Author Archive
Frutas de Cile reports summer citrus from Chile got off to a strong start during the fourth week of April with 519 metric tons of clementines shipped to the U.S. This is up significantly from last year’s start of 44 tons.
Lemon shipments got underway the same week with 59 tons sent to northern Europe. Last year, Chilean lemon exports started a week earlier, with 385 tons shipped to the U.S.
Chilean navel orange exports started the first week of June, and mandarins followed the last week of June.
Growing conditions have been ideal.
In 2024, Chilean growers exported 50,419 tons of clementines to the U.S. (98% of total clementine exports), 126,263 tons of mandarins (95%), 60,359 tons of lemons (63%) and 97,627 tons of navel oranges (93%).
Significant production increases are seen in the initial forecast for the coming season, especially for mandarins.
Mandarin volume is expected to increase by 32%, clementines should be up 25% and lemons are projected to rise 6%, but navel orange production might be down 18%.
Chile’s total citrus production is forecast to come in at 444 tons, an increase of 11% over 2024.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-4045863.
Enstructure, the operator of Port Wilmington in Delaware, announced it has signed a long-term agreement with Chiquita Brands to continue and further expand its partnership as the company’s mid-Atlantic distribution hub.
In a press release, Enstructure said the agreement builds upon an existing partnership built in 1988 between Chiquita and the Port of Wilmington, which positioned the port as the brand’s mid-Atlantic supply chain operation. Since then, Port of Wilmington has become the brand’s largest port operation in North America.
The Port is operated by Enstructure under a long-term concession agreement as part of a public-private partnership at Port Wilmington with the owner, Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), a State of Delaware entity.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for Enstructure, the State of Delaware, and DSPC,” said Enstructure Co-CEOs Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny. “We are reinforcing our commitment to the perishable fruit industry, investing in the port’s customers and infrastructure, and increasing job opportunities for our workforce, all while enhancing the quality of service we provide to long-standing partners like Chiquita.”
Washington and Oregon potato shipments may be down slightly this season, although good size and quality are being reported by growers.
Growing conditions have been very good so far this summer for Mattawa, Wash.-based
Del Christensen & Sons, of Mattawa, WA, whose potatoes are marketed by Eagle
Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, ID.
Eagle Eye notes the company, which ships russet potatoes year round from the Mattawa location, will begin its 2025 harvest in August and continue as late as mid-October.
Eagle Eye has been marketing product from Del Christensen & Sons, a multigenerational family farm, for about 10 years. Great size and great quality are being reported.
About 70% of the product grown by the Washington location of Eagle Eye Produce is shipped to retailers, and 30% goes to foodservice buyers.
Growing conditions also have been favorable for Norm Nelson Inc., of Burlington, WA. Good weather for planting and growing have been reported, with normal volume expected.
Established in the early 1940s, the family-owned company is now operated by members of the second and third generation.
Norm Nelson grows red, white, yellow and a few purple potatoes. Yellows have replaced red potato as the bestsellers.
The company will begin its harvest in early-to-mid-September and finish in early November. Potatoes will be shipped from storage through May.
Organically Grown Co., of Portland, OR sources and packs organic red, russet and yellow potatoes for retailers year round. It began its harvest in late July, with yellow potatoes leading its volume.
The shipper also handles specialty varieties of red, yellow, purple, fingerling and russet potatoes, most of which are available in 20-pound bulk cases.
Besides potatoes, Organically Grown Co. markets a full line of fresh organic produce year round that encompasses more n 350 commodities, Hardin adds.
Washington is second only to Idaho when it comes to potato production, according to the Washington Potato Commission of Moses Lake, WA.
The state’s growers harvested 159,500 acres of potatoes in 2024, according to USDA, and produced 101.2 million cwt for a value of $1.1 billion.
Acreage likely will drop to 145,000 to 150,000 acres this year as a result of softening demand, mostly for french fries and frozen potato products, the commission reports.
About 10% of the potatoes grown in Washington are shipped for the fresh market. The Columbia Basin in eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley are the state’s main potato-growing regions.
Oregon, the fourth-largest U.S. potato provider, produced 26,875,000 cwt of potatoes in 2024 for a value of $1.1 billion, according to the USDA.
