Archive For The “News” Category
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.
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.