With more than 8,000 tons shipped to North America through May, the Chilean Kiwifruit season is underway. Peak U.S. imports are just kicking off and will continue through August.
While the Chilean Kiwifruit Committee is projecting an overall decrease in volume of 14 percent compared with last season, fruit quality is expected to be superior! Reports Carlos Cruzat, President of the Committee, “Fruit this year is between one and one and a half sizes larger, and dry matter (which plays a key role in the consumer’s eating experience) is greater than previous seasons.” This is the result of a warm summer with healthy water supply.
Chile shipped 134,992 tons of kiwifruit across the globe in 2022, with the U.S., Netherlands, and Brazil its top three markets. India has also grown substantially over the past few years, becoming the fourth largest market for the Chilean kiwifruit industry in 2022.
This season, Chile expects to export a total of 116,093 tons. The U.S. received 20,221 tons in 2022, with similar volumes projected this season, but increases are on the horizon. With new orchards coming into production over the next few years, Chile anticipates volume to grow by more than 80% by 2030.
In previous years, Chile had shipped around 35-40 percent of total kiwifruit volume through May, but this year, that figure has grown to 52 percent. With that in mind, the Committee is focusing on the June through August timeframe for promotions.
Batavia, Ill. – Further solidifying its position as one of the fastest-growing grocers in the country, ALDI is adding 120 new stores this year. At a time when inflation is forcing some retailers to slow growth, or even shutter stores, customers are actively asking for more ALDI locations in their communities.
Known for its unique shopping experience and selection of the best products at the lowest prices, ALDI will have more than 2,400 stores nationwide by the end of the year.
“While inflation is undoubtedly driving unprecedented demand for affordable groceries, we know that once customers experience the ALDI difference, they keep shopping with us, even when the economy improves,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI U.S. “Our growth is led by our customers, and they continue to want more ALDI locations coast-to-coast.”
This year’s planned expansion builds on a banner year in 2022. ALDI opened and remodeled 139 stores, welcomed approximately 9.4 million new customers and drove double-digit growth year over-year as shoppers sought relief from soaring food prices. The grocer is on track to continue that momentum this year, opening 35 stores in the first quarter alone and welcoming 5.3 million new customers to its stores as of April 2023.
The brick-and-mortar expansion is part of a larger omnichannel experience designed to make grocery shopping as convenient and enjoyable as possible, no matter how customers prefer to shop, whether in-store, through curbside pickup, or via delivery through shop.ALDI.us or through ecommerce partners DoorDash and Instacart.
As part of its larger commitment to sustainability, the grocer is enhancing new and existing stores with eco-friendly features, including installing rooftop solar panels and eliminating plastic shopping bags. ALDI is also implementing environmentally-friendly refrigerants in its stores, an important move to reduce carbon emissions that earned the grocer recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) GreenChill program.
In fact, ALDI has secured more EPA GreenChill store certifications in 2020 and 2021 than all U.S. grocery retailers combined. All of these initiatives recently earned ALDI a top accolade as one of Progressive Grocer’s Top 10 Most Sustainable Grocers.
As part of this national expansion, ALDI will add nearly 2,000 new employees to support the additional store count. As a Certified Great Place to Work and one of Forbes’ America’s Best Large Employers, ALDI will bring its employee-focused culture and above-average industry pay to more markets coast-to-coast.
About ALDI U.S.
ALDI is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. When it comes to value, ALDI won’t be beat on price. ALDI has also been No. 1 for price according to the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index Report for six years running. Since 1976, ALDI has offered a unique shopping experience where customers never have to compromise on quality, selection or value. In fact, 1 in 3 ALDI-brand products are award-winning. Customers can save time and money by conveniently shopping in-store or online at shop.aldi.us. ALDI also proudly serves as a Feeding America Leadership Partner, donating 30 million pounds of food each year in an effort to end hunger in America. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.
Richland, WA – The Northwest Cherry Growers recently gathered to discuss the crop prospects for the 2023 cherry crop.
Representatives from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana have determined that the 2023 crop has great potential relative to crop volume and fruit size. As weather across the region has generally been in the 80 degree F range and it is clear that the region is seeing optimal weather for cell division for size and sugar development.
