Archive For The “News” Category
Chilean cherry production has increased by over 50% in recent years, and industry analysis is studying new markets, adjusting volumes, and developing new products, such as frozen cherries, according to ChileAlimentos.
It notes while the frozen cherry industry remains relatively small compared to fresh fruit, it has shown a consistent growth over the years.
Bachelet explained that cherries are a new addition to the frozen sector, where most exports from Chile have historically been berries.
Chile’s frozen industry has historically been with berries, and began with raspberries In recent years, blueberries have made up the largest volume. The freezing industry typically selects ripe fruits that cannot withstand transport, because these fruits are equally good, ripe, and perfect in terms of flavor and color.
The United States has been identified as the primary producer and consumer of frozen cherries, with Europe and Turkey also showing significant growth.
The frozen sector has experienced substantial growth as experienced by the first two months of 2025, when exports doubled, increasing from over 2,000 tons to 4,500 tons, and this upward trend is expected to continue.
The organization points ouit 8,690 tons of frozen cherries were exported last year, and projections suggest that this figure may nearly double to around 19,000 tons this year. This growth is attributed to a larger supply of fruit, leading to increased opportunities for sourcing raw materials, a traditional challenge for the frozen industry.
The United States is identified as a key target for growth, followed by Canada, China, and Japan.
Frozen cherries are primarily used in cherry pies and sold as standalone fruits. However, many cherries are now being marketed in mixtures with other fruits, such as cherry mix and berry cherry mix.
By Sarah Stone ALC Atlanta
Everyone is talking about freight fraud and cargo theft. I recently attended the Mid-America Trucking Show (MATS), the largest trucking show in North America, where fraud and theft were the primary topics of discussion among the carriers and drivers in attendance. Held annually in Louisville, KY, MATS attracts everyone from large carrier owners looking to expand their fleets to the owner-operators who drive the trucks.
While concern is growing among those on the road, combating fraud requires support from every corner of the supply chain, including shippers. Freight fraud is a broad term encompassing various forms of theft, deception, or misrepresentation throughout the shipping process. It is more than just stealing cargo, it can involve identity impersonation (using fake MC/DOT numbers), double brokering, and fake carriers using spoofed websites to book loads. As a shipper, this can lead to the theft of cargo, supply chain disruptions, damage to reputation, and financial loss.
Preventing freight fraud isn’t just a broker or carrier issue, it’s a supply chain issue. For shippers, it is important to include your vendors and contracted warehouse groups on the plan to protect your freight. It will take everyone in the chain to fight fraud and theft. Establish a verification process for confirming carrier and driver information before loading a truck, and make certain that the carrier is providing the correct pick up information. This may sound simple, but it can often be overlooked at a warehouse that is backed up, or short staffed, and just wants to get the freight out the door.
Customers can play a vital role in building a more secure industry by following best practices such as:
- Partnering with fraud-aware brokers and carriers.
- Requiring load-tracking apps or systems.
- Verifying pick up numbers and driver names prior to loading.
- Embracing technology and data-driven security measures.
- Engaging in industry discussions and education.
By working together and staying informed, we can strengthen our defenses and keep freight moving safely and securely.
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Sarah Stone graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (Marketing). She started working at the Allen Lund Company in December 2010 after several years in the international air and ocean freight industry. She is the Senior Transportation Broker for ALC Atlanta.
sarah.stone@allenlund.com
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
According to Georgia Ports Authority (GPA) President and CEO Griff Lynch, Georgia’s Savannah Port is the fastest-growing container gateway on the U.S. East Coast, with container volumes up 12.5% compared to 2023.
GPA handled nearly 5.6 million twenty-foot equivalent container units (TEUs) last year, an increase of approximately 618,000 TEUs compared to 2023.
In a presentation at the annual Savannah State of the Port Address, the CEO explained that what sets the ports of Savannah and Brunswick apart is building strong partnerships, superior connectivity, ample capacity ahead of demand, and a responsible approach with communities.
He also laid out plans to increase capacity in Savannah, add berth space over the short and long term, boost container yard and rail capacity, and grow the truck gates at the Port of Savannah before an audience of more than 1,700 business leaders and elected officials at the Savannah Convention Center.
To stay ahead of demand, Lynch announced the opening of a new lay berth effective immediately at Ocean Terminal. A second lay berth at Ocean Terminal will come online in 2026.
Phase I of the Ocean Terminal yard renovation will be completed in mid-2027; and the second phase will be by mid-2028. This will increase capacity by up to 1.5 million TEUs per year.
