Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
California hit a volume record for the week ending April 27th shipping over 9.8 million trays of strawberries. The last time California hit even close to that number was back in 2018 at 9.7 million trays in late May, according to Bobalu Berry Farms of Oxnard in a news release.
The week ending May 11th there were still over 9.3 million despite a little rain hitting northern districts. Bobalu expects to see peak numbers for the next several weeks as the northern districts increase their weekly volume. This is all good news for providing a great opportunity for promotions nationwide as “Strawberry Month” reigns during the month of May. June volume will be similar and the company expects see another peak in strawberries from California during this coming month.
CROP UPDATE
Oxnard continues to see optimum weather keeping our fruit size and volume steady. We also benefit from our on-site processing facility keeping our fields clean and diverting lesser quality fruit to the freezer when needed. We will continue to ship from Oxnard during the month of May and focus on highest quality and maintain our three-day harvest rotation.
The fields still look great, the plants are very healthy, and the fruit has excellent flavor with these mild daytime and night time temperatures.
We have enough acreage in Oxnard allowing us to maintain our volume levels there as we wait for our Santa Maria fields to transition into peak by early to mid June. Our Santa Maria program is primarily on the westside of town so this region follows the same harvest trend as the Watsonville/Salinas region. The plants in Santa Maria are setting up to provide some excellent fruit.
Once these ranches in Santa Maria hit peak volume numbers, they will carry us well into the fall before our fall crop kicks in.
A bountiful harvest of California strawberries has arrived for California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA as the company shares news of giant volumes of its cornerstone product. The berry purveyor’s high yields and volumes of excellent quality fruit ensures peak promotable volumes of California strawberries throughout the coming months.
“Our season started off strong, with healthy plants from the beginning,” said Nick Chappell, director of sales at California Giant Berry Farms. “Despite some fruit culling due to rain early in our season, our plants have otherwise seen optimal growing conditions — which translates into the high-quality, sizeable, and flavorful fruit California Giant is known for.”
Out of the Santa Maria region, California Giant is reporting sizeable, high-quality conventional and organic fruit. The region is currently peaking and will continue to produce abundant harvests throughout the month. The Watsonville and Salinas growing region is seeing week-over-week increases in volumes, with estimates projecting substantial harvested volumes now and spanning to late-June. The region’s ranches are reporting excellent quality and flavor, alongside sizable fruit.
As the spring season gains momentum in California’s Central Valley, Bee Sweet Citrus is highlighting star ruby grapefruit as a key variety in the company’s seasonal citrus lineup.
“Grapefruit harvest in the desert is wrapping up, and we’ve recently begun harvest in the Central Valley,” Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Harvesting and Grower Relations Randy Stucky said in a news release. “While the crop estimate is down from last season, the quality of the fruit has been excellent — with good external blush and internal color.”
Star ruby grapefruit is known for its deep red color and sweet, tangy flavor. The Fowler, Calif.-based company says that with few to no seeds, this variety is less acidic than other grapefruit varieties and complements healthy breakfast and snack recipes.
Avocado shipments from Mexico in 2024 for avocados is forecast to be up 5% over 2023, according to a new USDA report.
The Mexican avocado annual report, issued in early April, pegged the country’s avocado production in 2024 at 2.77 million metric tons, up from 23.65 million metric tons in 2023 on strong export demand.
Exports will continue to grow in 2024.
he U.S. is the top market for Mexican avocados, accounting for 81% of total export shipments. The U.S. is followed by Canada, Japan and Spain.
Mexican avocado output has grown dramatically in the last decade, fueled by global demand for avocados. The USDA said production grew nearly 75% between 2014 and 2023, reaching 2.65 million metric tons and making Mexico the No. 1 avocado producer globally.
Mexico’s avocado exports totaled 1.4 million metric tons in 2023, up 17% compared to 2022 exports of 1.2 million metric tons.
“The past five years have seen a significant increase in avocado production, especially in the Valley Region of Jalisco, as producers diversify their crop mix to include avocados, or completely eliminate corn, wheat, and pasture area in favor of avocado orchards,” the report said.
With planted area growing 46% between 2014 and 2023, the government of Mexico estimates Mexican avocado planted area (i.e. area with mature, productive trees) at nearly 636,500 acres in 2023, up 2% from 2022.
