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Peru became the third-largest exporter of Brazil nuts—also known as Amazon nuts—last year, following Bolivia and Germany, according to the Global Economy and Business Research Center of the Exporters Association (CIEN-ADEX).
Peruvian shipments totaled $30 million in 2023, accounting for 12.4% of the global total, despite a 17.8% drop in demand. Bolivia ranked first with a 47.5% share of shipments ($115.4 million), while Germany, acting as a re-exporting country, took second place with 14.8% ($36 million).
The CIEN-ADEX commercial report indicated the global Brazil nut market shrank by 28.8% in 2023, with a total value of $229 million.
Germany solidified its position as the world’s largest importer, accounting for 17.2% of all imports ($39.5 million), followed by the United States ($37.7 million) and the United Kingdom ($21.5 million).
Between 2019 and 2023, shipments decreased by an average of 3.2% due to excess stock in key destinations and changing consumption trends, which led to reduced demand and falling prices.
Claudia Solano Oré, manager of agroexports at the trade association, highlighted the recovery of Peru’s Brazil nut industry, noting that exports totaled $34.6 million between January and October 2024, reflecting a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023 ($26.8 million).
“As of October, exports have already surpassed the total recorded for the entire previous year,” she added.
Solano also emphasized the importance of signing phytosanitary protocols by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation to initiate exports of Brazil nuts and other products to China, a market expected to grow in importance with the opening of the Chancay mega-port.
The commodity reached 46 countries. South Korea led the ranking with $9.66 million, reflecting a 21.8% increase and accounting for 27.9% of the total. The United States followed with $7.78 million, a 23.5% rise, representing 22.5% of total exports.
The top ten destinations also included Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Turkey, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Greece. For the first time, exports were made to Belarus, Croatia, Uruguay, and Guatemala.
Proarándanos, an association of blueberry producers and exporters in Peru, has reported the 2024-2025 Peruvian blueberry season, although progressing at a slower pace compared to previous seasons, is showing higher volumes.
The Peruvian blueberry season goes from May 2024 to April 2025.
To date, 254,406 tons of Peruvian blueberries have been exported, with 89% being conventional and 11% organic. Compared to the same date last season, this represents a growth of 61%, the association stated.
Almost 30,000 tons of organic blueberries have been shipped worldwide, and it is projected that the season will end with nearly 40,000 tons. Unlike past seasons, when almost 100% of organic blueberries went to the United States, this year 89% is destined for the U.S., with 10% going to the European market.
The peak week of the 2024-2025 season occurred in mid October, during which 22,348 tons of fresh blueberries were exported. This contrasts with the peak of the 2023-2024 season, recorded the last week of October, and in mid September for the 2022-2023 season.
The entity reported that 97% of the total volume exported has been shipped by sea. The main ports of arrival by destination are the Port of Philadelphia, with a 58% share of the volume exported to the United States; the Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands), with 72% of the volume exported to all of Europe (excluding Russia); the Port of Shenzhen, with 72% of the volume exported to China; the Port of Dover, with 44% of the volume exported to the United Kingdom; and the Port of Kaohsiung, with 18% of the volume exported to other destinations.
In 2024, Peru had 49,903 acres certified and inspected by SENASA.
Proarándanos indicated that 67% of the total hectares consist of five varieties: Ventura from Fallcreek with 26%, Biloxi with 16%, Sekoya Pop from Sekoya with 14%, Rocio from Hortifrut with 8%, and finally, Mágica from Ozblu with 5%, most of which are located in the north of the country, in the department of La Libertad.
The next 23% of the hectares are distributed among 12 varieties, with Fallcreek’s Atlasblue and Emerald standing out with 8% between them.
Continuing with the analysis of varieties per hectare of the current blueberry season, the companies that have contributed the most with their genetics are Fallcreek with 32% representation, followed by open varieties with 19%, Sekoya with 16%, Hortifrut with 9% and Driscolls with 8%. The remaining 16% is divided between Ozblu, Mbo, Inkasberries, Planasa, Florida University, and Iq Berries.
Proarándanos indicated that during the 2024-2025 season, shipments of fresh Peruvian blueberries will reach a total volume of 323,928 tons. This amount represents a variation of +4.1 % in relation to the October estimate (311,202 tons).
