle gene expression resulted in male and female muscle characteristics becoming more similar on a metabolic level.
The Role of Nutrigenomics
Nutrigenomics, the study of how diet influences gene expression, played a central role in this research. Grapes, rich in natural compounds called phytochemicals, have been shown to impact various aspects of health, from heart and kidney function to skin and eye health.
In this study, researchers examined the effects of consuming two servings of grapes per day on muscle gene expression patterns. The results demonstrated that grape consumption altered over 20,000 genes, significantly influencing muscle metabolism.
The study also revealed that genes associated with good muscle health—such as those linked to lean muscle mass—were elevated, while genes tied to muscle deterioration were suppressed. These findings suggest that dietary interventions, like adding grapes to one’s diet, could serve as a complementary approach to traditional muscle maintenance strategies, such as exercise and protein-rich nutrition.
Future Research Directions
The WNE research team aims to further investigate the mechanisms behind these genetic changes and determine how quickly they occur in human subjects. As the field of nutrigenomics continues to evolve, this study opens the door for new dietary approaches to muscle health across different age groups.
After a historic deep freeze reduced Pacific Northwest production to a 40-year low, fewer pears are expected in supermarkets.
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association reported that this year’s crop is expected to be 31% lower than the five-year average.
Since 80% of the pears in the U.S. come from the Northwest, experts say consumers should expect fewer pears on grocery store shelves.
“There’s certainly still a Northwest pear crop, but it was significantly smaller due to that damage,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
Additionally, the affected pears are expected to exhibit “russet,” a brown ring caused by frost-damaged blossoms. Even though the taste is the same, their appearance can be off-putting to buyers.
Strawberry prices are starting to ease due to increased availability. Quality has improved in all regions, according to a news release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria, CA
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is downtrending
- Size currently ranges from 12 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; color is improving daily
- White shoulders have been reported
Oxnard, CA
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The season is at its peak and will end in mid-April
- Volume is steady
- Size currently ranges from 10 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; color is deep red color and flavor is sweet
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Peak season has passed
- Size currently ranges from 16 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; uneven ripening and light bruising have been reported
- Harvesting will run through mid-March
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The season will run through mid-March due to the late start and cooler weather
- Volume has increased
- Size currently ranges from 12-16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; some misshaped berries have been reported due to January’s cold snap
The Chilean Citrus Fruit Committee has reported that exports totaled 397,417 tons during the 2024 season, slightly down from 399,824 tons in 2023. This represents a moderate 0.6% year-on-year.
“The start of the 2024 season was impacted by drought conditions, especially in the Coquimbo region,” said the committee Executive Director Monserrat Valenzuela. She added that “the rains that came later in the season arrived after the typical start of the clementine harvest, which affected the yield of this variety.”
In Chile, clementines are grown across 9,884 acres with 70% of the total area in the northern Coquimbo Region, according to the Natural Resources Information Center (CIREN).
“There has been a recovery of lemon orchards following the 2022 frost,” Valenzuela noted, “which has contributed to an increase in export volumes.”
Markets and competition
The United States remained the leading market for Chilean citrus, with exports of 50,353 tons of clementines, 60,467 tons of lemons, 128,958 tons of mandarins, and 97,602 tons of oranges during the 2024 season.
Fruit guild Frutas de Chile highlighted Japan as another key destination, particularly for lemon exports.
“The United States is undoubtedly the main market for Chilean citrus. In the 2024 season, it received 98% clementines, 95% of mandarins, 93% of oranges, and 63% of lemons. Lemons also have a growing market in Japan and South Korea, which received 21,000 tons and 10,200 tons, respectively,” said Valenzuela.
Regarding competition, Chile faces strong challenges from South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.
“South Africa and Australia maintain a steady supply of high-quality oranges, while South Africa and Argentina also offer strong competition in lemons. Peru, with its easy-peeler varieties, is always a significant competitor,” Valenzuela explained.
“The need to explore new markets remains a challenge to prevent the U.S. from becoming a ‘monomarket’ for Chilean citrus,” added the executive director of the Chile Citrus Committee.