Mexico is the No. 1 avocado supplier to the U.S., the report said, accounting for 89% of U.S. avocado imports, followed by Peru (6%) and the Dominican Republic (4%).
Mexico’s 2023 avocado exports comprised 96% fresh product, 3% guacamole and 1% pulp for further processing. The December to February timeframe accounts for 33% of exports, with the Super Bowl being one of the biggest demand drivers for Mexico’s avocado exports to the U.S.
Avocados ranked fourth in value among Mexico’s agricultural exports in 2023, after beer, tequila and berries.
Sunkist Growers of Valencia, CA is one of the state’s largest lemon shippers and is expanding its volume by adding multiple organic lemon growers this season to meet consumer and customer demand for year-round supply.
The company also has increased its lime volume by expanding it list of growers.
Noting increasing lemon and lime demand compared with pre-COVID levels, foodservice demand continues to regain its footing following the pandemic.
California blueberry volumes have been increasing in recent weeks, with a much better season anticipated this year.
The state’s volume typically peaks around the third week of May, with blueberries available from mid-late April to mid-June.
The California Blueberry Commission reports estimates indicate about 80 million pounds of blueberries being shipped this season.
Of this total, 60 million should be fresh blueberries, and 20 million pounds processed.
This figure would represent a nearly 20 million-pound increase from last year when the crop was hindered by cold and rainy weather.
The last blueberry acreage assessment in California showed among the three California districts (divided into coast, north, and south) district 3, including Fresno County to the south, had the largest acreage of blueberry plantations in the state.
About 27% of blueberry acreage is in Tulare County, followed by San Joaquin and Fresno counties.
California’s largest blueberry export market is Canada, and has been for many years.
With a forecasted 5% growth in production for 2024, the Mexican avocado industry continues to reign supreme. A recent report by the USDA puts this year’s production at 2.77 million tons as trade and demand remain strong.
The United States is the largest importer of Mexican avocados, taking 81% of shipments. Exports to the U.S. were valued at USD$2.7 billion in 2023. Canada, Japan, and Spain complete the podium as top buyers.
Until July 2022, Michoacán was the only Mexican avocado-producing state eligible to export to the United States. With Jalisco entering the game, overall exports rose 17% year-on-year in 2023.
Production has grown steadily during the past ten years, mostly due to increasing demand, as well as rising domestic consumption. According to official data, annual per capita avocado consumption in Mexico grew from about 18 pounds in 2021 to nearly 24 pounds in 2023.
However, Mexicans continue to see avocados as a luxury item, and the fruit is not included in the basic food basket defined by the government.
Between 2014 and 2023, production volumes grew nearly 75%, reaching 2.65 million tons. These figures have kept Mexico well-grounded as the number one avocado producer globally.
Additional data from Mexico’s Agri-Food and Fisheries Information System (SIAP) said production reached 2.65 million tons in 2023. This was a 4% increase year-on-year.
Acreage has also seen exponential growth, going from 434,757 acres in 2014 to 636,471 in 2023.
Reedley, CA — Fruit World, a fresh and creative produce company, has announced a strong start and an abundant supply of organic stone fruit this season. Fruit World is poised to offer retailers and wholesalers substantial volumes nationwide as the early season kicks off.
Focusing on premium organic stone fruit, Fruit World strives for consistent taste and quality. “This season, our organic apricots and sweet cherries take center stage, showcasing their most abundant volumes yet, arriving three weeks ahead of last year,” shared Cindy Richter, Director of Sales at Fruit World.
The season will start with apricots from Blossom Hill, a multi-generational, pollinator-friendly family farm. Promising strong volumes expected to ship through the end of June, organic and conventional apricots will be available in multiple pack styles, including 100% recyclable packaging, staying true to their eco-conscious ethos. Fruit World will also ship early-season Dreamcot and Solcots out of Reedley for the first two to three weeks in May.
Recognized for providing some of the earliest organic cherries and apricots in the market, Fruit World is well-prepared for spring promotions. Cindy stated, “With California’s famed ‘banana belt’ microclimate, our stone fruit experienced perfect weather for pollination and ideal growing conditions, resulting in a robust supply.” Early organic sweet cherry varieties such as Tioga, Lynn, Hazel, and Coral have experienced a full fruit set, and some have already started to color up. The recent rain is expected to have had a minor effect on the supply, but nothing that Fruit World expects to have a substantial impact.