The Almond Board of (Modesto) California reported a new study found that consuming almonds regularly can aid physical recovery by reducing muscle soreness and damage while improving muscle performance.
These findings add to the growing body of scientific evidence on how almonds affect recovery after physical activity.
Previous studies investigated the effect of almonds on feelings of fatigue and exercise metabolism, and looked at the impact of almond consumption on feelings of soreness and muscle performance.
Now, the present randomized, crossover study published in Current Developments in Nutrition and funded by the Almond Board of California involved 26 middle-aged adults who exercised one to four hours per week and were at a healthy weight or slightly overweight.
Participants consumed 57 grams of whole raw almonds, or a caloric ration equivalent to 86 grams of unsalted pretzels, every day for eight weeks.
After eight weeks of eating almonds or the control food, with a four-week non-consumption period between the two interventions, participants performed a 30-minute run on a treadmill to induce muscle damage. They then immediately received their daily ration of almonds or pretzels.
Participants continued to eat the daily portions for three days after the race.
The researchers measured people’s perceived muscle soreness, muscle performance (assessed by a muscle contraction test and a vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage/inflammation (creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, and antioxidant capacity) before the race and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the race.
Results of almond consumption
During recovery from exercise (up to 72 hours after treadmill running), the almond group, compared to the control group, presented:
- Lower levels of creatine kinase (CK), a marker of muscle damage.
- A more rapid decline in CK levels after 72 hours, which may indicate a faster rate of recovery.
- Improved muscle performance at 24 and 72 hours.
- Moderate reduction in pain rates after maximal contraction at 24 (37% less) and 48 hours (33% less).
- Almond Board of California reported that there were no differences in other biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation (such as C-reactive protein, myoglobin concentrations and total antioxidant capacity).
It should be noted that the research looked at non-smoking adults who exercised between one and four hours a week and were at a healthy weight or slightly overweight, so the results may not be applicable to people with other demographic and health characteristics.
Future studies should consider measurements over a longer recovery period.In summary, consumption of 57 grams of almonds as a snack for eight weeks modestly reduced pain rates, helped maintain muscle strength, and reduced muscle damage after exercise.
Nutrient contribution of almonds
28 grams of almonds provide 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 13 grams of unsaturated fat, only 1 gram of saturated fat and 15 essential nutrients, including 77 mg of magnesium (18.3% DV), 210 mg of potassium (4% DV) and 7.27 mg of vitamin E (50% DV), making them an excellent snack for a healthy, active lifestyle.
U.S. fresh potato exports to Mexico continue to soar, according to a USDA report.
From the period October 2023 to September 2024, the USDA reported U.S. fresh potato sales to Mexico were $134.9 million, or about 41% of the value of total U.S. fresh potato exports for the period.
Total U.S. fresh potato exports for the period were down 1% in value but up 2% in volume, according to the USDA.
The volume of U.S. fresh potatoes sent to Mexico was up 55% for the October through September period, while the value of U.S. potato exports to Mexico was up 21%.
Canada was the second-largest market for U.S. potatoes, claiming $68 million of U.S. potatoes, down 32% in value from the previous year.
The following are the top export markets for U.S. potato exports for October 2023 through September 2024, with percentage change in value compared with a year ago:
- Mexico — $331.9 million, up 21%.
- Canada — $68 million, down 32%.
- Japan — $19.3 million, down 8%.
- Taiwan — $15.1 million, down 12%.
- Honduras — $15.1 million, down 8%.
- South Korea — $15.1 million, down 16%.
- Dominican Republic — $13.5 million, up 106%.
- Philippines — $12.2 million, up 24%.
- Guatemala — $9.9 million, up 74%.
- Malaysia — $4.8 million, up 16%.
- The Bahamas — $3.4 million, up 15%.
- Costa Rica — $3.1 million, up 19%.
- Singapore — $2.6 million, down 3%.
The Florida citrus December forecast by the USDA places crop at levels which haven’t been this low in 100 years.
Orange production was lowered by 20 percent and grapefruit by 14 percent from the October forecast, which takes into account the damage from Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida in early October.
