Archive For The “News” Category
By Carrier Transicold
GAINESVILLE, GA – Tribe Transportation is expanding its fleet with 111 new 53-foot trailers equipped with Carrier Transicold X4™ 7500 refrigeration units to help it meet demand in the fast-growing life sciences sector, which includes the transport of pharmaceutical products. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), a leading global provider of healthy, safe and sustainable building and cold chain solutions.
The acquisition includes Carrier Transicold TRU-Mount solar panels, which help to maintain the charge of the refrigeration unit batteries. Additionally, Tribe acquired 100 Carrier Transicold ComfortPro® diesel auxiliary power units (APUs) to help maintain cab climate control for its drivers.
“The new refrigeration units, with their high capacities, precise temperature control and proven reliability, are helping us to meet the exacting needs of our pharmaceutical and life sciences customers,” said Todd Gooch, Vice President of Transportation for the Gainesville, Georgia-based fleet.
Native American woman-owned Tribe Transportation is one of the fastest-growing minority carriers in North America. Now in its 16th year of operation, the fleet has more than 400 tractors and nearly 900 trailers, serving the refrigerated and deep-frozen freight needs of its expanding customer base.
“We haul everything from candy and produce to ice cream and cryogenic pharmaceutical products, and that unit serves us best over a wide array of customers,” Gooch said about the X4 7500 model, Carrier Transicold’s highest capacity trailer refrigeration unit.
For temperature monitoring and asset tracking, Tribe’s trailers are equipped with telematics devices powered by the refrigeration units’ batteries. Carrier Transicold’s high-performance TRU-Mount solar charging system supplements battery charging, helping to keep all trailers visible through Tribe’s telematics system. “That’s a big plus for us,” Gooch explained, noting that in a drop-type environment where a trailer may be parked without the refrigeration unit running, the battery could lose its charge without the support of the solar panel. Tribe considers the panel’s secure mounting to the top of the refrigeration unit an advantage because it stays with the unit if it is relocated to another trailer.
The fully featured ComfortPro diesel APUs provide air conditioning, heating, cab power, engine warming, and truck battery monitoring and charging. In addition to reducing engine wear and fuel consumption, the APUs improve comfort, which helps with driver retention.
“The APUs are rock solid and the drivers love them,” Gooch said, adding that Tribe’s commitment to the Carrier Transicold brand extends beyond the local dealership, MHC Carrier Transicold, to the entire Carrier Transicold dealer network, which provides service support to the fleet throughout the contiguous United States and Canada.
“Tribe’s fleet expansion moves the cold chain forward to help ensure that medicines reach the people who need them,” said Bill Maddox, Senior Manager, Product Management, Carrier Transicold. “We are pleased to support this effort, at a time when it matters most.”
U.S. fruit imports into the U.S. for 2020 lost a decade of momentum, although there were gains for fresh citrus and frozen fruit, according to new USDA data.
Imports under the ‘Fruits and Preparations’ category – which includes all fresh, frozen and processed fruit – rose marginally to $19.9 billion in 2020 from $19.8 billion in 2019.
The minor increase comes in contrast to the impressive and steady annual growth the category has witnessed since 2010, when imports were registered at $10.4 billion.
The largest category, ‘Other Fresh Fruit’ – which includes avocados, bananas, and berries – held steady at $10.1 billion. Avocados dropped by 12 percent to $2.3 billion, bananas dropped by 2 percent to $1.9 billion, blueberries fell by 5 percent to $982 million, and strawberries declined by 2 percent to $819 million.
Deciduous fruit imports also remained flat at $2.2 billion. Table grapes rose by 4 percent to $1.7 billion, but apples fell by 18 percent to $110 million.
Meanwhile, fruit juices fell by 13 percent to $1.8 billion and processed fruit rose by 2 percent to $1.8 billion.
Citrus imports rose by 11 percent to $1.4 billion, driven mainly by growth in mandarins and to a lesser extent in oranges.
Frozen fruit rose by 26 percent to $1.1 billion, fresh melons fell by 12 percent to $607 million, while dried fruit rose by 10 percent to $520 million, and prepared fruit grew by 14 percent to $504 million.
Looking at the different supplying countries across the total fruit category, imports from Mexico and Chile both fell by 3 percent to $8.2 billion and $1.9 billion, respectively.