“All of these factors have aligned to create a strong apricot and cherry program that will be on schedule to meet the needs of spring promotions, notably the Memorial Day surge in demand,” shared Cindy.
About Fruit World
Fruit World is a fresh and creative produce company with generations of history. Fruit World grows and ships the most flavorful fruit in California—including organic and conventional citrus, organic grapes, organic stone fruit, and more—and works with customers who share a passion for quality and taste. They’re all about honoring their growers, staying true to their farming heritage, and keeping family farming thriving for future generations. Visit fruitworldco.com.
rwpMexican spring table grapes are now crossing the border from the Jalisco growing area, and U.S. grape shipments from California’s Coachella Valley should get started in May.
The official estimate for this year has yet to be released, but Pandol Bros. Inc. of Delano, CA predicts volume will be between 22 million and 24 million boxes.
Last year, Mexican growers shipped about 25 million 18-pound boxes of table grapes to the U.S.
Growers launched an early grape program in Jalisco about five years ago because producers in similar tropical climates such as Brazil, North Peru and India were growing good-quality table grapes. This year, the SEASON began April 1.
Sonora grape shipments out of Mexico should start by May 6.
Grapes from California ship from May to January and represent 99% of all commercially grown table grapes in the U.S.
The California harvest begins in the Coachella Valley in late spring and moves north to the San Joaquin Valley by mid-July.
The state’s growers shipped 77 million 19-pound boxes last year, just over 2 million of which came from the Coachella Valley. That figure was up from about 1.9 million boxes the prior year.
Fresh Farms, is entering its sixth season growing grapes in Jalisco with increased volume each year. The company started with the green Sweet Globe variety and some red Sweet Celebration grapes and Cotton Candy. Now the varieties are expanding.
Divine Flavor of Nogles, AZ ships from Jalisco, which started around March 25 and continues until the middle of May.
Last year Divine Flavor packed about 1 million boxes of premium grape varieties, and this year the firm expects expect to pack approximately 1.8 million boxes.
In the primary production area of Sonora, Divine Flavor expects to be on par with its previous years of around 5 million to 6 million boxes of grapes, which is close to 20% to 25% of the total volume from Mexico.
Bari Produce LLC of Fresno, CA will kick off its central California table grape season in mid-July.
Grower, marketer and distributor Oppy, with offices in Nogales, is set to double its Mexican grape volume for the 2024 season, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to expanding its 365 program.
The enhanced lineup will now include sought-after Sun World varieties, such as AUTUMNCRISP® and RUBY RUSH®. Initial assessments of the grape crop indicate a promising season ahead, with estimates suggesting industry volumes will fall within the 22-24 million box range.
In a move to optimize efficiency and freshness, Oppy has redesigned its supply chain by using its cold storage facilities in Los Angeles for 20% of its volume, reducing mileage and enhancing truck availability. Oppy has also sharpened its focus on exports, particularly into Asian markets, through Delica North America Inc., in which Oppy owns 50% share.
This news comes after Oppy’s strategic joint venture was announced with Sun Grape USA earlier this year — forming Sun Grape California LLC — An Oppy Company. This collaboration ensures a consistent supply of year-round high-quality grapes, complementing Oppy’s global reach from Peru, Brazil, Chile, South Africa and Mexico, alongside extensive acreage in California.
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. Go to oppy.com to learn more.
CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WAS is poised to make waves this summer, adding significant volume and expanded seasonal availability to complement their expansive cherry portfolio.
CMI’s cherry season is expected to start sometime towards late May or early June.
Bob Mast, President of CMI, adds that the acquisition of Starr Ranch growers in November 2023 substantially bolstered CMI’s cherry supply with supply partners Custom Apple Packers in Wenatchee WA, and Diamond Fruit Growers in Hood River, OR.
“By welcoming Starr Ranch into the CMI family, we’re set to handle about 20% of all cherries grown in the Northwest,” says Mast. “This isn’t just a small step—it’s a giant leap that increases our cherry supply by 70% and expands the time we are able to be in the market. We’ll be able to start the season earlier and keep going later. This move positions us to become one of the strongest, most significant players in the cherry arena.”
