Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
October rains flooded Mexico’s orange groves, resulting a projected three percent decline in orange yields for the 2025/26 season and a 0.4 percent decrease in overall citrus projections, reports the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
In late 2025, Tropical Storm Raymond and Hurricane Priscilla caused significant damage nationwide and struck Veracruz, Mexico’s leading orange-producing region, particularly hard.
Prolonged, erratic rainfalls destroyed several groves and delayed the October harvest until November and December 2025, leading to the loss of significant amounts of ripe fruit and inconsistent quality.
This year’s orange harvest is projected to fall short of last season’s, landing at just 5.18 million short tons.
This season’s numbers dip even further below last year’s, which had already dropped by more than 2.1 percent. The culprit, once again, is rain, the report states.
The orange planted area, on the other hand, will increase by 0.97 percent despite challenges posed by erratic weather, citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing), and other pests that are reducing yields in Veracruz and other orange-producing states.
While total production of fresh oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit in Mexico may decrease, average consumption is up by four percent. Likewise, exports are projected to rise by six percent, according to the USDA.
Lemons and limes are stealing the spotlight, driving the surge in both domestic consumption and international exports.
The total planted area for citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruit, reached over 1.49 million acres, a 1.2 percent increase from last year.
Oranges account for 58 percent of all citrus plantings, lemons for 38 percent, and grapefruit for 3.6 percent.
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Florida is the primary winter growing region for many fresh fruit and vegetable crops. The current forecast calls for abnormally low temperatures beginning Monday evening, January 26 and lasting through Saturday, January 31, according to Markhon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Central/Western Florida (Tampa region) is forecast to receive freezing temperatures as low as 31 degrees with daily high temperatures in the 50- to 60-degree range.
Crops growing in this part of the state include:
- Strawberries
- Cabbage
- Broccoli
Southern Florida (Immokalee, Ft Pierce, Belle Glade, LaBelle) is expected to fall into the low 30s with highs around 60 degrees.
Crops growing in this part of the state include:
- Bell Peppers
- Celery
- Corn
- Cucumber
- Lettuces (Iceberg, Romaine, Green Leaf)
- Radishes
- Squash
- Tomatoes
- Watermelon
- Citrus
These abnormally low temperatures will slow maturity and push prices higher.
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Favorable growing conditions and a shift to new varieties has Chile bubbling with optimism on a table grape crop which is increasing in volume with the recently started season.
An estimated 64 million boxes is forecast with an emphasis of limiting exports to the U.S. of between 3.5 and 4 million boxes weekly to avoid flooding the market. Now, the Chileans are just hoping the Peruvians can show as much restraint with their grape exports.
Chilean grape company Uvanova reports Ivory, Sweet Globe, Superior, and some Autumn Crisp are already being shipped. In red varieties, some Sweet Celebration, Ralli Seedless, and Allison are moving.
Some late varieties still remain on the vines to complete the mix, marking a gradual and orderly start to the season.
Over 80 percent of Chile’s table grapes are now of the seedless variety.
Meanwhile, Chile has reinforced efforts to diversify destinations. In addition to the United States, shipments have been directed to Latin America, Europe, and, to a lesser extent, Asia.
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The first citrus production forecast for the 2025/2026 season, with projections showing a still depressed Florida citrus industry, has been released by the USDA.
The forecast reveals steady national numbers compared to last year, with a slight decline of two percent in total orange production. Numbers show the same drop in Valencia oranges, totaling 4.5 million boxes, and only a one percent drop in non-Valencian oranges, totaling 7.5 million boxes.
The state-by-state numbers show a bit more of a difference. According to the government agency, total orange production in Florida is expected to drop to a new record low of 12 million 90-pound boxes, down 200,000 boxes or 1.6 percent compared to last year.
This projection sets a downward trend for Florida citrus producers, who saw numbers drop dramatically since the 2023/2024 season, when production totaled a breakthrough 18 million boxes. Since then, extreme weather events and citrus greening disease have devastated the state’s once iconic citrus industry, which recorded its lowest numbers in over a century during the 2024/2025 season.
The breakdown is not gentler on Florida citrus growers, either—Valencia and non-Valencia oranges, as well as grapefruit are expected to be a million boxes short this season. Tangerine and mandarin production is forecast to remain steady with 400,000 boxes (down only 80 thousand from the 2022/2023 season), while lemon output will go up by 30,000 boxes compared to last year.
Regardless of these numbers, Florida Citrus Mutual is optimistic and emphasizes other fronts where the industry is seeing signs of a slow rebound.
“While this year’s initial crop estimate is lower than we would like, production is making steady gains on a per-acre basis and the industry is gaining confidence that we’re on the best path toward recovery as growers are reporting healthier trees and larger fruit,” he said.
The executive explained that innovative treatments, therapies and disease-tolerant trees are making “a real difference.”