This year the first bloom in the earliest orchards began on April 8th, with full bloom coming on April 15th. The normal growth cycle for sweet cherries is 60 to 65 days from pollination to harvest. The earliest harvest is expected to fall on or near June 15th.
After reviewing degree day build up, bloom timing and potential fruit set on the trees; the industry believes that there is potential for a crop of 19.9 million 20 lb. boxes. This would constitute a 50% increase in crop size as compared to the 13.3 million box crop we saw in 2022.
CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WA expects to have 75 percent more cherries than last season. The company will kick off the season around the middle of June. It will have peak shipments the entire month of July with the state anticipating its peak around July 12. After that, loading will start tapering off and will run until the end of August.
Cherries in the early and mid-season districts appear to have set a nice crop. Late season Northwest growers also expect to have a moderate to average crop in 2023.
The post 4th of July orchards have experienced a “flash bloom” that has resulted in some pollination issues. Some orchards that are lighter than expected – as crop load will run from 5 to 10 tons to the acre based on location. The good news for the late season offerings is growers are expecting great size and sugars!
This year’s bloom timing was a full 14 to 20 days behind the 2022 bloom pattern.
Following a down crop year in 2022, Sage Fruit Co. of Yakima, WA sees a rebound with a large cherry crop volume in 2023. The marketer’s Northwest cherry crop spans from southeastern Washington, through The Dalles and Hood River in Oregon, up through the Yakima Valley, then shifts north through Wenatchee and Chelan in Washington, up to the Canadian border.
Sage Fruit partnered with Chelan Fruit during the 2022 cherry season and will continue to do so in 2023, which adds a considerable volume of cherries to its program.
The company’s cherry season kicks off in mid-June, with the first peak loadings coming in late-June to early-July. Good volume is expected through mid-August.
Sage Fruit is carrying both dark sweet and rainier cherries in 2023.
In the last few years transportation professionals have been increasingly asked what technologies they are using to reduce freight-related carbon emissions. According to recent polling, 65% of U.S. consumers “worry about climate-change” when purchasing goods, and 71% of workers say that they want to work for a sustainable company. These factors have caused many shippers to look for more sustainable transportation solutions. However, battery-based energy storage is not yet advanced enough for us to solely rely on renewable energy or electric vehicles for our energy and transportation needs. This technological gap has left a market space open for a temporary energy solution in the form of HVO (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) biofuels.
Biofuels have been championed by sustainability, agricultural, and national security leaders as a way to decrease carbon emissions, strengthen demand for feedstock crops, such as corn and soybeans, and reduce our dependence on foreign fossil fuels. In addition to the listed benefits over traditional diesel, biofuels can be used in diesel engines without costly capital investments. Unfortunately, early biofuels (FAMEs) like ethanol were found to be corrosive to engines and have conflicting economic and environmental effects. Given these limiting factors, biofuels appeared to have a minimal impact until the emergence of second generation biofuels, or HVOs. HVOs are created using a different process than FAMEs, which produces a more sustainable and stable fuel. HVO biofuel is chemically identical to traditional diesel with the added benefits of reducing emissions by 40-60% and having greater resistance to freezing temperatures. In addition, although HVO fuel is currently 10-20% more expensive than diesel, government incentives exist to make it cost competitive while production is scaled to meet the growing demand. Given that gen I biofuels are now cost competitive with diesel, it will only be a matter of years before HVO prices decrease to similar levels. Finally, and arguably most importantly, biofuels give the United States a greater level of energy independence from the Middle East and Russia since they are mostly produced domestically
Although HVOs seem to be a “silver bullet” for transitioning the USA’s transportation sector to a cleaner future, there is a big catch. Not all HVO fuels are created equally! As with almost any emerging market, academic research and government regulations have not kept pace with technological changes. This delay in knowledge, further exacerbated by budget cuts for important investigators like the EPA, has led to acquisitive corporations pushing dangerous chemicals through regulatory processes under the guise of being “cleaner” than diesel. HVO biofuel is a very promising new technology, but there are certain manufacturers to be wary of. When navigating a new market with such variations in fuel quality and production practices, it is crucial to have a trusted transportation partner like the Allen Lund Company with 47 years of experience building resilient supply chains while supporting our local communities. ALC is currently in conversation with one of the US’ largest energy companies to bring legitimately clean HVO fuel to interested shippers and carriers. Please reach out with any questions. We are excited and ready to start meeting your green shipping needs!
