Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Naturipe Farms has reported a “record-breaking year” for domestically grown blueberries, driven by high volume, premium quality, and strong demand for proprietary varieties Envoy and Keepsake. These varieties are now being harvested at scale for the first time, offering retailers and consumers some of the market’s best blueberries.
Jim Roberts, President of Naturipe Farms, stated, “Thanks to years of investment in breeding, we’re seeing a bumper crop of our jumbo blueberries, Mighty Blues, and premium Sweet Selections—and they’re selling out fast. Retailers and consumers alike are showing unprecedented enthusiasm for these flavor-packed berries.”
The company’s organic blueberries are also experiencing record demand and volume this summer. Near-perfect growing conditions in the Pacific Northwest during winter and spring have contributed to a strong, sustained domestic organic season, according to Naturipe.
With high-quality fruit and ample supply, larger pack sizes are gaining popularity at retail, driven by consumer preferences for better taste, value, and healthy summer snacking.
Naturipe’s position as the largest breeder and producer of blueberries in the U.S. provides a strategic advantage, enabling the company to supply high-quality fruit today and support the future of sustainable blueberry production nationwide.
Roberts emphasized, “Consumers now expect better-tasting fruit, longer shelf life, and strong sustainability stories as the standard—not the exception. Naturipe is proud to meet and exceed those expectations with our proprietary varieties, grower partnerships, and commitment to innovation.”
Blueberries continue to play a role in health and nutrition, providing antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C. They remain a popular choice for fresh eating, smoothies, and summer snacking, according to the company.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Green bell peppers on the East Coast are limited with New Jersey slow to start shipping and tropical depression Chantal moving though North Carolina. Red bell peppers markets are higher due to snug supplies in California. Markon First Crop (MFC) and Markon Essentials (ESS) Green and Red Bell Peppers are available, according to a company press release.
Green Bells
- North Carolina production has been impacted by tropical depression Chantal
- New Jersey has started with light volume; expect to see increases by the end of week
- Michigan and Ohio are expected to start this weekend in a limited manner
- California’s Bakersfield region is past peak production
- Fresno and Ventura, California regions will be up and running by mid-July
- Central Mexico volume (crossing into South Texas) is steady; quality is good
- Expect higher markets over the next two weeks
Red Bells
California’s Imperial Valley finished abruptly last week due to high heat
Bakersfield started last week and will continue to increase volume in July
Central Mexico has very light volume crossing into South Texas
Canadian greenhouse production is slow due to recent heat waves
Expect higher markets over the next week
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Summer shipments of citrus, both domestically and from imports is looking good.
Seald Sweet International of Vero Beach, FL is a major importer of summer citrus and started receiving
clementines from Peru in early May with great color and high Brix. Lemons from Argentina began arriving the last half of May and imports will continue through August.
Chilean lemon imports are expected from late July until September or October, and lemons from Mexico should be available in the U.S. during September, October and November.
Seald Sweet also will have a large navel orange import program from South Africa and Chile this summer, which started in late June from South Africa and a few weeks later from Chile. Cara caras also should be arriving from South Africa and Chile.
Seald Sweet expects to have extra volume of Chilean murcotts this year, and South African navels are expected to be normal this year following a 25% to 30% drop because of water-related issues.
Consalo Family Farms, in Vineland, N.J., reports a solid crop coming from South Africa, which seem to be back to normal this season after a flood last year took out 10% to 15% of the citrus crop in the Citrusdal area of the province of Western Cape.
The company also works with summer citrus growers in Peru, Argentina, Uruguay and Chile, where great weather is reportedly resulting in good crops.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
For Altar Cross Farms of Ivanhoe, NC has expanded its family owned organic blueberry production by 63 percent this year. With growing demand from both national and local retailers for its organic berries, the company expanded production and is now harvesting from 65 certified organic acres.
Happy Dirt of Durham, NC is an organic produce grower and distributor, handling the majority of Altar Cross Farms’ sales, serving a wide network of wholesale and retail partners across the Southeast.
This season marked the most productive blueberry crop Altar Cross Farms has had in five years, reports Roy Sykes, who co-owns the farm with his wife, Donna Sykes, and operates it with their daughters.
Altar Cross Farms is planted with a diverse varietal mix, including O’Neal, Duke, Legacy, New Hanover and Powder Blue to supports a harvest window stretching from mid-May through August.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY IS A TRANSPORTATION BROKER, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The 2025-26 California table grape season got underway in mid-May in the Coachella Valley in Southern California. As Coachella comes to an end any day now, loadings willshift north to the San Joaquin Valley, where grapes are harvested into December.
Good volume shipments are predicted this season.
To support the season, the California Table Grape Commission launched a global marketing campaign strategically developed to motivate the trade to stock and promote California table grapes, while inspiring consumers in the U.S. and across 21 export markets to choose more California grapes more often.
To encourage retailer participation, the campaign offers a comprehensive suite of promotional tools and incentives. These include bonus opportunities, digital promotions, a registered dietitian (RD) retail program, contests, point-of-purchase materials, and in-store sampling.
On the consumer side, the campaign features advertising on multi-retailer shopper apps, digital coupons and rewards, influencer and RD collaborations, and targeted social media advertising that highlights recipes, snacking ideas, and the health benefits of California-grown fresh grapes.
“Grapes from California enjoy a long season, with plenty of opportunity for promotion, from summer celebrations to fall gatherings,” said Ian LeMay, commission president.
“With a product that has global appeal, strong demand, and a strategic marketing campaign executed by a dedicated team, the commission is yet again ready to continue promoting California table grapes in markets around the world,” said LeMay.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The tiny town of Hatch in Southern New Mexico gets to rockin’ this time of the year with sweet onions through July, followed it famous Hatch chili peppers during and August and September.
