Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus this season have suffered from unfavorable weather in growing regions, industry leaders say.
“The asparagus import industry has seen a month-over-month 40% decline in production,” the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association said in a news release.
The forecast and anticipated arrivals into the U.S. will continue to be lower than expected through August and possibly September , according to the group, which discussed the asparagus industry’s 2023 production difficulties at the its June 22 board meeting in Miami, the release said.
Peru went over 40 years without a cyclone, but in early March 2023 Cyclone Yaku reached northern Peru and dumped a year’s worth of rainfall on some growing regions, the release said.
In addition, El Niño’s heavy rains have negatively affected asparagus production, harvest and logistics in the north, according to the release. Extreme precipitation has rendered about 40% or more of the fields to “regrowth” and delayed the harvest, according to the release. This weather phenomenon of heavy rains has destroyed roads and created mudslides and floods making transportation impossible, the release said.
El Niño weather conditions have increased growing temperatures to 80-95 F in some areas, well above historical average temperatures ranging from 65-70 F, the release said. High temperatures stress production and trigger lower-than-expected harvests.
The release said the Peruvian Asparagus Importers Association believes it will have a promising fourth quarter as production moves to the south, which has not been affected.
USDA statistics from 2022 show that Peru shipped asparagus to the U.S. in every month, with total shipments of 217 million pounds, second only to Mexico’s 361 million pounds among global asparagus suppliers to the U.S.
The USDA reports that through late June, U.S. imports of Peruvian asparagus were off nearly 40% compared with the same time a year ago.
Peruvian mandarin/tangerine production is forecast down slightly at 550,000 metric tons in the marketing year 2023-24 (March 2023 to February 2024), with exports expected to increase by 1% to reach 222,000 metric tons in the marketing year, the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service said in its semi-annual report on Peruvian citrus. This volume would be similar to the previous season.
“Despite a late start to the harvest season due to unusually warm weather, producers expect a solid crop later in the year,” the report said.
Citrus exports to the U.S. are expected to fall slightly to 122,000 metric tons but will likely remain Peru’s top market, the report said.
USDA shipment data indicated the top volume month for U.S. imports of Peruvian tangerines/mandarins was August, when 40% of Peru’s 2022 volume arrived in the U.S. Other top volume months were July (14%), September (20%), June (11%) and October (6%).
Last season, Peru exported 63% of its mandarins/tangerines to the U.S., with 8% shipped to the United Kingdom and 8% to Holland. Peru’s mandarin/tangerine planted area is estimated at 54,360 acres, the report said.
The major mandarin/tangerine production areas in Peru are in the central, semi-tropical coastal regions with good availability of water, of which the regions of Lima, Junín and Ica represent 85% of the country’s production of mandarins and tangerines, the report said.
Approximately 50% of Peru’s overall production achieves the size, color and flavor profile (acidity and sweetness) demanded by the international market, the report said.
Currently, government data indicates there are 379 mandarin/tangerine orchards in Peru, with 30 packing and treatment facilities, according to the report.
North Carolina fresh fruit and vegetable shipments rose 6% in 2022 when compared with 2021, according to USDA data.
Total North Carolina truck shipments of fresh produce commodities in 2022 totaled 1.1 billion pounds, up from 1.04 billion pounds the USDA reported in 2021.
The biggest month for North Carolina fresh produce shipments in 2022 was July, when the USDA said state’s shippers moved 305.2 million pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables. February was the lowest month for shipments, with the USDA reporting 43.6 million pounds of produce moved that month.
The biggest fresh commodity in the state is sweet potatoes, and the USDA reported truck shipments of 494.9 million pounds for 2022, down about 6% from 524.7 million pounds in 2021. The biggest month for North Carolina sweet potato truck shipments in 2022 was April, when the state’s shippers moved 52.6 million pounds for the month.
Here are USDA reported annual truck shipments for North Carolina fresh produce items in 2022, with percentage change from 2021:
- Apples: 7.3 million pounds, up 115%.
- Beans: 7 million pounds, up 35%.
- Blueberries: 21.2 million pounds, up 27%.
- Organic blueberries: 400,000 pounds, unchanged.
- Broccoli: 3.3 million pounds, up 22%.
- Cabbage: 37 million pounds, up 17%.
- Cucumbers: 11.4 million, up 20%.
- Eggplant: 2.2 million, up 16%.
- Greens: 15.4 million, up 27%.
- Miscellaneous berries: 5.1 million pounds, up 19%.
- Bell peppers: 33.5 million pounds, up 31%.
- Other peppers: 4.8 million pounds, up 85%.
- Potatoes: 14.1 million pounds, up 2%.
- Chipper potatoes: 210.4 million pounds, up 12%.
- Squash: 4.3 million pounds, up 5%.
- Strawberries: 4.3 million pounds, down 7%.
- Sweet potatoes: 494.4 million pounds, down 6%.
- Tomatoes: 2.4 million pounds, down 8%.
- Grape tomatoes: 300,000 pounds, down 25%.
- Plum tomatoes: 500,000 pounds, up 150%.
- Seeded watermelon: 9.2 million pounds, down 3%.