The 2024-2025 Florida all orange forecast from the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 12.0 million boxes, down 20 percent from the October forecast of 15.0 million. If realized, this will be 33 percent less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 5 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 7 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
The forecast for Florida grapefruit production is 1.20 million boxes, down 200,000 boxes from the October forecast. If realized, this will be 33 percent less than last season’s final production. Red grapefruit, at 1.05 million boxes, is lowered 150,000 boxes from the October forecast. White grapefruit is forecast down 50,000 boxes to 150,000 boxes.
Florida citrus production has been dropping for years due to various causes, including weather, disease, changing consumption, and residential and commercial property demand.
According to USDA, there were 248,000 acres of oranges in 2024, down from 665,000 in 2000, and grapefruit acreage amounted to 14,000 in 2024, down from 118,000 in 2000.
Florida’s citrus industry peaked in the 1997-98 season with 244 million boxes of oranges. This year’s orange crop would be 5 percent of the peak.
The first estimate of the 2024-2025 Chilean stone fruit export season released by the Chilean Stone Fruit Committee shows that shipments of Japanese and European plums, peaches, and nectarines will grow by 4% compared to the previous season, with shipments of around 38 million boxes (8.3 kg average), marking a record for the second consecutive time.
In statements reported by Frutas de Chile, Ignacio Caballero, executive director of the Chilean Stone Fruit Committee, said that “this estimate, which is still preliminary, shows that the sector is working to promote growth not only in volumes but also in the quality of the fruit, to stimulate greater consumption and better returns. All this leads us to project a new export record for our stone fruits.”
Caballero explained that this growth is in line with the strategy defined by the Committee, in terms of promoting the opportunity that exists for Chilean stone fruit in different world markets, in addition to Asia, to continue growing with a focus on improving the quality and consistency of the fruit being shipped.
He also pointed out that in terms of FOB values, they estimate that Chilean stone fruit shipments would exceed US$ 540 million, which reflects an increase of around 4% over the previous year.
“Of course, we must bear in mind that the final result in terms of value also depends on other factors such as the market, and freight, among others,” he said in a conversation with Frutas de Chile.
According to reports, in the 2023-2024 season, China took around 55% of Chilean nectarines and 63% of Chilean plum shipments, while North America (United States and Canada) received around 50% of peaches.
“This season, these markets will once again occupy an important place as a destination for our stone fruits, but the challenge will be to promote new destinations, such as Mexico and Brazil, which are large consumers of this fruit, for which the Stone Fruit Committee is working on implementing communication campaigns to highlight the qualities of Chilean varieties,” said Caballero.
Caballero also highlighted the 22% increase in nectarine shipments compared to the previous season, which will reach 14.1 million boxes (8 kilos each) this season.
“With this increase, nectarines would become, for the first time, the main species of the stone fruit group exported by our country. Within these exports, we estimate that around 9 million boxes would be of white-fleshed nectarines (63%) and 5.2 million boxes of yellow-fleshed nectarines (37%),” he said.
In peaches, exports would total 2.9 million boxes (8 kilos each), up 4% with respect to the previous season, which shows that this sector is returning to growth after the last two seasons of decline.
U.S. imports of Mexican fresh tomato value rose 10% in 2023, while the quantity imported rose 1%.
USDA trade numbers show Mexico accounted for 91% of total U.S. fresh tomato imports in 2023, the same as 2022 and up slightly from 90% in 2021, according to USDA trade numbers.
The 2023 value of U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes totaled $2.71 billion, up 10% from $2.48 billion in 2022 and up 14% from 2021.
The volume of U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes totaled 1.82 million metric tons in 2023, up 1% from 2022, up 4% from 2021 and up 8% from 2020.
The average shipping point price for Mexican tomato crossings through California, Arizona and Texas was $14.46 per carton in 2023, down 12% from $16.37 per carton in 2022 but up 11% from $12.98 per carton in 2021.
We want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 2024 has been a constant reminder of how special and challenging produce trucking and perishable hauling can be. We continue to strive providing valuable information and look forward to serving you in the coming year.
Here is wishing you, your friends and family, happiness and health as we reflect on our reasons to be thankful.
Bill Martin
On Saturday, December 14th, the Allen Lund Company coordinated logistics for the delivery of donated food and joined volunteers to assemble and distribute grocery bags.