About 5% to 10% of the state’s 43,000 harvested acres were devoted to fresh market product, notes the Oregon Potato Commission of Portland.
The state typically grows about 27 million cwt, but volume has been down the past couple of years because of a reduction in processed potato acreage. That shortfall is expected to continue for the 2025 season.
Potatoes are Oregon’s state vegetable, and they’re grown on 376 farms, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
In week 30, the global avocado trade exhibited mixed trends across key markets. According to intelligence firm Avobook,
The United States recorded its highest import volume since early April, with 1,731 containers and trucks entering the market. The last week of July was an 8% increase from the previous week.
Mexico accounted for 57% of those imports, followed by Peru (21%) and Colombia (7%). Notably, Peru and Mexico saw weekly market share increases of 28% and 12%, respectively, while Colombia experienced an 11% decline.
Europe received nearly 1,000 containers, representing a 2% weekly increase and higher volumes year-on-year. Peru continued to be the leading source of European imports, accounting for 78% of the volume, followed by South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Colombia, which maintained similar shares as in previous weeks.
In China, current trends continued, with 50 containers arriving from Peru during week 29. However, industry sources forecast a significant increase next week, with more than 100 containers expected. Although prices for sizes 18 to 24 rose by 7%, they remain 10% below 2024 levels.
Peru exported 1,330 avocado shipments in week 29. This reflects a 7% decrease in volume from the previous week, but a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Europe remained the leading destination for Peruvian avocados, with 56% of the country’s exports. It was followed by the U.S. (19%) and Chile (12%).
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Pacific Trellis Fruit Company, owner of the Dulcinea Brand, entered a long-term joint venture agreement with Desert Ghost, a Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, farming entity owned by the Carrillo family of Caborca.
Luis Carrillo also owns UVEX, a large table grape operation located in Caborca. Several years ago, Desert Ghost acquired a ranch in Hermosillo known as Campo La Colorada. Desert Ghost invested significant capital in developing the land by installing irrigation systems, building cold storage and packing house facilities, offices and a state-of-the-art pack line for all table grape pack styles, including all types of clam shells, according to a news release.
The focus in this ranch has always been on new proprietary varieties that can supply the best quality fruit in the early part of the season. New plantings of flames, Ivory, Krissy, Midnight Beauty, Ruby Rush and Autumncrisp soon followed, the release said.
“Over the past six years, we have evaluated many varieties and identified the ones that are better suited for our region. In this second phase of our project, we can focus on those cultivars that have proven to perform great,” Carrillo said.
When the joint venture with PTF was signed earlier this year, Desert Ghost embarked on a massive project to remove the Ivory and Krissy blocks and plant back new vines with Early Sweet, Ruby Rush and Applause varieties. The rest of the prepared open ground has also been planted with new blocks of Honey Pop, more Ruby Rush and Early Sweet, the release said.
“We have a 14-year relationship with Pacific Trellis, and we are thrilled to go into this new phase of the project with a company that shares our commitment to quality, and we look forward to continuing to expand our program,“ Carillo said.
“PTF has had a long-standing relationship with the Carrillo family, and this opportunity provided us with a chance to lay a cornerstone in our Mexican table grape program with an aligned strategic partner,” said Earl McMenamin, senior sales executive and category manager for Mexico and California Grapes. “We look forward to an exciting future with these new additions to our table grape portfolio.”
With an existing Mexican grape program that sources 1.5 million boxes from all districts, including Guaymas, Hermosillo and Caborca, this joint venture is a significant enhancement that will bring PTF’s total program close to two million boxes in three years, the release said, adding that the Mexican grape program, along with their large South American and California programs, allows PTF to supply customers with premium table grapes 365 days a year.
By Iyer Amruthur ALC San Antonio
You weren’t born yet; there’s no record you can follow back, the digital and paper trail buried deeper than your local fiber cables, allowing you to read this periodical! I’m, of course, talking about 1200 BCE, when historians theorize that the first ocean trade route began. Thankfully, dusty naval logs and old boxes of hardtack are not what we’re here for. We’re here to talk about something pretty topical in today’s economic world: tariffs. A tariff is critical to trade, as it is a tax or duty paid upon importing a certain good or product class from another country. They can range from small to cripplingly large in terms of fees. They’re almost as old as trade, but not quite. The United States issued its first tariff back on July 4, 1789, 286 years ago. It levied a charge per ton of goods brought into the USA towards the selling party, such as wine, beer, and coffee.
