Zespri has released its first full forecast for the 2024-25 kiwifruit season, with forecast per hectare returns up from last season for all categories, according to a news release.
The report predicts record levels for green and organic green.
With a total crop of more than 190 million trays to sell, Zespri was focused on finishing the second half of the season strongly, said Ted Brake . CEO of Zespri.
Zespri is headquartered in Auckland, New Zeland with its North American offices in Newport Beach, CA.
Brake said the latest forecast reflects both the strong season start and the competition seen more recently in markets, including from summer fruit.
“The industry put a lot of work into getting off to a really strong start to the season to meet early season demand and that’s set us up well in a year where we have a lot more fruit to sell,” Brake said in the release. “Although strong competition is always challenging around this time of the year, we’re already seeing signs that this fruit is moving off shelves and we expect this trend to continue over the next few weeks. The fact we’re on track for a strong lift in per hectare returns across all varieties this season, and record returns for green and organic green growers, is a testament to the hard work the industry has put in following a really challenging period.”
Increasing competition reinforced the importance of Zespri’s global supply strategy, set up by growers more than 20 years ago, Te Brake said. The strategy involves Zespri working with offshore growers in Italy, France, Japan, Korea and Greece to provide kiwifruit for 12 months of the year, allowing Zespri to have counter-seasonal supply in place to complement the New Zealand season and drive value for New Zealand growers, he said.
With the maximum 5,000 hectares of offshore SunGold plantings now allocated and the gap between supply and demand growing, the industry is discussing the potential expansion of its Zespri’s global supply program to protect value for the industry, the release said.
“The next stage of these conversations over the coming months will look at what a potential expansion of our [Zespri global supply] program might look like, as we make a decision as an industry on how ZGS can continue to deliver value for our industry,” Te Brake said.
Zespri says it is now seeking industry feedback on potentially expanding the current 5,000-hectare cap by up to 420 additional hectares of SunGold kiwifruit per year over six years across Italy, France, Japan, South Korea and Greece. Depending on the nature of those conversations over the next few months, Zespri may consider formally seeking grower support for expanding the Zespri global supply program via a producer vote, which would require 75% support to proceed, the release said.
As the harvest soon gets underway, the Louisiana Sweet Potato Commission reports the crop is shaping up very well.
The commission, which is part of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture notes some growers are expecting some of their best yields for this season thanks in large part of good growing weather. If this optimism holds this year will be much better than a year ago with Mother Nature was not nearly as cooperative.
At Matthews Ridgeview Farms in Wynne, AR this season’s crop is shaping up to be similar to last year’s thanks to good growing conditions in the state. Milder Arkansas weather, combined with an increase in sweet potato acreage has the company optimistic.
Garber Farms Lota, LA reports near perfect weather for their growing season giving high hopes of filling up their storage bins, unlike a year ago when there was extreme drought.
Markon First Crop (MFC) Asian-Cut Broccoli Crowns from the Salinas, California and Central Mexico growing regions are currently not available; Markon Best Available and packer label supplies will be substituted temporarily.
Salinas Valley broccoli crops are experiencing an uptick in insect activity:
Diamondback moth larvae are feeding on outer leaves and crowns before pupating and emerging as adult moths
While common to see increased insect activity in the late summer/early fall, an extended period of above-average temperatures created ideal conditions that growers have struggled to keep in check
Although harvesting and processing crews for commodity and value-added broccoli packs are working to cull any product that shows signs of insects/insect damage, they are often difficult to detect and can’t be avoided completely
Mexican grown supplies are exhibiting similar defects from elevated insect pressure, with obvious evidence of insect damage in most packs.
Very thorough inspection and washing of commodity broccoli are highly recommended at the end-user level for the next two to three weeks.
Peruvian agricultural exportsto the U.S. during the second quarter of 2024, hit $425 million, which was an impressive 17 percent more than the same period last year, according to Agraria.
Among the highest performers of Peruvian products were avocados, with just over 20 percent volume; followed by mandarins, with 12 percent; and asparagus, with 11.8 percent.
Avocado shipments accounted for 44,791 tons at $96 million, which was 11 percent more in volume and 35 percent more value than the second quarter of 2023. The price was higher by 21 percent, getting to $2.15 per kilogram.
As for mandarins, they increased with a total of 38,547 tons for $52 million. Compared to 2023, this was 16 percent more in volume and 31 percent more value. Similarly, the average product price was 13 percent higher, selling at $1.34 kilogram.
Finally, asparagus added 15,975 tons for a value of $51 million, which meant an 8 percent drop in volume and 13 percent in value. The price had a 5 percent drop, at $3.17 per kilogram.
Despite an early frost in August in Pennsylvania and New York, Eastern apple shippers say the fruit came through relatively unscathed are optimistic for the new season.