- Seedless watermelon: 223.2 million pounds, up 24%.
- State total: 1.1 billion pounds, up 6%.
Cape Town, South Africa – Summer Citrus from South Africa entered its 25th shipping season with the support of the MSC Shirley and fruit arrived into the U.S. in late May. Despite recent heavy rainfall in the Western Cape and in Citrusdal, where SCSA’s growers are primarily located, the group is reorganizing after days without electricity, and a lack of access to citrus groves and some roads. The reality is that load shedding is part of their daily lives, and the Western Cape is a winter rainfall area. Despite the challenges and a minor setback with timing, SCSA promises that high-quality fruit is on the way weekly for the rest of the summer.
“We kicked off our 25th season on a positive note and we followed our inaugural vessel, the MSC Shirley, immediately with other vessels that are now en route to the Port of Philadelphia as we gained momentum through the month June,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “Our business is all about managing our challenges and utilizing our opportunities collectively. The news highlighting conditions in the Western Cape has certainly raised concerns about the season ahead and I’m here to confirm, fruit for the summer is on the way.”
New to its 25th shipping season, the group from SCSA has gained access to deliver fruit to both sides of the Delaware River at the Port of Philadelphia confirming a steady and plentiful weekly supply of citrus from the Western Cape of South Africa, both with conventional and container vessels. This new approach to citrus shipments provides a significant advantage for the group, in providing sustained long term shipping opportunities, for the planned growth of the program in the near future.
“Supply is up to expectations and ready to satisfy the demand for citrus in the U.S. throughout the summer. I can confirm weekly arrivals of either conventional or containers or both, will arrive at the Port of Philadelphia from July onwards for the remainder of the season.” said Conradie. “Our unique model of collaboration has proven successful yet again, and we have not only forecasted a healthy supply of citrus, but we’re also committed to delivering fruit to satisfy the U.S. market with the finest summer citrus available in the world. This is why SCSA remains the preferred supplier of citrus in the U.S. during the summer months.”
SCSA operates in an area with a Mediterranean climate where winter rainfall forms an essential part of the planned sustained growth for future years. A video is available to illustrate SCSA’s plan and includes messages from the group’s Board of Directors to kick off its 25th season of shipping fresh citrus to the U.S.
About Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA)
Summer Citrus from South Africa represents a group of South African citrus growers who consolidate their logistics, marketing, and sales efforts to bring the finest citrus fruit to market during the U.S. summer season. Established in 1999 and re-branded for expanded marketing efforts in 2016, the group provides Navels, Midknights, East Peelers, Star Ruby Grapefruit and Cara-Cara oranges for the U.S. market. For more information about Summer Citrus from South Africa, visitwww.summercitrus.com and visit the brand’sFacebook,Instagram andTwitter pages.
Mexican avocado volumes have plunged resulting in greater demand California product, according to a weekly update by California Avocado Society.
The Ventura-based non-profit reported a 15% increase in California avocado yields two weeks ago, with field quotes rising about 25% in the past two weeks.
With this, California avocado field prices are the highest they’ve been all season.
Higher temperatures are urging producers in southern California to harvest more heavily, and the organization projected a 13-14 million pound harvest for the first week of July.
Late season Mexican avocado imports amounted to only 25 million pounds, and the more ripe fruit quality shortens its shelf-life.
This has left the U.S. market needing more, but shipments from California and Peru remain too low to supply the growing demand.
As theFourth of July approached, the industry had low inventories, which were below 50 million pounds.
The imbalance in the market may require several weeks to right itself, the non-profit says.
“The…crop was unable to fill the gap left by the Mexican sector, because it wasn’t released for export to the U.S. until this week. Jalisco’s Mendez crop also was released for export this week,” California Avocado Society said in a release.
As for varieties, GEM-brand from Westfalia has slowed as its season winds down. Lamb Hass is catching this good pricing window just as harvest ramps up.
Mexico’s supplies are expected to bounce back in a few weeks.
Following the recent frosts and rains in Chile, the Citrus Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has revised its export projections for the 2023/24 season. The Committee estimates that Chile will export 348,000 tons of citrus, 30% more than last year, but three percent lower than the previous estimate made in May of 2023.
Comments Juan Enrique Ortúzar, president of the Chilean Citrus Committee, “The frost damage to citrus was quite limited, but there are some sectors of orchards that suffered damage, mainly in the O’Higgins region.”
Regarding the rains, Ortúzar assures that the effect on citrus, in general, is positive. “Even though harvesting had to be stopped for a few days, we now have a guarantee of some water supply for this winter when irrigation canals must be cleaned. There were some orchards that suffered flooding because they were in low-lying areas, but nothing major.”
The first estimates this April indicated an export volume for Clementines of 55,000 tons, 125,000 tons for mandarins, 95,000 tons for oranges, and 75,000 tons for lemons. In May, the Mandarin volume estimate was updated to 135,000 tons. The latest projection indicates a small increase in Clementine volume to 58,000 tons and a decrease for mandarins to 125,000 tons. The orange estimate remains unchanged, while lemons have decreased to 70,000 tons.