Fast-forwarding to modern times, tariffs are a common and omnipresent part of trade. Discussions about tariff policy have evolved into a raucous, entropic, and engrossing conversation. The effects are wide-ranging and sweeping. As you can imagine, the cost of goods and services has wild implications, almost a butterfly effect on a country’s economy and even its partners. Let’s take the example of a simple tariff on imported aluminum and steel. Every car frame, CNC-turned bolt, or screw, down to the cost of buying a new truck and trailer for transport, is affected. When the cost of goods and manufacturing starts to balloon, the implications and effects become pervasive.
A more expensive sheet of aluminum can lead to layoffs, higher purchasing costs, slower development times, cutting corners, and, in some cases, the collapse of a brand or product category. I’m sure you all remember when eggs became a bit “pricey”, and we saw quite an explosion of creative, if not tasty, substitutes for the traditional American breakfast. A tariff can also vary in terms of total cost, ranging from minor to major, and levying vastly different impacts on the respective industry.
To give an example, the USA recently placed a 25% tariff on Mexican Imports (for non-USMCA-compliant goods). In order for goods to avoid this, they must be compliant under standards requiring a large majority of the final “product” to be built within the USMCA region. The regional clause allows Mexico to avoid 87% of all tariffs on goods, including cars, machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural goods, beer, and spirits. Along with a base 10% tariff for all other countries, these policies were put into play in March of this year.
Tariffs can often be implemented as a trade tool, but are also used as a reactionary or punitive measure. For instance, the tariffs levied against Mexico were cited as a deterrent and countermeasure to an influx of drugs into the USA, where efforts perceived by Mexico were assessed as “lax”, as well as solving a growing trade imbalance between the USA and Mexico. This gives the USA an opportunity to “level” the playing field by encouraging outside companies to invest in USA-based production, pressure foreign competitors to “play ball”, and aid in job creation.
Tariffs are simple, effective, and potent measures to control global and domestic trade. However, they also have wide-ranging implications that extend across both macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions. Let us look forward to a future of balanced and healthy trade!
*****
Iyer Amruthur is a national sales manager in the ALC San Antonio office and has been with the company for three years. He attended The University of Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
If you are hauling are importing kiwifruit right now, it is coming from New Zealand.
Currently, kiwifruit sold in the United States is being supplied by New Zealand through October, after which the domestic California harvest enters the market, followed by imports from Italy. U.S. goods trade with New Zealand totaled an estimated $10.1 billion in 2024.
Zespri reports the improved outlook to increased yields, improved fruit sizing for Green and RubyRed varieties, and added volume from newly producing orchards, particularly for SunGold and RubyRed.
“We have another bumper crop of more than 200 million trays from New Zealand this season, and our sales programs have started well, particularly in Europe and North America, where we’ve seen strong demand,” according to Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake.
Zespri is also advancing key strategic initiatives, including efforts to increase grower ownership.
As part of a recent share alignment initiative, the proportion of growers who hold shares in Zespri has risen to more than 60%, up from 48%. The increase follows a 2024 grower vote in which 91% supported Zespri’s offshore expansion strategy.
As economic pressure continues to shape consumer choices, a clear trend is emerging: people are finding small, health-forward ways to treat themselves, and blueberries are leading the way. Demand is growing for high-quality, premium blueberries that deliver flavor and freshness, particularly among two distinct groups of shoppers.
First, older consumers with higher incomes ($150k +) or fixed retirement budgets prioritize quality and nutrition in their food purchases and worry less about convenience. For them, produce – especially blueberries – serves as a trusted source of wellness, offering antioxidants, natural sweetness, and versatility without compromise.
At the same time, a second group – middle-income households, especially those with busy, working-age adults – are making strategic choices about what to splurge on. While price remains a consideration, these shoppers are increasingly opting for produce that feels worth the investment, primarily when it supports long-term health goals and everyday convenience.
