Archive For The “News” Category
Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) reported that the country is consolidating its position as the world’s leading exporter of blueberries, with record sales surpassing $2.27 billion by the end of 2024. The current campaign will continue through April 2025.
According to MIDAGRI, Peru exported 326,000 tons of blueberries by the end of 2024, marking a 57% increase compared to 2023.
More than 11% of exports were organic, targeting an essential segment of the international market.
Although Peru strengthened its role as the top blueberry exporter in 2024, shipments to some markets declined in 2023. Countries such as Mexico and Colombia faced similar trends, reducing overall supply and driving up international prices. This contributed to a 23% increase in the value of Peruvian blueberry exports compared to 2022.
Quantity and quality of blueberries
If climatic disruptions such as El Niño or La Niña—marked by high temperatures, heavy rains, or water shortages—do not impact crops, Peruvian blueberry exports could exceed 350,000 tons this year.
In 2024, the United States remained the top destination for Peruvian blueberries, accounting for 55% of total shipments, followed by the Netherlands (21%) and Hong Kong (9%). These three markets together represented 85% of total exports.
Additionally, exports to India, Russia, Taiwan, Singapore, Belgium, France, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia are expected to grow, with China also showing substantial increases in demand.
A rising consumer preference for healthy and convenient food options is drawing increased attention to the frozen fruit sector, a recent market analysis by Verified Market Reports said. Among the rising fruit options, the frozen raspberry market is experiencing consistent growth.
The global frozen raspberry market was valued at $1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $2.3 billion by 2031, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2024 to 2031.
Demand for frozen fruits continues to rise, driven by their long shelf life and versatility in smoothies, desserts, and baking. As health awareness grows, consumers are increasingly drawn to frozen raspberries for their high antioxidant and vitamin content.
North America and Europe lead the market, benefiting from strong consumer awareness and well-established retail infrastructures. Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific region is expected to see rapid growth, supported by rising disposable incomes and the increasing popularity of Western diets.
The expansion of retail chains and greater availability of frozen fruits in supermarkets and online stores have improved consumer access. Additionally, advancements in freezing and packaging technology have helped maintain product quality and extend shelf life, making frozen raspberries more appealing to both consumers and retailers.
The industry is also embracing digital technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance operational efficiency, foster product innovation, and personalize customer experiences.
Investment opportunities in the frozen raspberry market are expanding, particularly as eCommerce platforms continue to grow. The rise of plant-based diets and demand for clean-label products also present avenues for innovation, including frozen raspberry mixes and ready-to-eat meals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s March 2025 crop forecast estimates an output of 11.6 million boxes of oranges and 1.2 million boxes of grapefruit in Florida this month, a slight increase in production since February’s projection.
The positive news offers what Matt Joyner, CEO at Florida Citrus Mutual, called “a glimmer of hope” that production may be on the road to recovery after the setbacks the state’s industry has suffered, including several hurricanes and the ever-present citrus greening.
In a press release by the organization, Joyner added that “with continued resources from the state and federal levels, Florida citrus growers can preserve Florida’s citrus legacy as the iconic symbol of our state, providing jobs and shaping our culture for more than a century.”
The statement also urged the citrus industry, academia, and the government to join forces in the fight to preserve the industry and emphasized the importance of investing in solutions.
“On February 3, Governor Ron DeSantis announced the proposed Focus on Fiscal Responsibility Budget for 2025-2026 ahead of this year’s legislative session, which includes more than $20 million for the Citrus Health Response Program and other citrus research,” the press release stated. “Of the $20 million, $7 million is for advertising and additional research through the Florida Department of Citrus to increase the production of trees and advance technologies that produce a tree resistant to citrus greening.”
On a lighter note, Joyner mentioned that disease-resistant varieties have surfaced in the last two years, giving growers hope of increasing their citrus production.
During the recent Peruvian Agroexports 2024 webinar organized by intelligence firm Fluctuante, ProHass General Manager Arturo Medina presented key figures achieved by the country’s avocado industry.
Medina discussed the global landscape of Hass avocado production, highlighting that Mexico leads production surface with 600,000 acres. The nation is followed by Peru with 190,000 acres, Colombia (96,000 acres), Chile (67,000 acres) and California (50,000 acres).