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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 has become a Transportation Broker along with the company’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Coordinator.
As part of Georgia Ports’ expansion plans, with more than $1.8 billion in improvements underway, the organization has announced the construction of the new Savannah Transload Facility.
The new facility will be located just one mile away from Garden City Terminal, the largest single-operator container facility in North America.
This 300,000-square-foot transload warehouse will open in July 2023 and will be operated by NFI Industries, a distribution solutions leader.
The authority has indicated that initially, the new facility will be able to handle more than 400 containers a day, totaling more than 150,000 containers a year.
“Cargo moving through the Savannah Transload Facility will start its inland trek to stores and distribution centers faster, saving customers time,” said Georgia Ports in the announcement.
During a video announcement of the new facility, Griff Lynch, Executive director of Georgia Ports said: “If we are going to grow big successfully, the entire supply needs to be ramped up together, and that’s what this building is all about.”
Earlier this year, Georgia Ports Authorities had announced a $170 million investment for 55 hybrid-engine rubber-tired gantry cranes to outfit the Port of Savannah’s Ocean Terminal, as it is redeveloped into an all-container facility.
Domestic onion shipments got off to a slow start in some parts of the country due to weather factors, but volume loadings are now occurring.
The National Onion Association of Eaton, CO reported fewer onion shipments than normal in early May. While supplies remained steady in some areas, weather and a drop in acreage resulted in lower volume in others.
However, as more shippers in additional growing areas became active, loadings have increased.
California, Georgia and Nevada began shipping onions in early May as the season was winding down in Texas. Several other states, including Michigan, New York and in the northwest, have planted for a fall harvest that will start in August.
Mexico is also shipping onions to the U.S., while Canada typically exports onions to the U.S. in the fall. Eagle Eye Produce of Idaho Falls, Idaho, shipped red, white and yellow onions out of California’s Imperial Valley until the end of May, before shifting to the central part of the state. However, Eagle Eye’s primary summer loadings from June to August will be out of New Mexico.
Little Bear Produce of Edinburg, Texas wrapped up its Texas sweet onion harvest in early May has transitioned to New Mexico, where it will ship onions until September. Then the company will import onions from Peru.
Wada Farms Marketing Group of Idaho Falls, Idaho-based reports good shipments of its California onions this spring, despite the cold and rainy spring weather this year.W
WATSONVILLE, CA – A bountiful summer of California strawberries is ahead for California Giant Berry Farms as the company forecasts huge volumes of the company’s cornerstone product.
The berry purveyor’s high yields and forecast for excellent quality fruit come following a later-than-average start for some of its growing regions—but despite this, the company is on track to deliver peak volumes of California strawberries.
“2023 was a challenging year for some of our growing regions,” said Andy Rice, vice president of field operations and product supply at California Giant Berry Farms. “Ultimately, weather impacted crops early on—from above average amounts of rain, flooding or uncharacteristically cold weather. Like most California production, our production curve was shifted, and peak promotable volumes are arriving, albeit later than average.”
Out of the Santa Maria region, California Giant is reporting sizeable, high-quality fruit. The region is amid its peak volume window, which is forecasted to maintain through mid-June.
The Watsonville and Salinas growing region—despite initial weather challenges—are seeing week-over-week increase in volumes, with estimates projecting substantial harvested volumes beginning mid-June and spanning to early-August. Due to the area’s late start, the company is forecasting fruit will be available late into summer. The region’s ranches are reporting excellent quality and flavor, alongside sizable fruit.
California Giant’s peak promotable volumes come at a time when consumers are enjoying berries more than ever. Recent USDA data reports that gains in retail per capita consumption for berries have been very strong compared with many other fresh fruits. Strawberries consumption specifically has grown from 4.6 pounds in 2011 to 6.7 pounds in 2021, an overall gain of 45%.
To support the expected influx of strawberries, California Giant employs Instacart advertising and Ibotta consumer promotions to drive purchase intent for fresh berries. In correlation, the brand will launch consumer engagement sweepstakes to further drive brand awareness and demand.