Peru was the biggest winner of the top five countries, with imports into the U.S. growing by 17 percent to $1.7 billion. Meanwhile, imports from Guatemala fell by 2 percent to $1.9 billion, while from Costa Rica they rose by 2 percent to $1.1 billion.
CORAL GABLES, Fla.–Mann Packing Co., Inc. (“Mann”), a subsidiary of Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc., and one of the largest suppliers of packaged vegetables in North America announces the opening of its new facility in Gonzales, CA.
Joining a lineup of facilities in Salinas, CA, Chualar, CA, Delhi, CA, and Yuma, AZ, the new fifth facility will allow Mann Packing to grow its business, elevate its existing operations to unprecedented new heights and provide an innovative new space to help the brand continue to meet consumer needs.
The new facility, boasts 130,000 square feet of state-of-the-art production for fruit and vegetables with full-fledged automation, increased capacity and with the ability to continue expanding. In addition, the Gonzales facility holds a variety of features designed to strengthen Mann Packing’s focus on food safety and quality, including its full cold chain from reception of raw material to delivery of finished product to ensure freshness, its improved environmental monitoring program and its updated QMS technology for instant information sharing.
ABOUT MANN PACKING CO., INC.
Founded in 1939 and headquartered in Salinas, CA, Mann Packing Company is one of the largest suppliers of western vegetables, BROCCOLINI® baby broccoli and sugar snap peas in North America. In 2018, Mann’s was acquired by Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc.
ABOUT DEL MONTE FRESH PRODUCE N.A., INC.
Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. is one of North America’s leading marketers and distributors of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Del Monte Fresh Produce N.A., Inc. markets its products in North America under the Del Monte® brand (as well as other brands) used under license from Del Monte Foods, Inc., a symbol of product innovation, quality, freshness and reliability for over 125 years. Del Monte Fresh N.A., Inc. is not affiliated with certain other Del Monte companies around the world, including Del Monte Foods, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Del Monte Pacific Limited, Del Monte Canada, or Del Monte Asia Pte. Ltd.
Demand for new commodities and specialty items continues to increase at the key Nogales point of entry in Arizona.
The Fresh Produce Association of the Americas (FPAA) has been monitoring trends for commodities in southern Arizona, and reports new and specialty items continue to add shipping opportunities at the produce hub.
During the past couple of months, commodities have been reintroduced to the area as demand grows for unique products. Additionally, the area has seen sustainable increases in volume for fresh produce.
Nogales continues to expand with new commodities being imported into the U.S. each year, with highlights including figs, pomegranates, Brussel sprouts and lemons.
Southern Arizona continues to import reliable volumes of tomato, watermelon, cucumber, bell pepper, eggplant, and many other key vegetable items. Commodities with the greatest growth include strawberries, broccoli, and radicchio.
By Nick Rooney, Transportation Broker, ALC Orlando
As the pandemic continues to move its way through the world, we are still navigating how to get through each day. Businesses closing, hair and nail salons shutting down, gym memberships across the globe now unable to be used.
Money has become scarce for some, food being one of the most difficult supplies to have in abundance in many homes. Food insecurity in households with children under 18 has increased by about 130 percent from 2018 to May 6, 2020, leaving millions to worry about their next meal. The Farmers to Families Food Box has done an amazing job helping the millions of families in need during these times of hardship.
This program was built as a way to deliver food to families in need, not letting food go to waste, and helping farmers and ranchers stay in business. The Farmers to Families Food Box program purchases fresh produce and other goods directly from distributors of all sizes across the nation, from local to national. Distributors package these products into family-sized boxes, then they are transported to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving many families in need across the nation.
This is also helping to ensure our logistics system across America remains in a healthy balance by keeping freight moving and carriers in motion.
During the first round of obtaining produce and goods, beginning May 15 and ending on June 30, 2020, an astounding 35 million boxes were delivered in just the first 2 months. Round five started on December 21, 2020 and is scheduled to conclude at the end of April.
The Farmers to Families Food Box program has now provided over 133 million boxes to families in need so far since its inception. With round 5 in play, Farmers to Families has received over 6 billion dollars in funding, keeping companies running, employees paid, and most importantly, families fed.