“We’re seeing shoppers become more intentional,” says Trisha Casper, Customer Insights Manager at Superfresh Growers. “Blueberries strike that perfect balance – healthy, satisfying, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without guilt.”
“This season’s Superfresh Growers blueberry crop fits this growing demand for high-quality, premium blueberries,” Trisha notes. “The Superfresh blueberry season is expected to start the third week of June with an abundant and promotable crop. Our Pacific Northwest farms have enjoyed optimal spring weather, providing ideal pollination conditions. We plan to have top-quality berries through September.”
The rise in premium blueberry demand reflects a broader shift in how consumers define value. It’s no longer just about the lowest price – it’s about getting the most from each purchase, especially when it comes to foods that support well-being and lifestyle choices.
As blueberry consumption continues to grow across generations and income levels, this nutrient-dense fruit is proving itself to be more than just a snack – it’s a smart, feel-good staple for modern shoppers and retailers have the opportunity to lean into this momentum by positioning blueberries as a dual-purpose fruit – one that supports health while offering a touch of indulgence.
From in-store signage to digital promotions, the message is clear: blueberries are a high-value item that meets wellness goals and everyday enjoyment.
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the 2025 Acreage Report on June 30. The report showed a 2% overall decline in potatoes acres planted in 2025 (912,000 acres) compared to 2024 (930,000 acres).
Most states saw very modest planting changes this year compared to last year. Colorado (55,000 acres) and Wisconsin (68,000 acres) saw potato acreage gains of 1,000 acres each. North Dakota’s potato acres declined by 1,000 acres to 72,000 acres, while Maine (52,000 acres), and Minnesota (41,000 acres) saw 2,000-acre planting declines.
Washington saw the steepest single-state, year-to-year declines in 2025 at 145,000 acres compared to 160,000 acres last year.
The report notes that Washington potatoes “were emerging ahead of schedule with 95% of the crop emerged as of June 1.” Planting in Idaho, the largest potato-growing state with 315,000 acres planted (steady with 2024), was also noted as ahead of last year with 95% of the crop emerged as of June 15.
Even with the year-to-year changes in Washington, the report didn’t contain any significant surprises for Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA.
“The relatively minor adjustments to planted acreage estimates in the other states are likely a function of the regular ups and downs related to crop rotations, projected demand, contracted acreage with processing companies and other factors,” he says. “I did not see anything that seemed out of the ordinary.”
Aneberries, (the National Association of Berry Exporters in Mexico, are planning for a record-breaking season, forecasting a 25% increase in shipments to the U.S, rising from around 250,000 tons in 2024 to approximately 300,000 tons by the end of the 2024–2025 season.
Aneberries sees itself as a supplier of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries to North America, thanks to its unmatched logistics. No other country rivals Mexico in delivering fresh berries to U.S. markets as quickly. Mexico already accounts for nearly 87.8% of all strawberries imported into the U.S., making up 14.8% of the total global export value in fresh berries Aneberries notes while the national berry cultivation area has shrunk, from over 148,000 acres in past years to an estimated 118,700–123,500 acres by November 2025, the industry is pivoting toward improved productivity and variety, rather than seeking increased land use. This strategic shift supports the strawberry export boom without expanding acreage.
Export trends vary across berry types: blueberry exports remain steady at about 63,000 tons despite reduced growing area in Jalisco and northern Sinaloa. Raspberry exports are expected to dip 3%–4%, down from 120,000 to approximately 115,000 tons. In contrast, blackberry exports are projected to rise by 8%, reaching between 80,000 and 85,000 tons, up from 77,000 tons.
Mexico’s berries aren’t just destined for the U.S, other key markets include Canada, Europe, Japan, and various Asian countries. Notably, blueberry shipments to Japan recently doubled, climbing from around 700–800 tons to approximately 1,600 tons.
Frutas de Cile reports summer citrus from Chile got off to a strong start during the fourth week of April with 519 metric tons of clementines shipped to the U.S. This is up significantly from last year’s start of 44 tons.