Medina noted that Peru shares commercial sales with Mexico, Colombia, the United States, Kenya, and Australia. He pointed out that, in recent years, the sector has not experienced significant growth in cultivated acres; instead, it has shown modest increases. However, he did mention that there has been an increase in cultivation in the Peruvian highlands.
One key aspect he highlighted was the structure of the Peruvian avocado industry, which comprises 29,000 Hass avocado producers. He explained that 26,000 of these producers cultivate less than 12 acres, and 21,000 have less than 2.5 acres.
Regarding production, Medina indicated that Peru’s total output last year surpassed 1.1 million tons. He added that there are approximately 25,000 acres not yet in production, suggesting that growth will continue. Additionally, he mentioned that 21,000 acres are six years old and can further increase production.
The main production areas include La Libertad with 44,500 acres, followed by Lima and Ica with 32,000 acres each, and Lambayeque with 29,600 acres. Medina also emphasized the importance of Ancash, Ayacucho, and Huancavelica as emerging areas with favorable conditions for cultivation.
In 2024, Peru exported 550,000 tons of avocados, achieving an average yield of 22.5 tons per acre, with certain companies projecting yields of up to 82 tons per acre. Medina described the previous year as challenging, noting that while quality was good, the fruit was smaller in size.
Trade
The growth of the Peruvian avocado sector is not only about cultivated acres and production; business projections are crucial for strategizing and maintaining profitability. Medina projected a 20% growth for the current year, stating, “I honestly believe it will be much more.” He confidently stated that by 2030, they aim to reach 2.2 billion pounds of production.
While this growth is promising, he cautioned the industry to consider its strategy for handling increased volumes, emphasizing that quality will be essential for differentiation in the market, particularly regarding dry matter content.
From 2011 to 2024, Peru’s avocado crop volume increased by 619%. Analyzing export markets, Medina noted that Europe has maintained a 62% share of exports over the last three years, followed by the United States at 13%. He regarded Chile as a significant market, calling it “our local market.”
For the current year, he pointed out that production is down 10% compared to 2023, leading to an 11% reduction in exports to the United States, an 8% decrease in shipments to Chile, and a 28% decline in exports to China. This shift occurred as prices in Europe improved, prompting some exporters to focus on that market instead.
“The consumption of Peruvian avocado in Europe is spectacular,” he stated.
Peak season for Peruvian avocados is June, July, and August, when 70% of the volume is shipped to Europe. He stressed the importance of organization and quality during this peak period.
For the U.S. market, Mexico dominates as the primary supplier, accounting for 80% of the volume, with Peru holding a mere 5%. Medina expressed the goal of expanding Peru’s presence in this competitive market, noting improvements in fruit quality this year.
As for Asia, shipments decreased by 29% in 2024 due to a preference for European markets. He explained that early in the previous season, many export shipments to Asia were made, but concerns over dry matter led to numerous rejections of fruit.
Currently, Peruvian avocados have access to 67 different markets, and there are hopes for improved shipping times via the Port of Chancay, which could significantly reduce transfer times. Additionally, efforts continue to open new markets in Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Australia, and New Zealand.
There is much research demonstrating that fruits are a rich source of these nutrients. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA), 2020-2025, the underconsumption of some of the nutrients provided by fruits is considered a public health concern.
Dietary guidelines by the USDA and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services indicate the amount of fruit recommended for a nutritionally adequate diet has remained the same since 2005.
According to these entities, about 80% of the U.S. population consumes less fruit than the recommended amount.
A recent examination by the USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) indicated that, on average, U.S. consumers have been eating and drinking less fruit since the turn of the 21st century.
Estimates from the ERS Loss Adjusted Food Availability Data show per capita U.S. total fruit availability declined from 0.95 cup equivalents per person per day in 2003 to 0.82 cup equivalents per person per day in 2021, a 14% drop, the report shows.
Additionally, data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), collected at the individual level, similarly show total fruit intake in the United States declined 7% from 1 cup equivalent per person per day in 2003–04 to 0.93 cup equivalents per person per day in 2017–18.
Fruit consumption is measured in fresh, canned, frozen, and dried products, as well as 100% juice.
The ERS Loss-Adjusted Food Availability data product and NHANES both show U.S. consumers drank less fruit juice over time, on average.