The product provided is not limited to any specific commodity, for round 5, the USDA will purchase fresh produce, dairy products, fluid milk, meat, and seafood. This product assortment is just one example of why funding for boxes has been sporadic in cost throughout the year, markets are still alive and adapting causing rates for certain products to reach high dollar amounts, this isn’t stopping the millions of Americans pulling together to help each in need.
The year 2020 provided some of us with a different perspective on daily life and what it means to be in need. I suggest we take a step back and start looking at families and friends within our communities to find struggles and needs that we can try to help with. With everything going on right now, some need food, others may need a friend or someone to talk with, you can truly make a difference in someone’s life this year.
I will strive to make an impact in my community throughout this year starting with donations made to my local food bank. Farmers to Families has opened my eyes to a struggle that I truly thought was being handled here in America. Seeing that there will be more families in need within the coming year, I hope more programs like this one are put into place.
Nick Rooney began working for the Allen Lund Company in October of 2019 as a broker in training for the San Francisco office. Nick then joined the Orlando office in August of 2020, continuing his path to become a broker. As of January 2020, Nick is a transportation broker and manages produce loads for the Orlando office.
During the past decade Mexican avocado exports have tripled, according to the Mexican news source El Economista.
The site reports total Mexican avocado exports for January to November 2020 topped over 1.2 million metric tons (MT). This is a significant rise from the 369,000MT registered for all of 2010 and, based on data from the Mexican Ministry of Agriculture, represents a record increase of 6.3 percent over the previous year.
In 2020, though, Mexican foreign sales of avocado fell 7.4 percent to about $2.7 billion from January to November. Most avocados sold in the United States are imported from other countries, particularly Mexico.
For example, in 2018, 76 percent of national avocado consumption was imported from Mexico. Since then, the US Hass avocado industry has grown, reaching a total market value of $ 6.5 billion in 2019.
The USDA has placed the compound annual growth rate for total avocado consumption between 2008 and 2018 at 9.4 percent, rising from 1.1 billion pounds to 2.6 billion pounds. Contributing to this growth were factors such as an increased interest in healthy eating and foods high in nutrients.
Demographic changes also played a part according to El Economista, with 75 percent of Hispanic households purchasing avocados. The US Hass avocado market is projected to continue its growth with an expected 5.5 percent annual increase between 2019 and 2023.
U.S. imports of fresh vegetables jumped 13% in 2020, amid the pandemic, which may have contributed to the increase. The news comes from new statistics issued by the USDA.
During the 2020 calendar year, the total U.S. import value of 23 major fresh vegetables was $9.7 billion, up 13% from 2019.
2020 import values of asparagus, celery, endive and carrots were down compared with 2019, but every other vegetable commodity tracked scored gains. The value of U.S. tomato imports was up 22%, with fresh potato imports up 30% in value and garlic imports up 18% in value compared with 2019:
2020 import values, with percent changed from 2019, are:
- Tomatoes; $2.8 billion, up 22%;
- Peppers: $1.79 billion, up 7%;
- Cucumbers: $909.9 million, up 10%;
- Asparagus: $650.5 million, down 6%;
- Squash: $473.1 million, up 22%;
- Onions: $464.1 million, up 3%;
- Lettuce: $407.6 million, up 11%;
- Cauliflower and Broccoli: $380.6 million, up 10%;
- Potatoes: $271.5 million, up 30%;
- Garlic: $219.3 million, up 18%;
- Beans: $177.4 million, up 17%;
- Carrots: $103.1 million, down 9%;
- Cabbage: $90.5 million, up 34%;
- Peas: $89.9 million, up 18%;
- Eggplant: 84.1 million, up 18%;
- Celery: $69.1 million, down 9%;
- Okra: $44.1 million, no change;
- Radishes: $30.7 million, up 21%; and
- Endive: $3.5 million, down 25%.
2020 U.S. imports of fresh fruit revealed mixed trends in 2020, with citrus, mangoes, kiwifruit and berries up big time, while avocados, apples and melons were down by double digits.
Total 2020 imports of fresh fruits were valued at $14.7 billion, up 1% compared with 2019.