The USDA’s citrus forecast for February shows that the Florida citrus industry continues to struggle. Production volumes for all categories are projected to drop year over year.
The state’s all-orange forecast, released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board, is 11.5 million boxes, down 500,000 from the January forecast. This represents a 36% drop from last season’s final production.
The forecast consists of 4.50 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 7.00 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
The report indicates that Valencia oranges’ current fruit size is below average and is projected to remain below average at harvest.
For non-Valencia oranges, the Row Count survey conducted January 28-29, 2025, showed 95% of the early and mid-season rows, excluding Navels, are harvested.
Grapefruit forecast
With 62% of the grapefruit rows harvested, the report shows that overall grapefruit production is forecast to be down 100,000 boxes from January. Total grapefruit output is expected to be 1.10 million boxes, down from last season’s 1.78 million.
However, white and red grapefruit’s final size are above average.
The total lemon output is forecast at 600,000 boxes, carried over from the January forecast.
Tangerines and Mandarins
Even though the forecast for tangerines and tangelos increased by 50,000 boxes from the January forecast, the total output expected for the season is still 22% lower than the 450,000 boxes during the previous season.
By Charlie Fabricant ALC Corporate
The United States has experienced an unprecedented increase in severe weather events, with 2023 accounting for the highest annual total of severe storms and one of the highest financial costs on record. Per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, regarding severe storms, i.e., storms that cost the country $1B or more, “The 1980–2024 annual average is 9.0 events (CPI-adjusted); the annual average for the most recent 5 years (2020–2024) is 23.0 events (CPI-adjusted).” It is estimated that 23% of all road delays can now be attributed to weather, directly costing the industry between $2 and $3.5 billion dollars annually, not even including rising insurance premiums and maintenance costs. The total economic loss associated with climate risk in supply chains will reach $120 billion annually by 2026. As shippers plan for uncertainty, what kind of logistics partner will they be able to trust to be as adaptable as the times demand? Let’s discuss.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the supply chain collapse that went with it, emphasized the need for companies to add both resilience and flexibility to their business operations. The same lessons apply to the climate crisis. Traditional supply chains are already being disrupted, whether it’s due to drought conditions causing the Panama Canal to reduce shipments, more frequent and powerful hurricanes damaging both ports and roadways, or fluctuating temperatures and precipitation patterns making winter storms harder to predict. With an uncertain regulatory market and technological changes, the logistics world is looking at a significant shakeup.
Traditional wisdom has long heralded asset-based carriers for reliability and brokers for flexibility. However, as market dynamics change, so do long-held industry advantages. More and more shippers are shortening their bid timelines, acknowledging the increased market volatility over recent years. As mini bids take up a growing amount of total volume, carriers need to be able to adjust to constantly changing lanes and prices. Although brokers work with asset-based carriers to service our customers, they do not have the same large capital expenditures that make rapid operations adjustments difficult. As with everything in the transportation sector, collaboration is crucial, but as climate disruptions and regulations increase, brokers are better positioned to assist customers with sourcing resilient and flexible transportation options.
*****
Charlie Fabricant graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. He joined the Nashville office as an undergraduate intern in 2021 and became a transportation broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) coordinator. In 2024, he was promoted to ESG programs manager.
charlie.fabricant@allenlund.com
In a recent apple holdings report, the U.S. Apple Association, notes the number of fresh apples in storage as of Feb. 1, 2025, is 92.7 million bushels, which is 5% less than inventories reported in February 2024 but still 12% more than the five-year average.
Gerlach said processing apples are also down 5% year over year at 37.5 million bushels, but still 8% higher than the five-year average.
Washington state still tops the list with 107,395,238 bushels of apples in holding. That number is down slightly from the 2023-24 season, but still higher than the five-year average, according to the report. The state moved 2,839,525 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 9,129,998 bushels of fresh apples in controlled-atmosphere storage.
New York is second with 10,282,460 bushels of apples in holding. That number is slightly higher than the 2023-24 season and higher than the five-year average. The state moved 247,163 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 327,749 bushels of fresh apples in controlled-atmosphere storage.