Through the shared industry goal to drive significant increases in strawberry consumption, California Giant continues to deliver the best berry experience by providing a year-round supply of sustainably grown fresh berries that represent the highest standards for quality, consistency and smiles.
About California Giant Berry Farms
California Giant Berry Farms grows and ships berries to retailers, and foodservice providing an all-season supply of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. The privately owned company has been in business 40 years.
Meatballs, tacos and Bolognese, not to mention mushrooms, can all be plant-based using walnut protein.
The California Walnut Commission is on a campaign from May through June to highlight the versatility of walnut meat.
The California Walnuts retail team is promoting a delicious cross-merchandising trifecta: Walnuts with Natural Delights dates and BelGioioso cheese, particularly the mascarpone and creamy gorgonzola.
The co-branded promotion will initially be featured at Hy-Vee, Marc’s, Strack & Van Til, Cub Foods and Albertsons/Vons SoCal, according to a news release. The promotion will go live on May 15.
The retail partnership builds on the popularity of walnuts as a snack. Four in five — or 191 million — American consumers eat walnuts, according to a Consumer Snacking Survey by Kelton in partnership with California Walnuts in 2021.
WALNUT MEAT
The walnut meat campaign highlights the versatility of using walnuts this way and how easy it is to prepare at home. Ground walnuts can be added to other pantry staples with favorite spices to provide an easy boost of nutrition with flavor and a similar texture of traditional meat.
Kerry Taste Charts listed walnuts as the No. 1 ingredient for meat alternatives in 2021, according to the release.
For this campaign, California Walnuts is partnering with two popular food influencers, Yumna Jawad (@Feel Good Foodie) and Justine Doiron (@Justine_Snacks). They will showcase new plant-based recipes crafted with walnut meat. For example, Jawad will develop and share her custom recipe for stuffed shells with walnut meat on Instagram and TikTok.
“Walnuts truly mimic the texture of ground beef with just a quick pulse in the food processor — and they can be flavored with virtually any type of seasoning I like,” Jawad said in the release. “It’s fast, simple and easy — and includes ingredients you already have in your pantry.”
North Bay Produce, Inc. of Traverse City, MI reports Michigan asparagus shipments will be ending in the third week of June.
Growers for North Bay have been picking twice a day to beat the heat and speed harvest before the asparagus becomes seedy.
The firm’s recent press release also provides insights into several other crops.
North Bay’s domestic blackberry season in Georgia and North Carolina was delayed by rain in late May. The dampness forced some fruit to processing markets. The company anticipates increasing domestic blackberry volume this June, while supplementing its blackberry supplies in the first half of June with imports from Mexico and Guatemala. Good blackberry volume should be available into the July 4 holiday.
North Carolina and Georgia blueberries were also set back by late May rain, although Georgia’s Rabbit Eye blueberries are expected to be on the market for the next few weeks. North Bay has positive expectations for the summer’s New Jersey blueberry crop, which is important in supplying the Fourth of July holiday.
Mexican raspberry supplies were winding down in early June, as North Bay moved to California for domestic sourcing, which will run into the fall.
It’s early in the growing season, but Michigan apple production should be good, according to the Michigan-based grower and international fruit marketing firm.
Panama Canal water levels have decreased due to severe drought, forcing vessels to lighten their loads and pay higher rates.
A restriction in weight is occurring at one of the world’s most important shipping routes from May 24, followed by another decrease on May 29.
The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) reports the maximum draft allowed for vessels transiting the Canal from May 24 would be reduced to 13.56m or 44.5 ft.
Effective May 30, the maximum draft allowed for vessels dropped to 44 ft, the authority noted.
The canal is supplied by two nearby lakes which received 50% less rain than usual between February and April. Lack of rain is threatening to bring levels to historical lows in July.
Experts have warned new restrictions will likely cause delays and freight cost increases as the Panama string capacities are reduced.
Hapag Lloyd already announced a PCC (Panama Canal Charge) of $500 per container effective June 1 on all cargo loaded on its Asia to US east coast sailings via the canal.
The canal, which manages around 5% of annual global maritime trade, has been struggling with drought ever since it expanded in 2016 to allow larger ships to pass through its locks.