Hess Bros. Fruit Co, of Lancaster, PA like the way the crop is shaping up and expects it to be similar to last year.
Niagara Fresh Fruit Co., in Burt, N.Y., which is near Buffalo, N.Y., reports the crop in western New York should be much better than the 2023 crop when a late freeze hit the fruit already set and affected the finish of the final crop.
The company is expecting an average crop. Western New York experienced a good amount of rain, which will help with both fruit size and crop size.
The New York Apple Association of Fishers, NY, notes the warm temperatures are resulting in harvest around the state being about six or seven days ahead of normal. The state’s growers will produce about 32,500 to 32,700 bushels of apples this year, which is about 2.5 million more bushels than last year.
New York apple growers grow about 32 varieties commercially and start the season in mid-August with ginger gold, paula red, jonamac, zestar and then followed by mcintosh, gala, honeycrisp, cortland, macoun, empire and red delicious. Club varieties SweeTango, SnapDragon RubyFrost and EverCrisp join Rome, braeburn and fuji are later in the harvest season, which ends in November.
Rice Fruit Co. of Gardners, PA reports harvest began in August for Wildfire gala, honeycrisp and ginger gold in the Keystone State.
Unicoi, TN – Lipman Family Farms is excited to announce the addition of Jones & Church Farms of Unicoi, Tennessee to the Lipman farming network. This acquisition underscores Lipman’s unwavering commitment to family farming, sustainable practices, and the expansion of fresh produce availability throughout the United States.
Jones & Church Farms aligns with Lipman’s dedication to supporting family-run businesses and increasing production capacity. Established in 1975, Jones & Church Farms is now entering its third generation, continuing its legacy of growing romas and round tomatoes during the July-October growing season. By investing in this critical tomato season and location , Lipman is doubling down on its commitment to supplying stable, year-round produce to its customers.
Family farming is central to Lipman Family Farms’ mission. Integrating Jones & Church Farms allows Lipman to honor the rich history and expertise of their local growing partnership. With family central to its culture, Lipman continues to acquire and support family-owned operations.
Jones & Church has been a close partner of Lipman since 1996 when they started buying and marketing their tomatoes after the opening of Custom Pak, Lipman’s repack operations. This partnership became instrumental in Lipman’s seasonal supply in the East, making them the first local growing partner with key customers during the summer months.
“The Jones & Church team has always provided top-quality product and been honorable and sincere partners, offering the best tomatoes in the country between the months of July-October,” said Elyse Lipman, CEO at Lipman Family Farms. “Now, our companies and families are joining forces. Together as Lipman, we are positioned stronger than ever to provide year-round supply to our customers with an expert team.”
ABOUT LIPMAN FAMILY FARMS
By creating authentic connections between our employees, customers, and communities for 75 years, Lipman Family Farms has become one of the nation’s largest integrated networks of growers, fresh-cut processors, and distributors of fresh produce. We pride ourselves in being an international company that remains family-owned, ensuring our ability to act as good stewards of our land and our people, creating growth that nourishes everyone. We are large enough to be local everywhere and are dedicated to being good from the ground up, providing solutions in research & development, field growing, greenhouse growing, procuring, packing, repacking, fresh-cut processing, distributing, food safety, and culinary development. Learn more at LipmanFamilyFarms.com.
In its preliminary forecast for the 2024 Washington state fresh apple crop, a return to the historical norms after two unusual years is expected, according to The Washington State Tree Fruit Association .
The association provided the initial estimate of 124 million standard 40-pound boxes, following a survey of its members. In 2022, cool and wet weather resulted in a crop of 103.9 million, and in 2023, the crop rebounded with 136.1 million boxes.
“There is a lot of excitement as we are seeing a more normal harvest and excellent fruit quality this year,” Jon DeVaney, association president, said in a news release. “A moderate spring and a warm early summer created stable growing conditions, so our domestic and foreign customers can expect the flavor, size, color, and overall high quality that make Washington apples famous.”
The association said the moderate weather also helps the state’s organic growers, adding that organic apples make up about 16% of this year’s crop, up from 11% about five years ago. Growers in the state generate around 90% of the domestic organic apples, according to the release.
“Our growers work hard to deliver the apples that consumers want and enjoy, and for many consumers that includes organics,” DeVaney said.
The association said gala is the top variety produced in the state at 19%, followed by granny smith (14.5%), red delicious (13%), honeycrisp (12%) and fuji (10.5%).
Cosmic Crisp, developed at Washington State University, will make up 9% of this year’s crop, according to the association. Cripps pink will be about 7% of the crop, Envy and golden delicious around 3.5% each and Ambrosia at 2%.
Apples represent about 16% — or about $2 billion — of the state’s total farm-gate agricultural value in 2022 and exports about 30% of its apples, the association said.