Michigan has 6,143,000 bushels of apples in holding, which is down from both 2023-24 and the five-year average. The state moved 39,528 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 1,936,749 bushels of fresh apples in controlled-atmosphere storage.
Gala tops the varieties in holding, with 19,396,774 bushels of fresh and processing apples, which is higher than the 2023-24 season and the five-year average. Red delicious is second with 17,068,616 bushels of fresh and processing apples in holding, which is down from 2023-24 and the five-year average.
Granny smith is third with 15,331,791 bushels of fresh and processing apples in holding, which is down from 2023-24, but up from the five-year average. Honeycrisp is fourth with 12,659,696 bushels of fresh and processing apples in holding, which is down from the 2023-24 and five-year average figures. Cosmic Crisp rounds out the top five with 12,447,619 bushels of apples in holding, which is up from both 2023-24 and the five-year average.
Fresh Farms of Rio Rico, AZ looks to continue its double-digit growth as the company transitions its extensive grape program from South America to Mexico in late April and then to California later this season.
The grower/shipper notes Mexico plays a crucial role in the company’s operations, as it provides the highest volume of grapes during the season.
A part of Grupo Molina, a family-owned company based in Hermosillo, Mexico, Fresh Farms also offers a wide variety of vegetables, including hard and soft squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, peppers and watermelons.
The company is placing a particular focus this year on tomatoes, with a significant increase in production, along with growth in other vegetable varieties, both organic and conventional.
BATAVIA, IL — ALDI, the fastest-growing grocer in the U.S., today announced recently its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy.
This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip.*
The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format. In total, ALDI will convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to the ALDI format through 2027.
As part of the strategy, ALDI has closed a transaction to divest approximately 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores that are not part of the ALDI conversion plan to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors. This transaction allows ALDI to create a focused conversion portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country.
“When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth. Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI.
“Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less. As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat,” added Hart.
Grand openings for the first several converted Southeastern Grocers stores are underway, with approximately 100 converted locations re-opening as ALDI stores by the end of 2025.
In addition to its Southeast expansion, ALDI will add to its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow its presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities, like Las Vegas. As ALDI grows its footprint to serve more customers, it also brings its employee-focused culture and industry-leading pay and benefits to more communities.
“ALDI continues to see more shoppers come through our doors as they experience our quicker, easier and more affordable shopping experience firsthand,” said Hart. “With our expansion across the country, ALDI is earning the trust of more shoppers in more communities than ever before, bringing us closer to becoming America’s first stop for groceries.”
Last year, ALDI opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to over 2,400 and solidifying its position as the third-largest grocery chain by store count in the U.S. More than one-in-four American households shop at ALDI for its affordable, quality groceries, which is double the amount from just six years ago. With shoppers saving money with every trip, more shoppers are flocking to ALDI than ever before.
With the lowest prices of any national grocery store* ALDI is a welcome solution to inflation as it enters more communities nationwide. In 2024, 19 million new shoppers were drawn to its quality, affordable groceries, quicker, easier shopping experience, shelves stocked with only the best products at even better prices, and ultra-popular, on-trend ALDI Finds. Customers can conveniently shop in-store, through curbside pickup, or via delivery to get the essentials they need how, when and where they need them.
Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor to ALDI. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP was transaction counsel to ALDI and Kayne Law Group served as co- real estate counsel to ALDI.
About ALDI U.S.
ALDI is America’s fastest-growing retailer, serving millions of customers across the country each month. Our disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest prices of any national grocery store.* ALDI strives to have a positive impact on its customers, employees and communities by being socially and environmentally responsible, earning ALDI recognition as a leading grocer in sustainability.** In addition to helping protect the planet, ALDI helps customers save time and money through convenient shopping options via in-store, curbside pickup or delivery at shop.aldi.us. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA has shared the availability of its GIANT Blueberries. These large (20mm+) and flavorful berries are now available in a vibrant new label design, selected by California Giant’s consumer audience.
This new, modern label celebrates a product California Giant has expanded on since the opening of its state-of-the-art blueberry pack house in Santa Maria, CA.