Jim Thomas, owner of Starr Ranch growers, highlights the importance of the partnership. “This alliance brought together two distinguished companies to address market needs,” he states. “Retailers have been seeking earlier cherry availability and an extended season. By merging our strengths, we are now equipped to fulfill these requests, providing our customers with high-quality cherries throughout the entire Northwest cherry season.”
CMI’s impressive portfolio includes Red, Rainier, organic, Jumbo XXL®, Skylar Rae® and Strawberry cherries, and CMI’s flagship American Dream® program for merchandising around key patriotic holidays and summer promotions, Mast says. “We truly have a cherry for every shopper, every market and every demographic,” he added. “And now with our expanded seasonal availability, retailers can reap the rewards of cherry season for even longer.”
Joel Hewitt, CMI’s Vice President of Sales, shares that while it’s still a little too early to estimate the total production volume for Northwest cherries, the growing season is progressing nicely with minimal weather impacts to report.
“We had a few prolonged sub zero days at the tail end of winter which impacted bud development in some regions, but the extent to which this impacted the crop is not yet known. The warmer spring days we’re having could push harvest ahead by a couple of days–time will tell,” he says. “We’re hopeful for a stellar season ahead and encourage retailers to work with us on summer cherry plans well ahead of time–especially for American Dream July 4 promotions. Cherry season will be here before we know it!”
Hewitt shared that the Starr alliance added an additional cherry packing facility to the CMI family. “Having four advanced cherry packing operations means we can be more nimble and responsive to the needs of our customers, allowing us to run specialty packs and varieties in addition to our regular Red and Rainier cherry volume.”
With the largest selection of specialty cherries available in the U.S.A, being nimble is of high importance to their business, he added, sharing the technology used ensures only the highest quality cherries leave our warehouses. “Hydro-cooling, tunnel cooling, next generation optical sorting, robotic palletizers, automated packing lines–our owners have invested in the latest technology to help us deliver the very best quality we can,” Hewitt added. “This commitment to excellence is what sets CMI apart and allows our delicious Northwest cherries to shine on the produce shelf.”
CMI’s cherry season is expected to start sometime towards late May or early June.
About CMI Orchards
CMI Orchards is one of the Pacific Northwest’s largest growers, shippers and packers of premium quality conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries. Based in Wenatchee, WA, CMI Orchards delivers outstanding fruit across the U.S.A. and exports to over 60 countries worldwide.
Growing conditions have been good this spring in California and that should translate into heavy shipments of vegetables from the Salinas Valley.
Tanimura & Antle of Salinas, CA offers a diverse range of staple commodities such as iceberg lettuce, romaine, celery, broccoli, cauliflower and mixed-leaf items.
The company has an exclusive Artisan family of products including Artisan Lettuce, Artisan Romaine, Artisan Sweet Gem, Artisan Baby Iceberg, Artisan Sweet Broccoli, Artisan Dew Drop Cabbage and Artisan Sweet Italian Red Onions.
T&A anticipates a decrease in industry supplies this spring season compared the last year.
Over the past several years, the industry has experienced market challenges, prompting a conservative approach to planting volumes rather than overplanting in pursuit of new business. As a result, overall volumes should be lower than average.
Nature’s Reward of Salinas grows broccoli, strawberries, iceberg lettuce, romaine hearts, leaf lettuce, endive, escarole, romanesco and cauliflower. The company’s celery is grown in Oxnard, C/a.
Nature’s Reward is a fourth generation land-owning grower, packer, and shipper, with anticipates stable plantings and volume this spring.
California weather and rainfall has been benefical this year to help ease perennial water issues.
Foxy Organic has transitioned from Yuma, AZ to the Salinas Valley where it will continue to grow its line of conventional and organic items.
Key spring crops are conventional and organic lettuce and leafy greens.
The crops anticipates good quality and condition this spring season with steady volume.
From late May to the middle of October, Foxy Organic produce will be shipped out of The Walker River Cooler in Yerington, NV. The location in Nevada brings the product closer to its customers, easily saving a day and a half in transportation time with carriers not having to come in and out of California. This provides Foxy customers fresher product with less shrink.
Ocean Mist Farms grows nearly 30 fresh vegetable items during the spring growing season in the Castroville and Salinas area.
It largest crop is artichokes, but the firm are major growers of lettuce, romaine, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower.
Ocean Mist received above average rainfall this winter, but the storms were nicely spread out and the company was able to access fields to get crops planted on time, with no major issues.