Lemon shipments got underway the same week with 59 tons sent to northern Europe. Last year, Chilean lemon exports started a week earlier, with 385 tons shipped to the U.S.
Chilean navel orange exports started the first week of June, and mandarins followed the last week of June.
Growing conditions have been ideal.
In 2024, Chilean growers exported 50,419 tons of clementines to the U.S. (98% of total clementine exports), 126,263 tons of mandarins (95%), 60,359 tons of lemons (63%) and 97,627 tons of navel oranges (93%).
Significant production increases are seen in the initial forecast for the coming season, especially for mandarins.
Mandarin volume is expected to increase by 32%, clementines should be up 25% and lemons are projected to rise 6%, but navel orange production might be down 18%.
Chile’s total citrus production is forecast to come in at 444 tons, an increase of 11% over 2024.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-4045863.
Enstructure, the operator of Port Wilmington in Delaware, announced it has signed a long-term agreement with Chiquita Brands to continue and further expand its partnership as the company’s mid-Atlantic distribution hub.
In a press release, Enstructure said the agreement builds upon an existing partnership built in 1988 between Chiquita and the Port of Wilmington, which positioned the port as the brand’s mid-Atlantic supply chain operation. Since then, Port of Wilmington has become the brand’s largest port operation in North America.
The Port is operated by Enstructure under a long-term concession agreement as part of a public-private partnership at Port Wilmington with the owner, Diamond State Port Corporation (DSPC), a State of Delaware entity.
“This agreement marks a significant milestone for Enstructure, the State of Delaware, and DSPC,” said Enstructure Co-CEOs Matthew Satnick and Philippe De Montigny. “We are reinforcing our commitment to the perishable fruit industry, investing in the port’s customers and infrastructure, and increasing job opportunities for our workforce, all while enhancing the quality of service we provide to long-standing partners like Chiquita.”
Washington and Oregon potato shipments may be down slightly this season, although good size and quality are being reported by growers.
Growing conditions have been very good so far this summer for Mattawa, Wash.-based
Del Christensen & Sons, of Mattawa, WA, whose potatoes are marketed by Eagle
Eye Produce, Idaho Falls, ID.
Eagle Eye notes the company, which ships russet potatoes year round from the Mattawa location, will begin its 2025 harvest in August and continue as late as mid-October.
Eagle Eye has been marketing product from Del Christensen & Sons, a multigenerational family farm, for about 10 years. Great size and great quality are being reported.
About 70% of the product grown by the Washington location of Eagle Eye Produce is shipped to retailers, and 30% goes to foodservice buyers.
Growing conditions also have been favorable for Norm Nelson Inc., of Burlington, WA. Good weather for planting and growing have been reported, with normal volume expected.
Established in the early 1940s, the family-owned company is now operated by members of the second and third generation.
Norm Nelson grows red, white, yellow and a few purple potatoes. Yellows have replaced red potato as the bestsellers.
The company will begin its harvest in early-to-mid-September and finish in early November. Potatoes will be shipped from storage through May.
Organically Grown Co., of Portland, OR sources and packs organic red, russet and yellow potatoes for retailers year round. It began its harvest in late July, with yellow potatoes leading its volume.
The shipper also handles specialty varieties of red, yellow, purple, fingerling and russet potatoes, most of which are available in 20-pound bulk cases.
Besides potatoes, Organically Grown Co. markets a full line of fresh organic produce year round that encompasses more n 350 commodities, Hardin adds.
Washington is second only to Idaho when it comes to potato production, according to the Washington Potato Commission of Moses Lake, WA.
The state’s growers harvested 159,500 acres of potatoes in 2024, according to USDA, and produced 101.2 million cwt for a value of $1.1 billion.
Acreage likely will drop to 145,000 to 150,000 acres this year as a result of softening demand, mostly for french fries and frozen potato products, the commission reports.
About 10% of the potatoes grown in Washington are shipped for the fresh market. The Columbia Basin in eastern Washington and the Skagit Valley are the state’s main potato-growing regions.
Oregon, the fourth-largest U.S. potato provider, produced 26,875,000 cwt of potatoes in 2024 for a value of $1.1 billion, according to the USDA.