Children are eating more fruit at school; Senior adults are eating less fruit overall
The fruit density of children’s diets increased from an average of 0.55 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories in 2003–04 to 0.74 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories in 2017–18.
In-school meals have contributed to increased consumption by children. The fruit density of children’s diets when eating at school increased from 1 cup equivalent per 1,000 calories in 2003–04 to 1.36 cup equivalents per 1,000 calories in 2017–18.
However, seniors and working-age adults do not fare as well as children in meeting dietary fruit guidelines. In 2017–18, seniors consumed 0.59 cups of fruit per 1,000 calories, which is 0.16 cup equivalents less fruit per 1,000 calories than in 2003–04.
Regardless, children and adults, including seniors, consistently have fallen short of Federal guidelines. From 2017 to March 2020, only 23.2% of children and 14.7% of adults met the DGA’s fruit recommendations for their age and sex group.
Fruit consumption levels tied to health behaviors and awareness
ERS researchers also sought to understand how individual and societal factors relate to being in low—or high-consuming groups. They found the most significant factors in predicting high consumption are health behaviors, including engaging in physical activity and not smoking, and health knowledge captured by awareness of USDA’s MyPlate, a tool used to visualize recommendations for a healthy diet.
On the other hand, those who have these healthy behaviors and knowledge were less likely to be low-fruit consumers. Researchers also found income and fruit prices were not strongly associated with low or high consumption.
The Federal Maritime Commission, the United States’ shipping regulator, has warned it may bar entry to ships from countries found to be causing choke points at key locations around the world.
Splash 247 reports that the FMC has opened an investigation into transit constraints at international maritime chokepoints, particularly the effects of foreign governments’ laws, regulations, or practices, as well as the actions of owners or operators of foreign-flag vessels on shipping conditions in these passages.
The shipping routes under investigation include the English Channel, the Malacca Strait, the Northern Sea Passage, the Singapore Strait, the Panama Canal, the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Suez Canal.
“Remedial measures the Commission can take in issuing regulations to address conditions unfavorable to shipping in U.S. foreign trade include refusing entry to U.S. ports by vessels registered in countries responsible for creating unfavorable conditions,” the FMC warned yesterday.
The global trading order has been torn up since Donald Trump returned to power in Washington, D.C. The new administration has lashed out with tariffs, claims on the Panama Canal, and plans to charge Chinese-built ships calling in the US, among a string of policies that have unsettled world trade.
By Makenna Christensen ALC Logistics
In 1970, the Federal Clean Air Act granted California special authorization to “set its own separate and stricter-than-federal vehicle emissions regulations to address the extraordinary circumstances of population, climate and topography that generated the worst air in the nation.” Under this legislation, the state is required to obtain special waivers from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before implementing such regulations. Subsequent regulations were very successful and are credited with reducing the smog that once blanketed Los Angeles and improving air quality across the state.
Now, California’s leadership has a new goal: to reduce greenhouse gases 85 percent and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. The key to their plan is phasing out the sale of diesel and gasoline powered vehicles. The state sent several waivers for approval to a sympathetic EPA from 2022 to 2024 with mild success. “The waivers granted during the Biden Administration were for California’s Advanced Clean Trucks Rule, Omnibus NOx rule and Clean Cars II rule. Notably, California withdrew its Advanced Clean Fleets Rule from EPA waiver consideration before the Inauguration.” Soon after these waivers were imposed (re-imposed in some cases), stakeholders began to fight back.
On his first day in office, President Trump revoked nearly 80 of the previous administration’s executive actions with the simple stroke of a pen. Among these executive actions he announced his policy to unleash American energy and terminate the “electric vehicle mandate.” This included guidance to revoke California’s EPA waivers.
Last year, the Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments about the legal basis for some of the lawsuits challenging California Clean Cars regulations. However, following Trump’s executive actions, the federal government has asked the Supreme Court to pause its schedule, arguing that a ruling was unnecessary considering Trump’s executive actions.
President Trump is far from the first president to undo his predecessor’s legacy with an executive order. The Advanced Clean Cars waiver has actually been granted and subsequently revoked by three different administrations. Leaving many in the transportation sector unsure how to move forward. While there is no immediate threat of enforcement, how do we know that won’t change four years from now?