California Giant’s GIANT Blueberries are available in good volume from March through August, with peak availability in April and May. Sourcing begins in Mexico, shifts to California, and then moves to the Pacific Northwest as the growing season progresses, to ensure a consistent supply of these flavorful berries throughout the spring and summer.
The GIANT Blueberries, boasting impressive size and superior flavor, are sorted for color, firmness, size, and other quality indicators using a state-of-the-art Unitec sorting line at the Santa Maria facility. This ensures only the highest-quality berries make it into each clamshell. The Santa Maria pack house serves as a central hub for California Giant’s growers and outside suppliers, offering co-packing assistance and reinforcing the company’s commitment to supporting its industry partners.
Jumbo blueberries are a rapidly growing segment of the berry category, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. Nielsen data shows double-digit growth in both dollar sales and pounds compared to the previous year, with jumbo blueberries also increasing their dollar share of the total blueberry category. Notably, the top three jumbo blueberry items accounted for 50% of total dollar sales, and the top ten items made up an impressive 90%, highlighting the strong consumer demand for premium jumbo offerings.
ABOUT CALIFORNIA GIANT BERRY FARMS
At California Giant Berry Farms, the difference is Giant. As the most resilient berry company in the world, California Giant strives to deliver premium berries while nourishing its communities. California Giant’s year-round supply of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries set the standard for quality and consistency and provides retailers, foodservice, and consumers with the best berry experience. Over four decades, California Giant has evolved into a global family united by a passion for delivering excellence. Quality, consistency and community inspire the mission and values that sustain the California Giant enterprise.
A study from Western New England University (WNE) suggests that regularly eating grapes can positively impact muscle gene expression, with particularly strong effects in females.
The research, recently published in the journal Foods, found that daily grape consumption alters muscle gene expression in ways that promote lean muscle mass and reduce markers of muscle degeneration.
“This study provides compelling evidence that grapes have the potential to enhance muscle health at the genetic level,” said Dr. John Pezzuto, senior investigator of the study and professor and dean of the WNE College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Alterations in muscle gene expression resulted in male and female muscle characteristics becoming more similar on a metabolic level.
The Role of Nutrigenomics
Nutrigenomics, the study of how diet influences gene expression, played a central role in this research. Grapes, rich in natural compounds called phytochemicals, have been shown to impact various aspects of health, from heart and kidney function to skin and eye health.
In this study, researchers examined the effects of consuming two servings of grapes per day on muscle gene expression patterns. The results demonstrated that grape consumption altered over 20,000 genes, significantly influencing muscle metabolism.
The study also revealed that genes associated with good muscle health—such as those linked to lean muscle mass—were elevated, while genes tied to muscle deterioration were suppressed. These findings suggest that dietary interventions, like adding grapes to one’s diet, could serve as a complementary approach to traditional muscle maintenance strategies, such as exercise and protein-rich nutrition.
Future Research Directions
The WNE research team aims to further investigate the mechanisms behind these genetic changes and determine how quickly they occur in human subjects. As the field of nutrigenomics continues to evolve, this study opens the door for new dietary approaches to muscle health across different age groups.
After a historic deep freeze reduced Pacific Northwest production to a 40-year low, fewer pears are expected in supermarkets.
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association reported that this year’s crop is expected to be 31% lower than the five-year average.
Since 80% of the pears in the U.S. come from the Northwest, experts say consumers should expect fewer pears on grocery store shelves.
“There’s certainly still a Northwest pear crop, but it was significantly smaller due to that damage,” said Jon DeVaney, president of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association.
Additionally, the affected pears are expected to exhibit “russet,” a brown ring caused by frost-damaged blossoms. Even though the taste is the same, their appearance can be off-putting to buyers.