The expansion, he explained, is needed to handle growing business, “Growth at the nation’s gateway terminals outpaced all other ports in the nation, and Savannah is the gateway port for the U.S. Southeast,” Lynch said. “We see this pattern only continuing to accelerate.”
Between weeks 34 and 10 of the 2024-2025 campaign,
Peruvian shipped a total of 81.4 million boxes (8.2 kilos each) during the 2024-25 season representing a 31 percent increase compared to the 2023-2024 season, according to Agraria.
The Ica region is the main table grape producing region, with a 49 percent share, followed by the Piura region with 36 percent.
The Ica region shipped 40.5 million boxes of table grapes, registering a 17 percent increase compared to the previous season, and Piura exported 30 million boxes, representing a 49 percent increase compared to the 2023-2024 campaign.
The south leads exports with 52.8 percent of the total, while the north accounts for 47.2 percent.
Volumes shipped to North America increased by 30 percent, and those destined to Latin America increased by 16 percent. In contrast, shipments to Asia decreased by 35 percent compared to the 2023-2024 season,”
Unprecedented growth is being experienced by the Colombian blueberry industry. The country exported over 1.4 million pounds of blueberries in 2024, according to Agraria.
With 1,600 acres currently under cultivation, the country is projected to reach between 7,400 and nearly 12,400 hectares by 2026. This represents an increase of 669 percent, according to projections from the Rural Agricultural Planning Unit (UPRA).
New cultivation areas are driving the projected growth, especially in regions such as Antioquia, Cauca, the Coffee Region, and Nariño. These areas will complement the existing production areas in Bogotá and Boyacá.
Colombia’s unique climate allows for year-round blueberry cultivation, giving it a strategic advantage over seasonal producers. This climate advantage permits Colombian growers to supply global markets evenin the off-season, providing a competitive advantage over countries like Chile, Mexico, and Peru.
With expanding production and increasing demand, Colombia is well positioned to become a major supplier of blueberries to key markets like the United States, Europe, and Asia.
All signs point to continued growth. With more acres in production, consistent quality, and 12-month production capacity, Colombian blueberries are poised to gain ground on the international scene.
The United States imported 22.7 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables in 2023, with Mexico being the largest supplier, accounting for 50 percent share of the total imported, followed by Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Canada, according to FEPEX.
Spain is the first EU country to supply the U.S. market with 29,674 tons; as reported by FEPEX.
The United States imported 11.4 million tons of fresh fruits and vegetables from Mexico, which represented half of the total. After Mexico, the main non-national suppliers to the U.S. market are Guatemala, with 2.8 million tons; Costa Rica, with 1.9 million tons; and Canada, with 1.7 million tons. These four countries represent 78 percent of total U.S. fruit and vegetable imports.
After the top four, the next ranking U.S. supplier countries are Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Honduras, Colombia, Argentina, South Africa, the Dominican Republic, China, Panama, Brazil, Morocco, New Zealand, and Spain.
Spain ranks 18th in terms of countries from which the United States imports. However, it is the first in the EU and Europe, with 29,674 tons in 2023. It is followed by Italy, with 17,555 tons, coming in at number 23 in the list of suppliers to the U.S. market; Greece occupies 24th place, with 15,953 tons; and the Netherlands is ranked 29th, with 9,038 tons.
As explained in prior FEPEX news, Spanish and EU exports of fruit and vegetables to the United States are very limited, largely due to the phytosanitary barriers imposed by the American administration on the entry of certain products in the form of phytosanitary export protocols.
Peru’s Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), through the National Agrarian Health Service, announced that the 2024-2025 table grape campaign registered exports of 562,093 tons, consolidating Peru’s position as world leader in exports for the second consecutive year.
Grape exports reached 44 international markets. Three key markets accounted for 83%: the United States with 46% share, European countries (24%) and Mexico (8%). Other important markets included the United Kingdom, Spain, Canada, Hong Kong, Colombia, China and Taiwan.
Peru’s export season runs from October to April of the following year. The country has more than 56 varieties of table grapes, the most exported being Sweet Globe, Red Globe, and Allison, which are also the most demanded in the international market.
A few weeks before the end of the export season, SENASA authorized 137 packing plants and certified more than 22,000 hectares of crops, mainly in the regions of Ica and Piura, followed by Lambayeque, La Libertad, Arequipa, and other regions such as Ancash, Lima, Moquegua, Tacna and Cajamarca.
In recent years, SENASA has gained access to Japan, China, and Ecuador in a joint effort with the Association of Table Grape Producers (PROVID), adding to the 92 international markets that already enjoy these Peruvian products.
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.