About 5% to 10% of the state’s 43,000 harvested acres were devoted to fresh market product, notes the Oregon Potato Commission of Portland.
The state typically grows about 27 million cwt, but volume has been down the past couple of years because of a reduction in processed potato acreage. That shortfall is expected to continue for the 2025 season.
Potatoes are Oregon’s state vegetable, and they’re grown on 376 farms, according to the Oregon Department of Agriculture.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
In week 30, the global avocado trade exhibited mixed trends across key markets. According to intelligence firm Avobook,
The United States recorded its highest import volume since early April, with 1,731 containers and trucks entering the market. The last week of July was an 8% increase from the previous week.
Mexico accounted for 57% of those imports, followed by Peru (21%) and Colombia (7%). Notably, Peru and Mexico saw weekly market share increases of 28% and 12%, respectively, while Colombia experienced an 11% decline.
Europe received nearly 1,000 containers, representing a 2% weekly increase and higher volumes year-on-year. Peru continued to be the leading source of European imports, accounting for 78% of the volume, followed by South Africa, Kenya, Tanzania, and Colombia, which maintained similar shares as in previous weeks.
In China, current trends continued, with 50 containers arriving from Peru during week 29. However, industry sources forecast a significant increase next week, with more than 100 containers expected. Although prices for sizes 18 to 24 rose by 7%, they remain 10% below 2024 levels.
Peru exported 1,330 avocado shipments in week 29. This reflects a 7% decrease in volume from the previous week, but a 20% increase compared to the same period last year. Europe remained the leading destination for Peruvian avocados, with 56% of the country’s exports. It was followed by the U.S. (19%) and Chile (12%).
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Pacific Trellis Fruit Company, owner of the Dulcinea Brand, entered a long-term joint venture agreement with Desert Ghost, a Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico, farming entity owned by the Carrillo family of Caborca.
Luis Carrillo also owns UVEX, a large table grape operation located in Caborca. Several years ago, Desert Ghost acquired a ranch in Hermosillo known as Campo La Colorada. Desert Ghost invested significant capital in developing the land by installing irrigation systems, building cold storage and packing house facilities, offices and a state-of-the-art pack line for all table grape pack styles, including all types of clam shells, according to a news release.
The focus in this ranch has always been on new proprietary varieties that can supply the best quality fruit in the early part of the season. New plantings of flames, Ivory, Krissy, Midnight Beauty, Ruby Rush and Autumncrisp soon followed, the release said.
“Over the past six years, we have evaluated many varieties and identified the ones that are better suited for our region. In this second phase of our project, we can focus on those cultivars that have proven to perform great,” Carrillo said.
When the joint venture with PTF was signed earlier this year, Desert Ghost embarked on a massive project to remove the Ivory and Krissy blocks and plant back new vines with Early Sweet, Ruby Rush and Applause varieties. The rest of the prepared open ground has also been planted with new blocks of Honey Pop, more Ruby Rush and Early Sweet, the release said.
“We have a 14-year relationship with Pacific Trellis, and we are thrilled to go into this new phase of the project with a company that shares our commitment to quality, and we look forward to continuing to expand our program,“ Carillo said.
“PTF has had a long-standing relationship with the Carrillo family, and this opportunity provided us with a chance to lay a cornerstone in our Mexican table grape program with an aligned strategic partner,” said Earl McMenamin, senior sales executive and category manager for Mexico and California Grapes. “We look forward to an exciting future with these new additions to our table grape portfolio.”
With an existing Mexican grape program that sources 1.5 million boxes from all districts, including Guaymas, Hermosillo and Caborca, this joint venture is a significant enhancement that will bring PTF’s total program close to two million boxes in three years, the release said, adding that the Mexican grape program, along with their large South American and California programs, allows PTF to supply customers with premium table grapes 365 days a year.