If President Trump wants to enact lasting change and provide stability to our supply chain, he must codify these changes. By allowing the Supreme Court to weigh in, he can cement his legacy and stabilize the transportation sector as it searches for a path forward.
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Makenna Christensen graduated from Marquette University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Human Resources. In 2022, she started working as a Software Sales Coordinator for ALC Logistics, the software division of the Allen Lund Company. In February 2025, she successfully completed the Fresh Produce & Floral Council’s Apprentice program.
makenna.christensen@allenlund.com
ATV Farms is a grower-packer-distributor of carrots, onions, parsnips, beets and other root vegetables. The Holland Landing, Ontario based reports it has acquired Sunfresh Farms, an Edmonton, Alberta-based grower-shipper-wholesaler of fruits and vegetables in western Canada.
ATV Farms operates over 7,000 acres of farmland and has a 300,000-square-foot processing and packing facility in Ontario.
ATV Farms, says his family’s business has a strong presence in the eastern part of Canada and the northeast of the U.S., and sought a presence in west to better serve its national retailers.
Sunfresh, which has been around many years, has a something similar in British Columbia to what ATV does in Eastern Canada. So ATV viewed the acquistion as a natural progression to servicing retail accounts internationally and be able to take care of Canadians nationally across the country.
Sunfresh Farms would also help take some pressure of ATV Farms’ eastern facility and allow the company to continue to grow. ATV Farms will sell its products under its Green Earth Organics label as well as its ATV Farms. The Sunfresh label will also continue to be used.
Between ATV Farms’ and its sister company Green Earth Organics, it is the largest conventional root veggie grower in the country as well as the biggest organic distributor. With the acquisition in the west as well as the new facility and adding acreage in the east, it is allowing ATV to be a leader in Canada and be able better service U.S. retail accounts as well as ensuring service for all of its Canadian retailers.
Thanks to rising exports, increased domestic demand, better water access, improved berry varieties, and modern agricultural practices, Mexico expects significant growth in its 2025 berry production. Blackberries are forecast to reach 250,000 MT, raspberries 219,000 MT, and strawberries 700,000 MT—a year-over-year increase of 3%, 7%, and 6%, respectively.
Blueberries are the only berry projected to see a decline, with production expected at 73,500 MT, representing a 9% decrease compared to 2024 due to a shortened harvest period.
The Berry Annual Voluntary Report from the USDA highlights that Mexico’s berry exports will continue to surpass domestic consumption in 2025, maintaining its position as the top U.S. fresh berry supplier. According to the report, overall berry exports, including strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, are forecast to grow to 752,000 MT in 2025, up 5% from 716,000 MT in 2024. This growth is driven by strong U.S. demand and the weakened peso relative to the U.S. dollar.
In 2024, Mexicans consumed an estimated 2,400 grams (5.3 pounds) of strawberries per person, followed by 1,200 grams (2.6 pounds) of blackberries, 314 grams (0.7 pounds) of raspberries, and 146 grams (0.3 pounds) of blueberries. Strawberries remain the most consumed berry in the country, underscoring their strong domestic popularity. Mexico leads globally in blackberry production, ranks second for raspberries, and remains in the top 10 for both strawberries and blueberries.
Blackberries: Steady growth
A 3% production increase in 2025 reflects Mexico’s recovery from COVID-19-related slowdowns. Growth is modest compared to raspberries and strawberries due to aging plants and slower adoption of improved varieties. Mexican growers produce about 18 MT of blackberries per hectare, with each hectare supporting around 7,500 plants. Blackberry plants begin producing fruit after five months and can continue for up to 10 years with proper care, yielding three flowerings per year. Michoacán, Jalisco, Colima, Baja California, and Sinaloa account for 99% of national production.
Raspberries: Leading growth at 7%
Raspberry production is forecast to see the highest increase at 7%, driven by improved water management, skilled labor retention, and expanded planting areas. In 2025, the planted area is projected to reach 11,220 hectares. Production has steadily risen since 2019, surpassing 190,000 MT in 2023. Modernized farming practices have allowed producers to achieve higher yields while using less water and fertilizer. The key raspberry-producing states are Jalisco, Michoacán, and Baja California.