U.S. Department of Agriculture statistics showed 2020 import values, with percent changed compared with 2019 were;
- Berries (excluding strawberries): $3.14 billion, up 7%;
- Bananas/plantains (fresh and frozen): $2.45 billion, up 1%;
- Avocados: $2.44 billion, down 12%;
- Grapes: $1.73 billion, up 4%;
- Citrus: $1.37 billion, up 11%;
- Strawberries, (fresh or frozen): $1.1 billion, up 5%;
- Pineapples, (fresh or frozen): $674.7 million, up 3%;
- Mangoes: $642.5 million, up 12%;
- Melons: $607.9 million, down 12%;
- Kiwifruit: $165.2 million, up 17%;
- Apples: $157.8 million, down 24%;
- Pears: $106.01 million, down -10%;
- Peaches: $61.6 million, down 10%; and
- Plums: $37.3 million, down 13%.
Crowley Logistics has added 355 new refrigerated reefer cargo containers to its fleet in Central America to ensure availability for perishables in the supply chain.
The 40-foot-long cubes have wireless asset monitoring technology, allowing continuous monitoring during transit at sea and on land, according to a news release.
“We realize the importance of having the best refrigerated equipment in the right quantities – all strategically positioned to meet customers’ needs during peak perishables season and throughout the rest of the year,” Brett Bennett, senior vice president and general manager, said. “It is a priority for us to ensure we are meeting all their needs for reliable logistics services, including the highest level of available equipment.”
The containers were sent to Santo Tomas, Guatemala to support Central America’s heavy northbound reefer season. They’re equipped with Star Cool refrigeration units, which are environmentally friendly and have been upgraded to boost efficiency and reliability.
Crowley Logistics expanded on-terminal perishables handling capabilities with a new U.S. Department of Agriculture inspection dock at Port Everglades, Fla., earlier in 2020. The $1.6 million dock has space for 80 refrigerated reefers, more than doubling the facility’s previous size.
The dock has shoreside power plugs for each reefer, cutting cargo time and the need to move containers to a separate location for USDA inspections.
Crowly has invested about $160 million in new cargo equipment since 2014.
DALLAS — It’s a green victory for Avocados From Mexico (AFM), the No. 1 selling brand of avocados in the U.S. After six years of successful advertising in the Big Game, the company decided to not to air a commercial and shift its strategy to help drive retail sales during the fall season in order to prepare the market for the brand’s boldest Super Bowl promotion ever.
This new strategic approach paid off leading to new historic records. Despite pandemic challenges, the U.S. imported a historic record of 277 million pounds of Mexican avocados in the first four weeks of the year leading up to the most important guacamole consumption event. This represents a 19% increase vs the same period in 2020, with yet another incredible record of 78 million pounds of Mexican avocado imports in a single week for the first time ever.
From October to December (OND), the market sustained an amazing 49+ million lb. weekly average in 2020 of Mexican fruit compared to 46+ million lb. weekly average in 2019. “Since we decided to reinforce the promotional strategy for OND two years ago, Mexican avocado imports have grown 27% during this three-month period, a clear indication that we are on the right path,” said Luque.
With 97% market share in OND, AFM established this time frame as a major tentpole within its annual marketing strategy, with hyper-focused shopper and trade marketing efforts to drive consumption. Given the pandemic’s impact on the foodservice sector, AFM pivoted its strategy to focus on driving demand in retail. AFM’s trade and shopper marketing activities in OND supported strong retail demand with programs such as a national shopper marketing campaign featuring a $500k home giveaway, a national incentive contest with over 35 participating retail accounts, consumer and loyalty offers, and an important emphasis on bagged fruit programs. This paid off in 2020: per Nielsen, avocado consumption during OND was up double digits across the U.S, with an increase of 16.5% in lb. volume compared to OND 2019.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers trounced the Kansas City Chiefs 31 – 9 to win Super Bowl LV.
About Avocados From Mexico
Company – Avocados From Mexico, based in Dallas (AFM), is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA), formed for the purpose of advertising, promotion, public relations and research for all stakeholders of Avocados From Mexico. Under agreements, MHAIA and the Mexican Avocado Exporter Producers and Packers (APEAM) have combined resources to fund and manage AFM, with the intent to provide a focused, highly- effective and efficient marketing program in the United States. AFM is headquartered in Irving, Texas.