Archive For The “News” Category
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!
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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.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Fluctuante reports frozen Peruvian mangoes are regaining momentum after many producers shifted their focus to the fresh market last season. That trend may be be reversing in the 2024–25 season with 67,000 tons of frozen mango exported.”
Processing takes place in the same regions which grow fresh mangoes: Piura, Lambayeque, and Ancash.
Fluctuante notes when exporting frozen mango cubes or slices, you’re targeting a market that wants a ready-to-eat or easy-to-open product.
The main markets for Peruvian frozen mangoes are the United States, Canada, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Chile.
According to a report by IndexBox, the U.S. berries market will witness steady growth with a CAGR of 4% from 2024 to 2035. The raspberry and blackberry market has been experiencing growth for nine consecutive years, seeing 20% growth of $1.1 billion in 2020. The consumption peaked in 2020 and is expected to continue growing in the years to come.
In 2020, consumption of berries in the United States surged to 161,000 tons, growing by 31% compared with 2019. Revenue in the U.S. during that year also grew by 20% compared to the previous year.
The raspberry and blackberry market in the U.S. consists entirely of imported products; import prices have also increased sharply. However, despite the hike in price, the U.S. relies on foreign supplies due to insufficient domestic output.
According to the report, the U.S. will remain reliant on imports for at least the medium term.
The Port of Oakland welcomed 2025 on a positive note, experiencing growth in both import and export volumes. In January 2025, loaded container volume reached 146,187 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), marking an 8.5% increase from January 2024, which saw 144,405 TEUs.
“Strong import growth indicates the resilience of Northern California’s economy and reflects the confidence cargo owners have in our port,” stated Bryan Brandes, the Maritime Director of the Port of Oakland. “Export volumes remain steady, showcasing the ongoing global demand for U.S. agricultural and manufactured goods. This growth is a result of the dedicated efforts and collaboration among our labor force, terminal operators, and supply chain partners. We value their commitment and will continue to work together to enhance efficiency and expand capacity to better serve our customers.”
Loaded imports experienced a 13% increase, with 81,453 TEUs processed in January 2025, compared to 72,081 TEUs in January 2024. In contrast, loaded exports saw more modest growth at 3.4%, totaling 64,735 TEUs in January 2025, up from 62,596 TEUs the previous year.
Additionally, empty imports dropped significantly by 26.2%, with 12,625 TEUs departing the Port in January 2025 compared to 17,117 TEUs in January 2024. Conversely, empty exports rose by 19.8%, with the Port handling 34,363 TEUs this January, compared to 28,694 TEUs in January 2024.
Dayka & Hackett, a leader in global fresh produce distribution, has announced a new partnership with UVEX, a premium Mexico-based table grape grower and exporter.
The partnership will focus on developing 500+ hectares of land into premium grape varieties, including Sun World International, Grapa, and Bloom Fresh, expanding D&H’s table grape portfolio and customer offerings.
“Partnering with UVEX is a key step toward enhancing our table grape offerings, and we are excited about the potential to deliver exceptional grapes that exceed the expectations of our customers,” Kyle Hackett, CEO of Dayka & Hackett, said. “This collaboration will enable us to provide a steady supply of premium varieties and continue to lead the industry in innovation and quality.”
As part of the project, D&H will implement an innovative indoor packing and cooling facility, specifically designed for clamshell, bi-color, and tricolor packaging. The organization said the modern facility will ensure efficiency and quality control, delivering fresh, high-quality grapes to the market.
“Eight years ago, we set out to revolutionize our vineyards by introducing superior grape varieties—meticulously selected and expertly cultivated to deliver exceptional quality,” Luis Carrillo, UVEX’s Commercial Director, said. “Today, we’re proud to partner with Dayka & Hackett, a company that shares our passion for excellence. This strategic alliance marks a bold step forward in raising the standard for flavor and quality in the Mexican table grape industry.”
By Kenneth Cavallaro, Jr. ALC Boston
America’s supply chain depends on truck drivers to transport goods safely and efficiently across the country. As active members in the supply chain logistics industry, we know firsthand that the aging out of drivers can significantly impact operations and the timely delivery of goods. With the average age of truck drivers rising and fewer young adults entering the profession, is the industry doing enough to attract and retain young drivers to replace retiring older drivers?
The American Trucking Association estimates that there could be a shortage of at least 160,000 drivers by the year 2028. Addressing this gap requires a focused effort on recruiting young workers into the profession.
Truck driving can be a demanding career. Long hours, time away from family, and skyrocketing insurance costs (further complicated by higher premiums for younger, less experienced drivers) are significant roadblocks. Driving services, such as Uber and Lyft, offer greater flexibility with a reduction in time spent away from home or waiting to load or unload products.
So, how do we overcome these obstacles and attract more people to long-haul trucking? Fortunately, many asset-based companies are offering competitive benefits and improved wages. A recent study showed a 15.5% increase in driver wages per mile. One way to attract young drivers is by communicating the financial incentives of long-haul trucking to potential recruits, as well as maintaining viable wages and benefits in today’s market. Beyond the paycheck, truck driving offers a rare sense of freedom and autonomy — no desk, no daily micromanagement — just the open road and the opportunity to see the country while building a rewarding, independent career.
Organizations like NEXTGEN Trucking (NGT) work to promote trucking and logistics as rewarding career paths for young people. They partner with schools, educators, and industries to build and support high school and post-secondary CDL-drivers, diesel tech, and supply chain programs, connect students with employers, offer scholarships and resources, and celebrate student and industry achievements.