“20 years is a big commitment, and that’s how long the Allen Lund Company has supported Navidad en el Barrio. It started with a few trucks moving donations. Now, we coordinate almost all the donated food, plus provide the logistics to the warehouse. We even organize volunteers at several locations on Saturday, December 14th, to assemble and hand out the grocery bags to thousands of the most in-need families in Southern California thanks to the generous donations of many individuals and companies,” said Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing and Communications at ALC.
“At Allen Lund Company, logistics is what we do best – but our favorite logistics services are those done to help others through our ‘Acts of Kindness’. For 20 years now, we have been working with great organizations, including Catholic Charities, St. Vincent De Paul, Navidad en el Barrio, many customers, and our employees who volunteer to build and distribute tens of thousands of grocery bags full of much-needed food for members of the community. As a member of the Catholic Charities board, I see firsthand how this labor of love impacts the families and strengthens all involved in this wide-ranging endeavor. We look forward to many more years of putting the ‘Happy’ in Happy Holidays,” said Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President of ALC Logistics.
We couldn’t have done it without you. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors:
Cacique | Coca-Cola | Costco | Faribault Foods | The Farmlink Project | Grimmway Farms | Minute Maid | Mission Produce Inc. | Mother’s Nutritional Center | Northgate Market | Penske | PepsiCo | Randall Foods | R.W. Zant | The Salvation Army | Taylor Farms | Wada Farms | WM Ground Beef | Wonderful Citrus
We are grateful for your support and are making a real difference together. Here’s to many more years of spreading holiday cheer!
*****
Since 2004, the Allen Lund Company has supported the efforts of Navidad en el Barrio. Established in 1972 by former NFL player Danny Villanueva, local Hispanic radio, and students from UCLA, the organization is dedicated to helping underserved families around the Los Angeles area by providing the makings for a Christmas dinner.
Peru became the third-largest exporter of Brazil nuts—also known as Amazon nuts—last year, following Bolivia and Germany, according to the Global Economy and Business Research Center of the Exporters Association (CIEN-ADEX).
Peruvian shipments totaled $30 million in 2023, accounting for 12.4% of the global total, despite a 17.8% drop in demand. Bolivia ranked first with a 47.5% share of shipments ($115.4 million), while Germany, acting as a re-exporting country, took second place with 14.8% ($36 million).
The CIEN-ADEX commercial report indicated the global Brazil nut market shrank by 28.8% in 2023, with a total value of $229 million.
Germany solidified its position as the world’s largest importer, accounting for 17.2% of all imports ($39.5 million), followed by the United States ($37.7 million) and the United Kingdom ($21.5 million).
Between 2019 and 2023, shipments decreased by an average of 3.2% due to excess stock in key destinations and changing consumption trends, which led to reduced demand and falling prices.
Claudia Solano Oré, manager of agroexports at the trade association, highlighted the recovery of Peru’s Brazil nut industry, noting that exports totaled $34.6 million between January and October 2024, reflecting a 29% increase compared to the same period in 2023 ($26.8 million).
“As of October, exports have already surpassed the total recorded for the entire previous year,” she added.
Solano also emphasized the importance of signing phytosanitary protocols by the Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation to initiate exports of Brazil nuts and other products to China, a market expected to grow in importance with the opening of the Chancay mega-port.
The commodity reached 46 countries. South Korea led the ranking with $9.66 million, reflecting a 21.8% increase and accounting for 27.9% of the total. The United States followed with $7.78 million, a 23.5% rise, representing 22.5% of total exports.
The top ten destinations also included Spain, Germany, New Zealand, Turkey, Lithuania, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Greece. For the first time, exports were made to Belarus, Croatia, Uruguay, and Guatemala.
Proarándanos, an association of blueberry producers and exporters in Peru, has reported the 2024-2025 Peruvian blueberry season, although progressing at a slower pace compared to previous seasons, is showing higher volumes.
The Peruvian blueberry season goes from May 2024 to April 2025.
To date, 254,406 tons of Peruvian blueberries have been exported, with 89% being conventional and 11% organic. Compared to the same date last season, this represents a growth of 61%, the association stated.