But while Hatch chiles might steal the spotlight, another New Mexico staple quietly complements the heat: sweet, mild onions grown in the same fertile valleys. Together, these crops tell a story of local flavor, agricultural tradition and growing national appeal.
Hatch chile season might not officially begin until late July, but Melissa’s Produce says Hatch sweet onions offer retailers a flavorful head start. Available from late May through July, these sweet, yellow onions are grown in New Mexico’s legendary Hatch Valley, where rich soil and ideal growing conditions create a flavor that’s sweet, mellow and perfect for summer grilling season, according to a news release.
Grown exclusively in the Hatch Valley of southern New Mexico, Hatch chiles thrive in the area’s unique combination of high desert climate, rich volcanic soil and temperature swings between hot days and cool nights. The territory gives Hatch chiles their signature flavor: earthy, slightly smoky and ranging from mild to hot, depending on the variety.
While technically a type of New Mexican green chile, Hatch chiles are distinguished by their place of origin, and for some fans, no other chile compares.
Their short season, typically from August through September, adds to their allure, fueling a cult-like following among food lovers who count the days until fresh Hatch chiles are back in stores and farmers markets.
Hatch sweet onions are available from late May through July. These sweet, yellow onions are grown in New Mexico’s legendary Hatch Valley, where rich soil and ideal growing conditions create a flavor that’s sweet, mellow and perfect for summer grilling season, according to a news release.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
With approximately 40% of the California avocado crop harvested by late May, the California Avocado Commission anticipates continued strong shipments through the summer. There were robust volumes in June and the crop forecast predicts this to continue in July, ranging from 11 to nearly 17 million pounds weekly, before gradually declining from August into September.
The California Avocado Commission’s marketing campaign includes consumer advertising, social media, public relations and influencer activities as well as customized programs for participating retailers and foodservice operators.
The Commission reports that advertising impressions through April alone exceeded 31 million, and its social media performance is surpassing both CAC’s goals and industry benchmarks.
About the California Avocado Commission
Created in 1978, the California Avocado Commission of Irvine, CA strives to enhance the premium positioning of California avocados through advertising, promotion and public relations, and engages in related industry activities. Ethically sourced California avocados are sustainably farmed and locally grown for exceptional quality and freshness, by about 3,000 growers in the Golden State.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Frank Donio Inc. of Hammonton, NJ is a 90-year old company with a network of family-owned farms, and a group of growers who have been in business for generations.
In a typical year, the company reports the New Jersey season will yield an average of 12 to 14 million pounds of fresh and frozen blueberries.
Sunny Valley International of Glassboro, NJ has long been a supplier of imported and domestic blueberries, with good supplies in the category 12-months a year due to winter programs from Peru and Chile among others, plus spring programs in Georgia and North Carolina.
The grower/shipper started shipping in mid June and has strong volume. It, as well as other Jersey growers are expecting have 30-40 percent more fruit than last year.
The company is expecting a great supply between the second week of June through late July for East Coast retailers.
Sunny Valley is also the exclusive marketer for the Jersey Fruit Cooperative, marketing blueberries for nine family-owned blueberry growers in New Jersey.
Sonny Boy Produce Landisville, NJ typically ships about 6.5 million pounds of blueberries a year. It grows and ships Jersey blues, plus works with other companies from other growing areas to supply blueberries during other times of the year. The company also is expressing optimism for the shipping season.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Morning Kiss Organic announced May 12 the return and expansion of its organic melon program, which includes mini seedless watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews. The company said that — with its sourcing coming from Mexico, California and North Carolina — the program is designed to deliver melons throughout the summer and into early winter.
“Nothing captures the essence of summer like fresh organic melon,” Nelly Czajkowski, sales manager at Morning Kiss Organic, said in a news release. “These fruits are not only delicious and healthy but also a smart way for retailers to boost organic sales during the peak summer months.”
Morning Kiss Organic called the outlook for this summer’s melon crop very promising, saying it expects excellent volume out of California’s Central Valley. Such volume would support robust promotional activity throughout July and August, it added.
Morning Kiss Organic’s season will run from May through early December, with East Coast-grown mini seedless watermelons available from late June through early August. The company said it is looking forward to bringing in melons from a North Carolina grower.
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Naturipe Farms avocado season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with a strong supply driven by the growing impact of maturing avocado trees in Colombia.
With Mexico providing year-round supply and Colombia complementing the seasonal transitions, hass avocados from both these points of origin result in a harmonious blend, says Naturipe. By using multiple growing regions, the company can provide an abundant supply of avocados, meeting retailer demand, according to a news release.
“Our Colombian avocado program has been a tremendous success,” said Andy Bruno, president of Naturipe Avocado Farms Division. “We are seeing improved quality and consistent supply as our trees mature and produce even more avocados. Retailers have embraced this new origin, and consumers enjoy how consistently delicious, ripe and readily available the supply is. Colombia’s climate and growing conditions allow for multiple crops throughout the year, which positions it as a reliable source for a 10-month supply now and, hopefully, 12 months once trees are fully matured.”
Naturipe owns its own Colombian avocado orchards, which it says gives the company full control over production and the ability to deliver consistent quality and supply to retail partners. With more than 1,500 acres of land dedicated to avocado production, Naturipe says it is well positioned to continue scaling its operations to meet growing demand.
“Our ability to diversify our supply mix and seamlessly integrate Colombian avocados with our existing program has been a game-changer,” Bruno said. “We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident that our program will continue to deliver the great-tasting flavor profile of hass avocados that retailers and consumers want year-round.”
*****
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.