While stringent regulations are necessary for safety, the rigorous training and certification process can discourage potential drivers from entering the industry. Incentives such as sign-on bonuses, training assistance, and career milestone rewards could help attract and retain talent. In addition, we can improve work-life balance by leveraging technology to streamline driver routes and match owner-operators with hauls closer to their home base, allowing them more time with their families and reducing frustration from wasted miles. This type of flexibility and family-focused scheduling would appeal to today’s younger workforce and help reduce turnover long-term.
Taking care of that workforce is more than a want; it is a necessity. The next time you shop for fresh produce, clothing, or home goods, keep in mind the drivers that make it possible. Now is the time to make the changes that will attract and keep additional drivers in lifelong careers in the industry; otherwise, we face higher transportation costs, shipping delays, and a disrupted supply chain. By showing the next generation that truck driving isn’t just a job, but an opportunity to live life on your terms, with purpose and pride, we can reshape how the industry is seen and secure its future.
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Kenneth Cavallaro, Jr. is a Carrier Manager in the Boston office. He brings 26 years of experience in the transportation industry and has been with Allen Lund Company since 2019. Kenneth holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Salem State University.
kenneth.cavallaro@allenlund.com
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Lipman Family Farms of Immokalee, FL has acquired tomato grower Shelton & Sons of Morristown, TN. The company says the acquisition strengthens Lipman’s domestic footprint and reinforces its ability to supply consistent, high-quality roma tomatoes year-round, solidifying the critical July through October growing season.
Shelton & Sons has been a dedicated partner in Lipman’s local grower network for decades, contributing to Lipman’s seasonal success with roma tomatoes in the eastern U.S., according to a release. Lipman says Shelton & Sons’ long-standing reputation for excellence and integrity in farming aligns with its values around family, quality and community.
“For years, Shelton & Sons has helped us deliver the freshest product to our customers during peak season,” said Lipman Family Farms CEO Elyse Lipman. “Their deep history in family farming and consistent supply makes them a natural extension of our team. We’re honored to bring them fully into the Lipman network.”
With this acquisition, Lipman strengthens its regional supply chain during summer and fall months and continues its investment in reliable, domestic agriculture, the release said. Shelton & Sons will maintain its focus on roma tomato production, offering customers continuity with the added support of Lipman’s nationwide infrastructure.
“Our family has been growing tomatoes in Morristown for decades, and Lipman has been a trusted partner through it all,” said Terry Cantrell of Shelton & Sons. “Joining the Lipman family feels like a natural next step that lets us continue on the legacy of farming with purpose.”
This marks the third major acquisition in the last eighteen months for Lipman Family Farms. In 2024, the company welcomed another longtime roma tomato partner, Jones & Church Farms of Unicoi, Tenn., and expanded in the Northeast market with the acquisition of Northeast Produce, a tomato repacker in Connecticut.
“We are dedicated to growing our team with like-minded companies and individuals so we can continue to make fresh produce accessible to families for generations to come,” Lipman said.
Peruvian exports via air reached 91,881 tons, amounting to an increase of 4.3 percent compared to volume in the same period a year ago, according to Agraria, using data from Comex Peru.
Ag products leading Peruvian exports via air were: fresh or refrigerated asparagus, fresh mangoes, and fresh blueberries, which together amounted to 62.4 percent of the total volume.
The International Trade Guild noted air shipments of fresh or refrigerated asparagus in 2024 amounted to 33,227 tons, reflecting a reduction of 6.6 percent; fresh mangos added 14,786 tons, showing a declinr of 10 percent; while fresh blueberry exports amounted to 9,322 tons, increasing by 28.4 percent.
During the month of December 2024, Peruvian shipments via air amounted to 9,546 tons, registering an increase of 11.4 percent compared to what was dispatched in the same month of the previous year.
Fresh or refrigerated asparagus and fresh mangoes were the most dispatched products on this route during that month, concentrating 71 percent of the total volume. From the first product, 4,021 tons were sent (+3.4 percent), of the second were 2,757 tons (+38.1 percent).
The U.S. mango market continues to experience strong growth, driven by increased harvest volumes, particularly from Guatemala and Nicaragua.
Mexico, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and the Dominican Republic are actively harvesting and packing mangoes for export to the United States.
The U.S. market primarily receives shipments of two mango varieties: Tommy Atkins, accounting for approximately 71% of shipments, and Ataulfo/Honey, representing around 23%.
Limited supplies of other varieties such as Haden, Kent, Mingolo, Manila, Nam Doc Mai, and Thai are also available.
As for size classifications, Ataulfo/Honey large sizes are 16 and larger, while small sizes are 18 and smaller.
Round mangoes vary from extra large (size 7+), large (sizes 8-10), and small (size 12 and smaller).
Trade
For the week ending April 26, total mango shipments to the U.S. reached approximately 3,928,010 boxes. Season-wise, the approximate volumes shipped are:
- Mexico: 3,099,478 boxes this week, totaling about 26,576,534 boxes for the season.
- Guatemala: 482,848 boxes shipped this week, with a season total of roughly 2,826,059 boxes.
- Nicaragua: 114,000 boxes this week, cumulative 580,675 boxes season-to-date.
- Dominican Republic: 152,156 boxes this week, totaling approximately 655,103 boxes for the season.
From Week 18 (starting May 3) through Week 22 (ending May 31), overall mango shipments are projected to be about 19% higher than last year. Arrival patterns are expected to continue from Week 19 to Week 23.
Specifically, the 2025 season is expected to see significant growth compared to 2024:
- Mexico: about 8% increase YOY.
- Guatemala: approximately 23% increase YOY.
- Nicaragua: a dramatic increase of around 87% YOY.