Manager of the Chilean Citrus Committee, Monserrat Valenzuela, points out that “the estimated volumes will always have some fluctuations due to external factors such as weather conditions, freight costs, logistics, market issues, etc.” She also emphasizes that the Citrus Committee is committed to “updating estimates throughout the season so that customers around the world can receive accurate, timely information and adjust their programs accordingly.”
The Committee has a work plan (frost action manual) to prevent the export of frost-damaged fruit. This includes the installation of thermographs in the orchards and the temporary suspension of harvesting in the affected orchards or sectors until the fruit is checked and it is confirmed that it complies with the corresponding export tolerances, says Valenzuela.
Volumes through week 25
As of Week 25, (Week of June 19), clementine exports had reached 51,474 tons, which is 76% more than the same period of the 2022 season. Mandarin shipments are just starting, with 59 tons exported so far this season. Chile has shipped 11,014 tons of oranges, 45% more than the same period last season. Lemons are the only category with a slight decrease in season-to-date shipments, with an exported volume of 14,287 tons, a five percent decrease from last year.
Oceanside, CA — The only pole-grown operation west of the Mississippi, Oceanside Pole began shipping the season’s first vine-ripened tomatoes at the end of June alongside exclusive marketer Oppy.
The first harvest of roma tomatoes is anticipated in late June, followed by rounds in mid-July. Peak volume is expected from late August through September and October, culminating around the Thanksgiving season.
Oceanside Pole expects 3.4 million cases of rounds and romas from its 700-acre farm in California in addition to 160 acres out of Mexico, all produced to the same high standards upheld by its management teams and growers, ensuring a consistent product. The unique growing method raises fruit off the ground to improve airflow — and therefore tomato quality — to ripen to its juicy, robust taste, naturally on the vine, then harvested at retail specifications to arrive at precise perfection.
“Each plant is harvested an average of 18 times, ensuring tomatoes are hand-selected to specific ripeness,” said Senior Sales Representative James Galindo. “We even pick, ship and deliver to retailers within 24 hours, ensuring their shoppers have the exact tomatoes they’re looking for on their shelves.”
Naturipe Farms anticipates shipping a good crop of Michigan blueberries, with peak loadings from mid-July through mid-August, but lasting into mid September.
The company, which has an office in Grand Junction, likes growing blueberries in Michigan because of Lake Michigan’s temperature moderating effect and the sandy loam soils. These factors create a great environment to grow blueberries near the shores of Lake Michigan.
Naturipe grows both conventional and organic blueberries in Michigan.
The company supplements its organic supply with blueberries from the Pacific Northwest, as they will be coming into peak season around the same time. Naturipe’s organic volumes are stronger from the Pacific Northwest and Peru during July and August.
California is the top producer of peaches and its lead over second place South Carolina third place Georgia is even greater this year. While excellent growing conditions is producing a big California crop, a March freeze means anywhere from 70 to 90 percent fewer peaches in the Southeast, depending on the area.
The California Fresh Fruit Association reports the biggest supplier of U.S. peaches is in good shape.
California tree fruit shippers also report full crops of tree fruit are seen for the remainder of the season, which includes July and August. Shipments started in June. The combination of ample water, plenty of chill hours and little stress on the trees should result in good quality and good sizing.
Meanwhile, growers in middle Georgia may have only 5% to 10% of a crop, and whatever harvesting there is will be accomplished by bagging fruit in the field rather than running their packing lines.
In 2022, Georgia’s 24,800 tons of peaches ranked a distant third in the U.S., trailing California’s 475,000 tons, and South Carolina’s 67,400 tons.
The Ridge growing area, which is the biggest peach area in South Carolina, has some growers with as little as 10% of a full crop and most have about 20% of a full crop. However, at least a couple of growers are expecting 30% or more of a full crop, in part because of the use of wind machines during a cold snap.
South Carolina will have much more volume than Georgia but much of it might not get packed. The season also has advanced two to three weeks for many mid- and late-season varieties so South Carolina will likely be finished by early August, especially in regard to packing the fruit.
New Jersey, the seventh-ranked peach state in 2022 with 7,000 tons, will have a good crop this year.
Growers have a heavy crop of peaches in about 95% of the state’s orchards.
Salinas Valley vegetable shipments have been reduced for much of 2023 due to rain, floods, cold and cloudy weather. However, warmer weather is now leading to bigger volume and loading opportunties.
Impatiens necrotic spot virus – INSV – a daunting lettuce pest in recent years, may be a problem as warm weather otherwise boosts Salinas production.
The most recent chilly, cloudy weather cleared in mid-June, which is increasing Salinas vegetable production and shipments. Sales and marketing company Produce West of Salinas, CA reports the slow start to the season was all weather related, resulting in a two week delay in plantings.
Salinas celery has a lot of seeders and yields are down.
In Salinas, INSV has been a problem for the last three years, although not much of a problem so far this year. However, there are concerns it may be a problem with warmer temperatures. The virus sucks the life out of plants. Santa Maria also is discovering a little INSV now. That’s not a good sign if they have warmer weather.