By Iyer Amruthur ALC San Antonio
You weren’t born yet; there’s no record you can follow back, the digital and paper trail buried deeper than your local fiber cables, allowing you to read this periodical! I’m, of course, talking about 1200 BCE, when historians theorize that the first ocean trade route began. Thankfully, dusty naval logs and old boxes of hardtack are not what we’re here for. We’re here to talk about something pretty topical in today’s economic world: tariffs. A tariff is critical to trade, as it is a tax or duty paid upon importing a certain good or product class from another country. They can range from small to cripplingly large in terms of fees. They’re almost as old as trade, but not quite. The United States issued its first tariff back on July 4, 1789, 286 years ago. It levied a charge per ton of goods brought into the USA towards the selling party, such as wine, beer, and coffee.
Fast-forwarding to modern times, tariffs are a common and omnipresent part of trade. Discussions about tariff policy have evolved into a raucous, entropic, and engrossing conversation. The effects are wide-ranging and sweeping. As you can imagine, the cost of goods and services has wild implications, almost a butterfly effect on a country’s economy and even its partners. Let’s take the example of a simple tariff on imported aluminum and steel. Every car frame, CNC-turned bolt, or screw, down to the cost of buying a new truck and trailer for transport, is affected. When the cost of goods and manufacturing starts to balloon, the implications and effects become pervasive.
A more expensive sheet of aluminum can lead to layoffs, higher purchasing costs, slower development times, cutting corners, and, in some cases, the collapse of a brand or product category. I’m sure you all remember when eggs became a bit “pricey”, and we saw quite an explosion of creative, if not tasty, substitutes for the traditional American breakfast. A tariff can also vary in terms of total cost, ranging from minor to major, and levying vastly different impacts on the respective industry.
To give an example, the USA recently placed a 25% tariff on Mexican Imports (for non-USMCA-compliant goods). In order for goods to avoid this, they must be compliant under standards requiring a large majority of the final “product” to be built within the USMCA region. The regional clause allows Mexico to avoid 87% of all tariffs on goods, including cars, machinery, electrical equipment, agricultural goods, beer, and spirits. Along with a base 10% tariff for all other countries, these policies were put into play in March of this year.
Tariffs can often be implemented as a trade tool, but are also used as a reactionary or punitive measure. For instance, the tariffs levied against Mexico were cited as a deterrent and countermeasure to an influx of drugs into the USA, where efforts perceived by Mexico were assessed as “lax”, as well as solving a growing trade imbalance between the USA and Mexico. This gives the USA an opportunity to “level” the playing field by encouraging outside companies to invest in USA-based production, pressure foreign competitors to “play ball”, and aid in job creation.
Tariffs are simple, effective, and potent measures to control global and domestic trade. However, they also have wide-ranging implications that extend across both macroeconomic and microeconomic conditions. Let us look forward to a future of balanced and healthy trade!
*****
Iyer Amruthur is a national sales manager in the ALC San Antonio office and has been with the company for three years. He attended The University of Georgia where he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, with a minor in Communications.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
If you are hauling are importing kiwifruit right now, it is coming from New Zealand.
Currently, kiwifruit sold in the United States is being supplied by New Zealand through October, after which the domestic California harvest enters the market, followed by imports from Italy. U.S. goods trade with New Zealand totaled an estimated $10.1 billion in 2024.
Zespri reports the improved outlook to increased yields, improved fruit sizing for Green and RubyRed varieties, and added volume from newly producing orchards, particularly for SunGold and RubyRed.
“We have another bumper crop of more than 200 million trays from New Zealand this season, and our sales programs have started well, particularly in Europe and North America, where we’ve seen strong demand,” according to Zespri CEO Jason Te Brake.
Zespri is also advancing key strategic initiatives, including efforts to increase grower ownership.
As part of a recent share alignment initiative, the proportion of growers who hold shares in Zespri has risen to more than 60%, up from 48%. The increase follows a 2024 grower vote in which 91% supported Zespri’s offshore expansion strategy.
As economic pressure continues to shape consumer choices, a clear trend is emerging: people are finding small, health-forward ways to treat themselves, and blueberries are leading the way. Demand is growing for high-quality, premium blueberries that deliver flavor and freshness, particularly among two distinct groups of shoppers.
First, older consumers with higher incomes ($150k +) or fixed retirement budgets prioritize quality and nutrition in their food purchases and worry less about convenience. For them, produce – especially blueberries – serves as a trusted source of wellness, offering antioxidants, natural sweetness, and versatility without compromise.