Almost 30,000 tons of organic blueberries have been shipped worldwide, and it is projected that the season will end with nearly 40,000 tons. Unlike past seasons, when almost 100% of organic blueberries went to the United States, this year 89% is destined for the U.S., with 10% going to the European market.
The peak week of the 2024-2025 season occurred in mid October, during which 22,348 tons of fresh blueberries were exported. This contrasts with the peak of the 2023-2024 season, recorded the last week of October, and in mid September for the 2022-2023 season.
The entity reported that 97% of the total volume exported has been shipped by sea. The main ports of arrival by destination are the Port of Philadelphia, with a 58% share of the volume exported to the United States; the Port of Rotterdam (Netherlands), with 72% of the volume exported to all of Europe (excluding Russia); the Port of Shenzhen, with 72% of the volume exported to China; the Port of Dover, with 44% of the volume exported to the United Kingdom; and the Port of Kaohsiung, with 18% of the volume exported to other destinations.
In 2024, Peru had 49,903 acres certified and inspected by SENASA.
Proarándanos indicated that 67% of the total hectares consist of five varieties: Ventura from Fallcreek with 26%, Biloxi with 16%, Sekoya Pop from Sekoya with 14%, Rocio from Hortifrut with 8%, and finally, Mágica from Ozblu with 5%, most of which are located in the north of the country, in the department of La Libertad.
The next 23% of the hectares are distributed among 12 varieties, with Fallcreek’s Atlasblue and Emerald standing out with 8% between them.
Continuing with the analysis of varieties per hectare of the current blueberry season, the companies that have contributed the most with their genetics are Fallcreek with 32% representation, followed by open varieties with 19%, Sekoya with 16%, Hortifrut with 9% and Driscolls with 8%. The remaining 16% is divided between Ozblu, Mbo, Inkasberries, Planasa, Florida University, and Iq Berries.
Proarándanos indicated that during the 2024-2025 season, shipments of fresh Peruvian blueberries will reach a total volume of 323,928 tons. This amount represents a variation of +4.1 % in relation to the October estimate (311,202 tons).
The Almond Board of (Modesto) California reported a new study found that consuming almonds regularly can aid physical recovery by reducing muscle soreness and damage while improving muscle performance.
These findings add to the growing body of scientific evidence on how almonds affect recovery after physical activity.
Previous studies investigated the effect of almonds on feelings of fatigue and exercise metabolism, and looked at the impact of almond consumption on feelings of soreness and muscle performance.
Now, the present randomized, crossover study published in Current Developments in Nutrition and funded by the Almond Board of California involved 26 middle-aged adults who exercised one to four hours per week and were at a healthy weight or slightly overweight.
Participants consumed 57 grams of whole raw almonds, or a caloric ration equivalent to 86 grams of unsalted pretzels, every day for eight weeks.
After eight weeks of eating almonds or the control food, with a four-week non-consumption period between the two interventions, participants performed a 30-minute run on a treadmill to induce muscle damage. They then immediately received their daily ration of almonds or pretzels.
Participants continued to eat the daily portions for three days after the race.
The researchers measured people’s perceived muscle soreness, muscle performance (assessed by a muscle contraction test and a vertical jump), and blood markers of muscle damage/inflammation (creatine kinase, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, and antioxidant capacity) before the race and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after the race.
Results of almond consumption
During recovery from exercise (up to 72 hours after treadmill running), the almond group, compared to the control group, presented:
- Lower levels of creatine kinase (CK), a marker of muscle damage.
- A more rapid decline in CK levels after 72 hours, which may indicate a faster rate of recovery.
- Improved muscle performance at 24 and 72 hours.
- Moderate reduction in pain rates after maximal contraction at 24 (37% less) and 48 hours (33% less).
- Almond Board of California reported that there were no differences in other biochemical markers of muscle damage and inflammation (such as C-reactive protein, myoglobin concentrations and total antioxidant capacity).
It should be noted that the research looked at non-smoking adults who exercised between one and four hours a week and were at a healthy weight or slightly overweight, so the results may not be applicable to people with other demographic and health characteristics.
Future studies should consider measurements over a longer recovery period.In summary, consumption of 57 grams of almonds as a snack for eight weeks modestly reduced pain rates, helped maintain muscle strength, and reduced muscle damage after exercise.