In a statement, Florida Citrus Mutual noted that back in July the state received $140 million in state funds to support the local citrus industry. “More than $100 million was designated for research, field trials and planting disease-resistance varieties,” the document reads.
The Sunshine state also received USDA funding back in Thanksgiving, as the government agency pledged to buy $30 million of the state’s citrus through the end of 2025.
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Florida strawberry growers breathed a sigh of relief following recent winter weather in the Plant City area. The Florida Strawberry Growers Association, reports no snowfall in west central Florida during the cold snap, where the industry is located.
The organizaation noted cooler temperatures are good for increasing flavor and sweetness, and the crop is used to thermal variations, making it sturdy in cold weather.
Strawberry fields benefit from a technique similar to citrus’s microjet sprinklers. The main difference is that in the former case, water is sprayed overhead to keep temperatures steady at 32 degrees Fahrenheit.
The weather forecast for central Florida indicates a return to warm temperatures, with thermometers expected to reach 79 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the week, and no significant showers until next Tuesday (January 27). As for South Georgia, temperatures will remain mild and climb into the upper sixties by Friday (January).
As the storm moves farther north, both states seem to be in the clear from freezing weather events in the foreseeable future.
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Chino Hills, CA — Despite a decline in Peruvian grape exports to North America early in the season, is charting a different course thanks to its long-term supply base and the advantages of aligning with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October 2025.
The strategic integration of DDNA brings an additional 1.25 million boxes of grapes to Oppy’s program from Peru and Chile, up 44% over prior year. Oppy ranks among the top ten importers of Peruvian grapes into the U.S. and Canada.
“This is a milestone season for Oppy,” said Executive Director of Grapes and Stonefruit Bill Poulos. “By expanding our program through Dole, we’re not only increasing volume, but adding depth and resilience to our supply. We have exceptional grapes coming from Peru, and our team’s visit to Ica in November confirmed the fruit is outstanding. We are very happy with the quality, and we’re set up for a strong season.”
This year also marks an exciting influx of high-demand varieties, including Sun World favorite AutumnCrisp arriving from Peru, followed by availability from Chile through the end of April.
Director of Domestic Grapes and Sales Manager Marc Serpa shared, “As the import grape season gets into full stride, the market is primed for promotable green and red grapes. Shoppers are eager for grapes with green stems, great sizing and outstanding flavor profiles coming from Sun World and BloomFresh.”
Oppy expects excellent availability across a wide spectrum of colors and varieties, including:
- Red varieties: Allison, Jack’s Salute, and Scarlotta Seedless
- Green varieties: AutumnCrisp, Timpson, Sweet Globe, and Great Green
“Our strategic grower-partners are rated very highly for the quality of their AutumnCrisp, and have the acreage and scale to deliver more than last season. Red and green fresh crop grapes will be available in volume from mid-January till the end of February,” said Vice President of South American Operations David Nelley. “With trusted brands in our portfolio including Dole, Ocean Spray and Sun Grape, Oppy’s grape program offers consistency and quality shoppers will be looking for at shelf.”
With new varieties and consistent brands consumers know and trust, Oppy is well-positioned to help retailers drive sales this season and into the future.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place.
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Premier grower, producer, sales, marketing and distribution company has announces the launch of its new Florida strawberry program, marking the company’s inaugural offering under the Dole label since its integration with Dole Diversified North America (DDNA) in October.
Production is underway, with promotable volumes expected from late January through early February.
Grown on more than 300 acres in Frostproof, Zolfo Springs, Dover and Plant City, Florida, the program features a strong lineup of premium conventional varieties in 1-lb and 2-lb packs. Favorable weather conditions to date have supported excellent fruit development and quality.
“This Florida production completes Oppy’s year-round supply of strawberries, which also includes central and Baja, Mexico and production up and down the California coast,” said Tony Colonna, senior berry category manager. “It allows us to diversify our supply with multiple regions simultaneously and keep customers’ shelves filled regardless of any weather interruptions in one of the major growing regions.”
With availability through March, Florida strawberry production provides an important strategic advantage through winter, providing reliable supply during a critical demand period and ensuring retailers can maintain strong category performance. Oppy’s business development representatives are actively setting up ads and providing promotional tools to drive sales at retail.
“The new volume expands the strength of our year-round berry portfolio under the widely recognized Dole brand,” Colonna said, citing a recent IPSOS survey that revealed a 54% unaided recognition of the popular fresh fruit label. “It’s exciting to bring this first large-scale Dole branded strawberry offering to the marketplace through Oppy.”
In addition to its strawberry program, Oppy delivers depth and breadth across the entire berry category, with year-round volumes of high-quality fruit in all key items.