At the same time, a second group – middle-income households, especially those with busy, working-age adults – are making strategic choices about what to splurge on. While price remains a consideration, these shoppers are increasingly opting for produce that feels worth the investment, primarily when it supports long-term health goals and everyday convenience.
“We’re seeing shoppers become more intentional,” says Trisha Casper, Customer Insights Manager at Superfresh Growers. “Blueberries strike that perfect balance – healthy, satisfying, and just indulgent enough to feel like a treat without guilt.”
“This season’s Superfresh Growers blueberry crop fits this growing demand for high-quality, premium blueberries,” Trisha notes. “The Superfresh blueberry season is expected to start the third week of June with an abundant and promotable crop. Our Pacific Northwest farms have enjoyed optimal spring weather, providing ideal pollination conditions. We plan to have top-quality berries through September.”
The rise in premium blueberry demand reflects a broader shift in how consumers define value. It’s no longer just about the lowest price – it’s about getting the most from each purchase, especially when it comes to foods that support well-being and lifestyle choices.
As blueberry consumption continues to grow across generations and income levels, this nutrient-dense fruit is proving itself to be more than just a snack – it’s a smart, feel-good staple for modern shoppers and retailers have the opportunity to lean into this momentum by positioning blueberries as a dual-purpose fruit – one that supports health while offering a touch of indulgence.
From in-store signage to digital promotions, the message is clear: blueberries are a high-value item that meets wellness goals and everyday enjoyment.
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service released the 2025 Acreage Report on June 30. The report showed a 2% overall decline in potatoes acres planted in 2025 (912,000 acres) compared to 2024 (930,000 acres).
Most states saw very modest planting changes this year compared to last year. Colorado (55,000 acres) and Wisconsin (68,000 acres) saw potato acreage gains of 1,000 acres each. North Dakota’s potato acres declined by 1,000 acres to 72,000 acres, while Maine (52,000 acres), and Minnesota (41,000 acres) saw 2,000-acre planting declines.
Washington saw the steepest single-state, year-to-year declines in 2025 at 145,000 acres compared to 160,000 acres last year.
The report notes that Washington potatoes “were emerging ahead of schedule with 95% of the crop emerged as of June 1.” Planting in Idaho, the largest potato-growing state with 315,000 acres planted (steady with 2024), was also noted as ahead of last year with 95% of the crop emerged as of June 15.
Even with the year-to-year changes in Washington, the report didn’t contain any significant surprises for Blair Richardson, CEO of Potatoes USA.
“The relatively minor adjustments to planted acreage estimates in the other states are likely a function of the regular ups and downs related to crop rotations, projected demand, contracted acreage with processing companies and other factors,” he says. “I did not see anything that seemed out of the ordinary.”
Aneberries, (the National Association of Berry Exporters in Mexico, are planning for a record-breaking season, forecasting a 25% increase in shipments to the U.S, rising from around 250,000 tons in 2024 to approximately 300,000 tons by the end of the 2024–2025 season.
Aneberries sees itself as a supplier of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries to North America, thanks to its unmatched logistics. No other country rivals Mexico in delivering fresh berries to U.S. markets as quickly. Mexico already accounts for nearly 87.8% of all strawberries imported into the U.S., making up 14.8% of the total global export value in fresh berries Aneberries notes while the national berry cultivation area has shrunk, from over 148,000 acres in past years to an estimated 118,700–123,500 acres by November 2025, the industry is pivoting toward improved productivity and variety, rather than seeking increased land use. This strategic shift supports the strawberry export boom without expanding acreage.
Export trends vary across berry types: blueberry exports remain steady at about 63,000 tons despite reduced growing area in Jalisco and northern Sinaloa. Raspberry exports are expected to dip 3%–4%, down from 120,000 to approximately 115,000 tons. In contrast, blackberry exports are projected to rise by 8%, reaching between 80,000 and 85,000 tons, up from 77,000 tons.
Mexico’s berries aren’t just destined for the U.S, other key markets include Canada, Europe, Japan, and various Asian countries. Notably, blueberry shipments to Japan recently doubled, climbing from around 700–800 tons to approximately 1,600 tons.