Strawberry prices are starting to ease due to increased availability. Quality has improved in all regions, according to a news release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Santa Maria, CA
- Markon First Crop (MFC) Strawberries are available
- The fall crop has passed its peak; volume is downtrending
- Size currently ranges from 12 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; color is improving daily
- White shoulders have been reported
Oxnard, CA
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The season is at its peak and will end in mid-April
- Volume is steady
- Size currently ranges from 10 to 16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; color is deep red color and flavor is sweet
Mexico (into South Texas)
- Peak season has passed
- Size currently ranges from 16 to 24 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; uneven ripening and light bruising have been reported
- Harvesting will run through mid-March
Florida
- MFC Strawberries are available
- The season will run through mid-March due to the late start and cooler weather
- Volume has increased
- Size currently ranges from 12-16 berries per 1-pound clamshell
- Quality is good; some misshaped berries have been reported due to January’s cold snap
The Chilean Citrus Fruit Committee has reported that exports totaled 397,417 tons during the 2024 season, slightly down from 399,824 tons in 2023. This represents a moderate 0.6% year-on-year.
“The start of the 2024 season was impacted by drought conditions, especially in the Coquimbo region,” said the committee Executive Director Monserrat Valenzuela. She added that “the rains that came later in the season arrived after the typical start of the clementine harvest, which affected the yield of this variety.”
In Chile, clementines are grown across 9,884 acres with 70% of the total area in the northern Coquimbo Region, according to the Natural Resources Information Center (CIREN).
“There has been a recovery of lemon orchards following the 2022 frost,” Valenzuela noted, “which has contributed to an increase in export volumes.”
Markets and competition
The United States remained the leading market for Chilean citrus, with exports of 50,353 tons of clementines, 60,467 tons of lemons, 128,958 tons of mandarins, and 97,602 tons of oranges during the 2024 season.
Fruit guild Frutas de Chile highlighted Japan as another key destination, particularly for lemon exports.
“The United States is undoubtedly the main market for Chilean citrus. In the 2024 season, it received 98% clementines, 95% of mandarins, 93% of oranges, and 63% of lemons. Lemons also have a growing market in Japan and South Korea, which received 21,000 tons and 10,200 tons, respectively,” said Valenzuela.
Regarding competition, Chile faces strong challenges from South Africa, Australia, Argentina, Peru, and Uruguay.
“South Africa and Australia maintain a steady supply of high-quality oranges, while South Africa and Argentina also offer strong competition in lemons. Peru, with its easy-peeler varieties, is always a significant competitor,” Valenzuela explained.
“The need to explore new markets remains a challenge to prevent the U.S. from becoming a ‘monomarket’ for Chilean citrus,” added the executive director of the Chile Citrus Committee.
The USDA’s citrus forecast for February shows that the Florida citrus industry continues to struggle. Production volumes for all categories are projected to drop year over year.
The state’s all-orange forecast, released by the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board, is 11.5 million boxes, down 500,000 from the January forecast. This represents a 36% drop from last season’s final production.
The forecast consists of 4.50 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 7.00 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
The report indicates that Valencia oranges’ current fruit size is below average and is projected to remain below average at harvest.
For non-Valencia oranges, the Row Count survey conducted January 28-29, 2025, showed 95% of the early and mid-season rows, excluding Navels, are harvested.
Grapefruit forecast
With 62% of the grapefruit rows harvested, the report shows that overall grapefruit production is forecast to be down 100,000 boxes from January. Total grapefruit output is expected to be 1.10 million boxes, down from last season’s 1.78 million.
However, white and red grapefruit’s final size are above average.
The total lemon output is forecast at 600,000 boxes, carried over from the January forecast.
Tangerines and Mandarins
Even though the forecast for tangerines and tangelos increased by 50,000 boxes from the January forecast, the total output expected for the season is still 22% lower than the 450,000 boxes during the previous season.
By Charlie Fabricant ALC Corporate
The United States has experienced an unprecedented increase in severe weather events, with 2023 accounting for the highest annual total of severe storms and one of the highest financial costs on record. Per the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, regarding severe storms, i.e., storms that cost the country $1B or more, “The 1980–2024 annual average is 9.0 events (CPI-adjusted); the annual average for the most recent 5 years (2020–2024) is 23.0 events (CPI-adjusted).” It is estimated that 23% of all road delays can now be attributed to weather, directly costing the industry between $2 and $3.5 billion dollars annually, not even including rising insurance premiums and maintenance costs. The total economic loss associated with climate risk in supply chains will reach $120 billion annually by 2026. As shippers plan for uncertainty, what kind of logistics partner will they be able to trust to be as adaptable as the times demand? Let’s discuss.