Strawberries: Expanding with new techniques
Strawberry production is projected to reach 700,000 MT, a 6% increase from the previous year’s estimate of 661,260 MT. Growers are expanding planting areas and implementing innovative agricultural practices to maximize yields with fewer resources. Strawberry growers have reduced water and fertilizer use while achieving higher yields and are adopting new varieties for improved plant management. Major production areas include Michoacán, Guanajuato, Jalisco, and Baja California, where summer production is most prominent.
Blueberries: Facing a temporary setback
Blueberry production is forecast to decline by 9% due to a delayed harvest start, which shortened the harvesting period. Despite this setback, Mexico remains the sixth-largest blueberry producer globally. Domestic consumption continues to grow as health-conscious consumers increasingly incorporate blueberries into their diets.
BATAVIA, IL — ALDI, the fastest-growing grocer in the U.S., today announced recently its plan to open more than 225 new store locations in 2025 as part of the next phase of its five-year national growth strategy.
This is the most stores ALDI will open in one year in its nearly 50-year U.S. history as more shoppers than ever look to save up to 36% on an average shopping trip.*
The new stores will open through a combination of organic growth and converting select Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores to the ALDI format. In total, ALDI will convert approximately 220 Southeastern Grocers locations to the ALDI format through 2027.
As part of the strategy, ALDI has closed a transaction to divest approximately 170 Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarket stores that are not part of the ALDI conversion plan to a consortium including C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers senior leadership and private investors. This transaction allows ALDI to create a focused conversion portfolio in the Southeast as it progresses its expansion plans across the country.
“When we announced our acquisition of Southeastern Grocers, we shared that we intended for a meaningful number of Winn-Dixie and Harveys Supermarkets to continue to operate, and we’re delivering on that promise while also supporting ALDI growth. Over the last year, we’ve seen firsthand how C&S Wholesale Grocers, Southeastern Grocers and their teams have continued to deliver great quality, service and value to their customers, and we are confident they will lead the company successfully into its next chapter,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI.
“Converting the remaining locations to the ALDI format is critically important to our nationwide commitment to help shoppers fill their carts with quality groceries for less. As shoppers continue to feel sticker shock at the checkout, the value ALDI delivers can’t be beat,” added Hart.
Grand openings for the first several converted Southeastern Grocers stores are underway, with approximately 100 converted locations re-opening as ALDI stores by the end of 2025.
In addition to its Southeast expansion, ALDI will add to its established footprint in the Northeast and Midwest regions, grow its presence in the West with more stores in Southern California and Arizona, and enter new communities, like Las Vegas. As ALDI grows its footprint to serve more customers, it also brings its employee-focused culture and industry-leading pay and benefits to more communities.
“ALDI continues to see more shoppers come through our doors as they experience our quicker, easier and more affordable shopping experience firsthand,” said Hart. “With our expansion across the country, ALDI is earning the trust of more shoppers in more communities than ever before, bringing us closer to becoming America’s first stop for groceries.”
Last year, ALDI opened nearly 120 stores, bringing its total store count to over 2,400 and solidifying its position as the third-largest grocery chain by store count in the U.S. More than one-in-four American households shop at ALDI for its affordable, quality groceries, which is double the amount from just six years ago. With shoppers saving money with every trip, more shoppers are flocking to ALDI than ever before.
With the lowest prices of any national grocery store* ALDI is a welcome solution to inflation as it enters more communities nationwide. In 2024, 19 million new shoppers were drawn to its quality, affordable groceries, quicker, easier shopping experience, shelves stocked with only the best products at even better prices, and ultra-popular, on-trend ALDI Finds. Customers can conveniently shop in-store, through curbside pickup, or via delivery to get the essentials they need how, when and where they need them.
Deutsche Bank served as financial advisor to ALDI. Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP was transaction counsel to ALDI and Kayne Law Group served as co- real estate counsel to ALDI.
About ALDI U.S.
ALDI is America’s fastest-growing retailer, serving millions of customers across the country each month. Our disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest prices of any national grocery store.* ALDI strives to have a positive impact on its customers, employees and communities by being socially and environmentally responsible, earning ALDI recognition as a leading grocer in sustainability.** In addition to helping protect the planet, ALDI helps customers save time and money through convenient shopping options via in-store, curbside pickup or delivery at shop.aldi.us. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.