Nutrient contribution of almonds
28 grams of almonds provide 6 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber, 13 grams of unsaturated fat, only 1 gram of saturated fat and 15 essential nutrients, including 77 mg of magnesium (18.3% DV), 210 mg of potassium (4% DV) and 7.27 mg of vitamin E (50% DV), making them an excellent snack for a healthy, active lifestyle.
U.S. fresh potato exports to Mexico continue to soar, according to a USDA report.
From the period October 2023 to September 2024, the USDA reported U.S. fresh potato sales to Mexico were $134.9 million, or about 41% of the value of total U.S. fresh potato exports for the period.
Total U.S. fresh potato exports for the period were down 1% in value but up 2% in volume, according to the USDA.
The volume of U.S. fresh potatoes sent to Mexico was up 55% for the October through September period, while the value of U.S. potato exports to Mexico was up 21%.
Canada was the second-largest market for U.S. potatoes, claiming $68 million of U.S. potatoes, down 32% in value from the previous year.
The following are the top export markets for U.S. potato exports for October 2023 through September 2024, with percentage change in value compared with a year ago:
- Mexico — $331.9 million, up 21%.
- Canada — $68 million, down 32%.
- Japan — $19.3 million, down 8%.
- Taiwan — $15.1 million, down 12%.
- Honduras — $15.1 million, down 8%.
- South Korea — $15.1 million, down 16%.
- Dominican Republic — $13.5 million, up 106%.
- Philippines — $12.2 million, up 24%.
- Guatemala — $9.9 million, up 74%.
- Malaysia — $4.8 million, up 16%.
- The Bahamas — $3.4 million, up 15%.
- Costa Rica — $3.1 million, up 19%.
- Singapore — $2.6 million, down 3%.
The Florida citrus December forecast by the USDA places crop at levels which haven’t been this low in 100 years.
Orange production was lowered by 20 percent and grapefruit by 14 percent from the October forecast, which takes into account the damage from Hurricane Milton, which hit Florida in early October.
The 2024-2025 Florida all orange forecast from the USDA Agricultural Statistics Board is 12.0 million boxes, down 20 percent from the October forecast of 15.0 million. If realized, this will be 33 percent less than last season’s final production. The forecast consists of 5 million boxes of non-Valencia oranges (early, mid-season, and Navel varieties) and 7 million boxes of Valencia oranges.
The forecast for Florida grapefruit production is 1.20 million boxes, down 200,000 boxes from the October forecast. If realized, this will be 33 percent less than last season’s final production. Red grapefruit, at 1.05 million boxes, is lowered 150,000 boxes from the October forecast. White grapefruit is forecast down 50,000 boxes to 150,000 boxes.
Florida citrus production has been dropping for years due to various causes, including weather, disease, changing consumption, and residential and commercial property demand.
According to USDA, there were 248,000 acres of oranges in 2024, down from 665,000 in 2000, and grapefruit acreage amounted to 14,000 in 2024, down from 118,000 in 2000.
Florida’s citrus industry peaked in the 1997-98 season with 244 million boxes of oranges. This year’s orange crop would be 5 percent of the peak.
The first estimate of the 2024-2025 Chilean stone fruit export season released by the Chilean Stone Fruit Committee shows that shipments of Japanese and European plums, peaches, and nectarines will grow by 4% compared to the previous season, with shipments of around 38 million boxes (8.3 kg average), marking a record for the second consecutive time.
In statements reported by Frutas de Chile, Ignacio Caballero, executive director of the Chilean Stone Fruit Committee, said that “this estimate, which is still preliminary, shows that the sector is working to promote growth not only in volumes but also in the quality of the fruit, to stimulate greater consumption and better returns. All this leads us to project a new export record for our stone fruits.”
Caballero explained that this growth is in line with the strategy defined by the Committee, in terms of promoting the opportunity that exists for Chilean stone fruit in different world markets, in addition to Asia, to continue growing with a focus on improving the quality and consistency of the fruit being shipped.
He also pointed out that in terms of FOB values, they estimate that Chilean stone fruit shipments would exceed US$ 540 million, which reflects an increase of around 4% over the previous year.
“Of course, we must bear in mind that the final result in terms of value also depends on other factors such as the market, and freight, among others,” he said in a conversation with Frutas de Chile.