About Oppy
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for over 165 years, Vancouver, BC-based Oppy discovers and delivers the best of the world’s harvest. With over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually, Oppy offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
About Dole
Dole Diversified Fresh Produce is part of Dole plc, a global leader in fresh produce. Dole plc grows, markets, and distributes an extensive variety of fresh fruits and vegetables sourced locally and from around the world. Dedicated and passionate in exceeding our customers’ requirements in over 85 countries, our goal is to make the world a healthier and more sustainable place. For more information, please visit www.dole.com or www.doleplc.com.
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By lgssale.com
LGS Specialty Sales of New Rochelle, NY, a leading importer of citrus, avocados, grapes, and persimmons, enters its Spanish persimmons season with strong supply driven by improved growing conditions and increased volumes compared to the 2024 season.
This year’s persimmons crop has benefited greatly from remarkably better weather during the growing season, including the absence of freezes which is historically common this time of year. Without the disruption of freezing weather, LGS has been able to position its crop for higher overall yields and strong, consistent supply.
“We are pleased not only with the favorable weather condition that we’ve experienced but also a year of increased supply compared to 2024,” said Lucio Rainelli, Director of Sales at LGS Specialty Sales.
The company anticipates its Spanish persimmons program to run through at least late January, providing an extended sales window for retailers. With volumes expected to exceed the previous season, LGS is positioned to not only support existing customers but open doors for new retail opportunities where persimmons can serve as a seasonal specialty item for shoppers.
LGS’ persimmons are of the Kaki variety with a flavor profile resembling Fuyu offering rich, sweet and creamy vanilla notes.
“Their uniquely sweet characteristics along with exclusive seasonality not only meets shoppers demand for specialty items but also offers customers a way to differentiate and expand their seasonal programs,” added Rainelli.
About LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd.
Born out of love of fresh produce and a desire to bring the world’s best-tasting fruit to U.S. shoppers, LGS Specialty Sales, Ltd. has been importing fruit from select growers around the world for more than 30 years. Today, LGS is a leading importer of clementines, oranges, avocados, grapes, lemons, Minneola’s, Cara Cara oranges and persimmons, with an industry-wide reputation for innovation and excellence in produce quality, service, packaging and food safety.
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Strawberry shipments from the Sunshine state have seasonally started and good quality fruit is being reported by The Florida Strawberry Growers Association of Plant City, FL.
Wish Farms, Plant City, FL started its season in late November and typically ships strawberries until April.
The company is growing four varieties, Brilliance, Medallion, Ember and Encore. The Ember and Encore are contributing to higher yields and productivity.
Wish Farms focuses on the eastern United States, although it ships all over the U.S. and Canada. However, its Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time.
“We ship all over the U.S. and Canada, but Florida strawberries tend to stay east, as there is a heavier supply of Mexican berries in other regions during this time,
Naturipe Farms, Salinas, CA, sees good prospects for its central Florida strawberry operations, which started harvesting in November.
Its peak supplies will occur in early 2026. Compared to last year, Naturipe did not have any major weather challenges and expects to have a great season. Naturipe Farms distributes its Florida strawberries primarily on the East Coast.
Grimes Produce Co., Plant City, FL, says Florida strawberries are in demand and Grimes does significant business within the state, but its strawberries find their fruit is shipped across the United States and Canada. A good portion of its product goes to Canada.
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Tallahassee, FL, reports Florida has over 15,000 acres of fresh strawberries in production, an increase of about 2,000 acres compared to last year.
Astin Strawberry Exchange has a new 100,000-square-foot facility and farms about 800 acres. This is the third cooler, which can hold 150,000 flats.
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Overseas market supply of onions has been strong and steady, which helps the U.S. provide a year around supply of the product.
According to Volza’s Onion Import data of United States, from November 2023 to October 2024, there were 3,789 onion importers in the U.S., importing from 4,071 suppliers globally.
Peruvian onion production has climbed to 591,000 tons by 2025, enabling a reliable, year-round U.S. supply.
A&J Produce Corp., Bronx, NY reports Peru and Mexico are the primary sources of onion imports, with less supplies from Chile.
Fewer countries are attempting exports to the U.S. and Canada because of strong domestic production and strict import standards. Also, growing demand for sweet onions has spurred more domestic production of these varieties.
G&R Farms Produce, Glennville, GA notes Peruvian sweet onions are available from Labor Day right through to Vidalia season. This allows a seamless year-round supply of sweet onions, bridging the gap until the Vidalia crop comes back into season in Georgia. The company is projecting an increase of about 3% to 5% more onions from Peru over last year.
JJB Family Farms, Escondido, CA, points out Mexican white onions are prevalent from February to May, while organic whites from Mexico are big from March through June. Peruvian yellow sweets typically hit the states at the end of October or early November.
Potandon Produce, Idaho Falls, ID, works primarily with U.S. growers to offer yellow, red, white and sweet onion varieties, while also supplementing with select imports from Peru and Mexico.
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