The COVID-19 pandemic, and the supply chain collapse that went with it, emphasized the need for companies to add both resilience and flexibility to their business operations. The same lessons apply to the climate crisis. Traditional supply chains are already being disrupted, whether it’s due to drought conditions causing the Panama Canal to reduce shipments, more frequent and powerful hurricanes damaging both ports and roadways, or fluctuating temperatures and precipitation patterns making winter storms harder to predict. With an uncertain regulatory market and technological changes, the logistics world is looking at a significant shakeup.
Traditional wisdom has long heralded asset-based carriers for reliability and brokers for flexibility. However, as market dynamics change, so do long-held industry advantages. More and more shippers are shortening their bid timelines, acknowledging the increased market volatility over recent years. As mini bids take up a growing amount of total volume, carriers need to be able to adjust to constantly changing lanes and prices. Although brokers work with asset-based carriers to service our customers, they do not have the same large capital expenditures that make rapid operations adjustments difficult. As with everything in the transportation sector, collaboration is crucial, but as climate disruptions and regulations increase, brokers are better positioned to assist customers with sourcing resilient and flexible transportation options.
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Charlie Fabricant graduated from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a double major in Economics and Human & Organizational Development with a minor in Environmental Sustainability. He joined the Nashville office as an undergraduate intern in 2021 and became a transportation broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) coordinator. In 2024, he was promoted to ESG programs manager.
charlie.fabricant@allenlund.com
In a recent apple holdings report, the U.S. Apple Association, notes the number of fresh apples in storage as of Feb. 1, 2025, is 92.7 million bushels, which is 5% less than inventories reported in February 2024 but still 12% more than the five-year average.
Gerlach said processing apples are also down 5% year over year at 37.5 million bushels, but still 8% higher than the five-year average.
Washington state still tops the list with 107,395,238 bushels of apples in holding. That number is down slightly from the 2023-24 season, but still higher than the five-year average, according to the report. The state moved 2,839,525 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 9,129,998 bushels of fresh apples in controlled-atmosphere storage.
New York is second with 10,282,460 bushels of apples in holding. That number is slightly higher than the 2023-24 season and higher than the five-year average. The state moved 247,163 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 327,749 bushels of fresh apples in controlled-atmosphere storage.
Michigan has 6,143,000 bushels of apples in holding, which is down from both 2023-24 and the five-year average. The state moved 39,528 bushels of fresh apples in regular storage and 1,936,749 bushels of fresh apples in controlled-atmosphere storage.
Gala tops the varieties in holding, with 19,396,774 bushels of fresh and processing apples, which is higher than the 2023-24 season and the five-year average. Red delicious is second with 17,068,616 bushels of fresh and processing apples in holding, which is down from 2023-24 and the five-year average.
Granny smith is third with 15,331,791 bushels of fresh and processing apples in holding, which is down from 2023-24, but up from the five-year average. Honeycrisp is fourth with 12,659,696 bushels of fresh and processing apples in holding, which is down from the 2023-24 and five-year average figures. Cosmic Crisp rounds out the top five with 12,447,619 bushels of apples in holding, which is up from both 2023-24 and the five-year average.
Fresh Farms of Rio Rico, AZ looks to continue its double-digit growth as the company transitions its extensive grape program from South America to Mexico in late April and then to California later this season.
The grower/shipper notes Mexico plays a crucial role in the company’s operations, as it provides the highest volume of grapes during the season.
A part of Grupo Molina, a family-owned company based in Hermosillo, Mexico, Fresh Farms also offers a wide variety of vegetables, including hard and soft squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, corn, peppers and watermelons.
The company is placing a particular focus this year on tomatoes, with a significant increase in production, along with growth in other vegetable varieties, both organic and conventional.