According to reports, in the 2023-2024 season, China took around 55% of Chilean nectarines and 63% of Chilean plum shipments, while North America (United States and Canada) received around 50% of peaches.
“This season, these markets will once again occupy an important place as a destination for our stone fruits, but the challenge will be to promote new destinations, such as Mexico and Brazil, which are large consumers of this fruit, for which the Stone Fruit Committee is working on implementing communication campaigns to highlight the qualities of Chilean varieties,” said Caballero.
Caballero also highlighted the 22% increase in nectarine shipments compared to the previous season, which will reach 14.1 million boxes (8 kilos each) this season.
“With this increase, nectarines would become, for the first time, the main species of the stone fruit group exported by our country. Within these exports, we estimate that around 9 million boxes would be of white-fleshed nectarines (63%) and 5.2 million boxes of yellow-fleshed nectarines (37%),” he said.
In peaches, exports would total 2.9 million boxes (8 kilos each), up 4% with respect to the previous season, which shows that this sector is returning to growth after the last two seasons of decline.
U.S. imports of Mexican fresh tomato value rose 10% in 2023, while the quantity imported rose 1%.
USDA trade numbers show Mexico accounted for 91% of total U.S. fresh tomato imports in 2023, the same as 2022 and up slightly from 90% in 2021, according to USDA trade numbers.
The 2023 value of U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes totaled $2.71 billion, up 10% from $2.48 billion in 2022 and up 14% from 2021.
The volume of U.S. imports of Mexican tomatoes totaled 1.82 million metric tons in 2023, up 1% from 2022, up 4% from 2021 and up 8% from 2020.
The average shipping point price for Mexican tomato crossings through California, Arizona and Texas was $14.46 per carton in 2023, down 12% from $16.37 per carton in 2022 but up 11% from $12.98 per carton in 2021.
We want to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 2024 has been a constant reminder of how special and challenging produce trucking and perishable hauling can be. We continue to strive providing valuable information and look forward to serving you in the coming year.
Here is wishing you, your friends and family, happiness and health as we reflect on our reasons to be thankful.
Bill Martin
On Saturday, December 14th, the Allen Lund Company coordinated logistics for the delivery of donated food and joined volunteers to assemble and distribute grocery bags.
“20 years is a big commitment, and that’s how long the Allen Lund Company has supported Navidad en el Barrio. It started with a few trucks moving donations. Now, we coordinate almost all the donated food, plus provide the logistics to the warehouse. We even organize volunteers at several locations on Saturday, December 14th, to assemble and hand out the grocery bags to thousands of the most in-need families in Southern California thanks to the generous donations of many individuals and companies,” said Nora Trueblood, Director of Marketing and Communications at ALC.
“At Allen Lund Company, logistics is what we do best – but our favorite logistics services are those done to help others through our ‘Acts of Kindness’. For 20 years now, we have been working with great organizations, including Catholic Charities, St. Vincent De Paul, Navidad en el Barrio, many customers, and our employees who volunteer to build and distribute tens of thousands of grocery bags full of much-needed food for members of the community. As a member of the Catholic Charities board, I see firsthand how this labor of love impacts the families and strengthens all involved in this wide-ranging endeavor. We look forward to many more years of putting the ‘Happy’ in Happy Holidays,” said Kenny Lund, Executive Vice President of ALC Logistics.
We couldn’t have done it without you. A heartfelt thank you to all our donors:
Cacique | Coca-Cola | Costco | Faribault Foods | The Farmlink Project | Grimmway Farms | Minute Maid | Mission Produce Inc. | Mother’s Nutritional Center | Northgate Market | Penske | PepsiCo | Randall Foods | R.W. Zant | The Salvation Army | Taylor Farms | Wada Farms | WM Ground Beef | Wonderful Citrus
We are grateful for your support and are making a real difference together. Here’s to many more years of spreading holiday cheer!
*****
|
| Since 2004, the Allen Lund Company has supported the efforts of Navidad en el Barrio. Established in 1972 by former NFL player Danny Villanueva, local Hispanic radio, and students from UCLA, the organization is dedicated to helping underserved families around the Los Angeles area by providing the makings for a Christmas dinner. |