“Thanks to more favorable growing conditions this past year, we expect the projected harvest to be not only high in quantity but also quality,” Derek Sandison, director of the Washington State Department of Agriculture, said in the release.
In its latest branding venture Homegrown Organic Farms of Porterville, CA has launched Little Pranksters kiwiberries. These miniature marvels are not your average kiwi; they’re small, bold and bursting with flavor, the company said in a news release.
Little Pranksters are available in 4.4-ounce., 6-ounce and 16-ounce clamshell options, loading from their Sheridan, OR., or Kingsburg, CA., facilities.
Unlike traditional kiwifruit, Little Pranksters kiwiberries feature a fuzz-free exterior and petite size that enhancing their snackability, according to the company.
“Little Pranksters are sure to attract attention on grocery store shelves,” Stephen Paul, deciduous category director for Homegrown Organic Farms, said in the release. “Visually unique and irresistibly tasty, Little Pranksters are the ideal choice for health-conscious snackers and fearless foodies alike.”
The kiwiberries have a playful twist — they love to prank, the release said, explaining that eating them before they’re ripe is like falling for a lousy prank, as the taste won’t be sweet at all. The bold packaging designs include warnings for consumers, urging them not to get pranked.
“It’s important to wait until they’re soft and ripe,” said Elise Smith, marketing manager. “Trust us, the flavor experience is worth the wait. The softer the berry, the sweeter the taste.”
Don’t be fooled by their size; these small but mighty kiwi berries are a nutritional powerhouse, the company said. They are a good source of vitamin C, rich in fiber and packed with essential nutrients like magnesium, potassium and vitamin E, and with more antioxidants than traditional kiwis, Little Pranksters are a delicious way to support a healthy immune system, improve digestion and eliminate toxins, according to the release.
Little Pranksters have a short but sweet season. They are available from September to November from the Willamette Valley in Oregon, a region known for its agricultural diversity and climate.
“Our teams have put an extraordinary amount of effort behind the scenes for this project, said Homegrown Organic Farms CEO Scott Mabs. “From our creative teams to logistics and operations, everyone has played a crucial role in bringing this vision to life. We are excited to introduce the brand this season and showcase the results of our collective hard work.”
Growers in Washington state will deliver a robust crop with high quality across all varietals thanks to moderate weather. The forecast also shows a “continuing trend of higher overall numbers of organic apples and new varietals including Cosmic Crisp.
Washington state produces 90% of the country’s organic apples, which continue to gain traction. Organic apples represent nearly 16% of this year’s crop, up from 11% five years ago.
The report highlights growth in the state’s five most popular varietals. Gala leads at 19% of production, followed by Granny Smith at 14.5%, Red Delicious at 13%, Honeycrisp at 12%, and Fuji at 10.5%.
Cosmic Crisp, developed by Washington State University, is expected to account for 9% of this year’s crop. Cripps Pink will represent nearly 7%, Envy and Golden Delicious 3.5% each, and Ambrosia 2%. All other varieties make up about 6%.
The apple forecast is based on a survey of WSTFA members. The report represents an estimate of the total volume of apples harvested for the fresh market in 2024.
In the USDA’s Fruit and Tree Nuts Outlook, released in July, the institution reports U.S. fresh papaya imports surpassed the half-billion-pound mark for the first time last year, reaching a record of 501.2 million pounds.
The 2022 Census of Agriculture from USDA, NASS reports that very little acreage was used for tropical fruit production in the United States. Despite limited domestic production of tropical fruits, their popularity has increased exponentially in recent decades.
Papaya imports
The year 2023 marks the fifth consecutive year that the country has seen an increase in papaya import volumes. The report shows that higher imports pushed per capita availability to 1.51 pounds per person, a new high.
Twenty years ago, papaya per capita availability averaged 0.75 pound
Mexico is the largest papaya exporter, accounting for 82% of the volume on average over the last five years.
Earlier this year, fresh papaya imports decreased slightly, partly due to lower volumes from the second-largest exporter to the United States, Guatemala. Although imports from Mexico are only down 1%, shipments from Guatemala are down 37%, according to FAO’s Major Tropical Fruits Market Review.
Guatemala’s papaya production decrease can be attributed to damage caused by “torrential rainfall, flooding, and mudslides from a tropical storm in October 2022.”
Retail prices for Maradol and Tainung papaya varieties from Mexico and Central America averaged $1.09 per pound in the first half of the year, 12% higher compared to last year’s first six months.
Tropical fruits
Most tropical fruit shipments come from Mexico and Central and South America.
From January to May 2024, the combined import volume for bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and papayas totaled 5.77 billion pounds, down 1% from the same period in 2023.
Bananas represented 67% of the tropical fruit import volume, followed by pineapples at 22%, mangoes at 8%, and papayas at 4%.
Higher banana and pineapple imports were offset by slightly lower papaya import volumes and much lower mango imports.
