Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Ocean Mist Farms says it is wrapping up a successful spring artichoke season as the company transitions into its Northern California summer season.
“We’ve been very pleased with the excellent quality and sizing this spring crop produced,” Ben Wilson, commodity account manager for Ocean Mist Farms, said in a news release. “The varieties we grow in our northern region have been specially selected or developed to perform well in this unique coastal climate, just as our desert varieties are tailored to thrive in our Southern California winter growing region.”
Ocean Mist Farms said its spring and summer artichokes are grown from perennial plants that perform best in cooler climates and thrive in temperate weather environments, especially coastal areas, with a low risk of frost.
“Artichokes love a Mediterranean climate, which we are fortunate to have here in the Monterey Bay area,” Wilson said. “Cool-climate crops thrive in foggy environments all summer long. Add in the rich, fertile soils of this region, along with sunny but mild days and cool nights, and you’ve got the perfect conditions for growing premium-quality artichokes.”
While the company’s popular purple artichoke season has concluded until next winter, Ocean Mist Farms said it expects steady volumes of globe artichokes over the next couple weeks.
“There is typically a slight dip in supply as we transition into our summer crop,” Wilson said, “but with preplanning, retailers can still take advantage of promotable volumes throughout the summer.”
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Press Release
After a brief heat wave throughout California’s Salinas Valley growing region, some fields and varieties are developing heat-related challenges, primarily on lettuce and tender leaf items. Markon (Cooperative of Salinas, CA) inspectors are observing quality challenges such as:
- Dehydration/wilting
- Growth cracks
- Increased insect pressure
- Internal burn/tip burn
- Discoloration/yellowing leaves
- Shortened shelf-life
- Two significant heat spikes were recorded in mid- and late May. The warm, dry conditions have been ideal for insects such as thrips to flourish.
- Thrip insects commonly cause orange speckled blemishes on various lettuce crops. If infected with INSV, they will spread the disease to the plants they feed on.
- Infected plants will develop necrotic lesions throughout the leaves that will make the heads unmarketable. Fields that are severely impacted by INSV can see dramatic yield loss.
- Currently, the presence of INSV is not widespread, but combined with other soil diseases such as sclerotinia and fusarium wilt, some growers’ yields are falling.
- Markon inspectors will continue to work closely with suppliers, evaluating commodity and value-added items while working to minimize heat-related challenges.
- As always, cold chain management throughout the supply chain is critical for maximizing the quality and shelf-life of perishable produce items.
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- ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Colombia, the fourth largest exporter of Hass avocados to the U.S., is preparing to supply 130 million pounds to the U.S. market during the 2025 spring-summer season.
With maturing orchards, expanded production, and a growing shift in export volume to the U.S. market, peak volumes are expected at the end of April and into May. It is also projected that Hass avocados from this traviesa season will be available through August.
Avocados from Colombia offer year-round supply with two seasons. The main season starting in the fall, from approximately September to February, and the secondary traviesa season beginning in the spring, from approximately March to August.
Since receiving USDA approval for the importation of Hass Avocado to the United States in 2017, Colombia’s avocado industry has experienced year-over-year growth, driven by expansion of certified acres and packinghouses.
Following a successful and extended main harvest season, which contributed 50 million pounds to the U.S. market, Colombia’s avocado industry is poised for continued growth in 2025. Consistent rainfall, and favorable tropical climate conditions have led to stronger yields and enhanced fruit quality for the upcoming traviesa season.
However, sustained success depends not only on favorable conditions, but also on applying expanded learnings and adopting new avocado rootstock specific to the growing conditions in Colombia. As the foundation of a tree, high-quality rootstock plays a critical role in producing consistent volumes, and higher quality fruit, ensuring long-term growth and resilience of Colombia’s avocado industry.
“As U.S. avocado consumption continues to grow, diversifying supply sources with options like Colombia is essential to meeting consumer demand and ensuring the category’s long-term success,” says Manuel Michel, Managing Director of the Colombia Avocado Board.
“Over the last 25 years, avocado consumption has increased from 2.1 pounds per capita to 9.2 pounds per capita, with 76% of households now purchasing avocados,” Michel adds. “Colombia’s avocado industry is still developing, but through collaboration and a commitment to best practices, growers are focused on delivering the quality and eating experience that consumers expect.”
With projected volumes for this traviesa season, Colombia is set to increase its U.S. market share through August, surpassing previous years. Most of the fruit will continue to be shipped to East Coast ports. The primary fruit size is expected to be 60’s, with the early crop skewing smaller at 70’s. Additionally, 48’s and 84’s will be available throughout the season, ensuring a diverse size range to meet market demand.
“It feels like the start of a new era,” states Brock Becker, CAB Secretary and Importer Director from Mission Produce. “After years of gradual production growth and industry learning, we are making significant progress in developing confidence with the Colombian origin that benefits both retailers and consumers. Last year, was pivotal for us in supporting new in-store experiences to introduce Colombian fruit to the U.S. market.”
Becker finished by saying, “Like anything new, there is always room for improvement, but we are confident that Colombia is becoming a reliable year-round supply option for U.S. buyers.”
The Colombia Avocado Board offers promotional funds to support U.S. avocado buyers. With the traviesa season underway, now is the perfect time to source from a region that delivers year-round supply, fast shipping to the East Coast, and flexible promotional opportunities. To schedule a meeting, email marketing@avocadoscolombia.com to talk with the marketing team and explore strategies to boost your avocado bottom line.
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Excellent cherry shipments are hoped for due to favorable weather this spring in the Pacific Northwest.
Early estimates project a larger cherry crop this season, about 24.5 million boxes, which is about 28% higher than last year. This is up from last year’s 19 million boxes.
Stemilt Growers of Wenatchee, WA grows, packs and ships cherries. The company is highly optimistic due to favorable growing conditions.
CMI Orchards of Wenatchee, WA expressed similar thoughts about the good weather.
A winter freeze impacted the overall 2024 crop size in Washington, but that’s not the case this year, which marketers hope will allow for an extended harvest into September.
Chelan Fresh Marketing of Chelan, WA alluded to how clean a crop this year was shaping up to be. The company expects to have about 10% more cherries this season. It pointed out the region grows more than 60 varieties of cherries, everything from bing, skeena, sweetheart, rainier, coral champagne and Black Pearl.
Peak shipments will be the week of June 23, and the week of July 14. However, ample supplies are seen from mid-June through at least mid-August.
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LGS Specialty Sales of New Rochelle, NY, a leading importer of citrus, avocados, grapes, and persimmons, shares an update on its mandarin supply ahead of the summer season, according to a press release.
The company expects a seamless transition from domestic and Moroccan fruit into southern hemisphere supply offering Clemenules and Orograndes varieties over the next month and then transitioning to W. Murcotts and Tango varieties late-June/early-July.
“This year, we are experiencing excellent timing for southern hemisphere fruit,” said Lucio Rainelli, Director of Sales at LGS Specialty Sales. “Moving directly from Moroccan W. Murcotts to Clementines from the southern hemisphere should alleviate any issues with supply disruption or quality.”
Fruit will be arriving to the U.S. the week of May 12 with heavier supply anticipated the following week. The earlier timeframe ensures quality fruit will remain on the shelves despite the shift in growing regions.
“We are extremely pleased to offer our customers a smooth transition and give consumers an excellent eating experience with this year’s higher volume, great sizing and color,” added Rainelli. “Looking forward to a good summer season ahead!”
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, limes, 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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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Unlike some recent years, favorable growing conditions has California stone fruit growers and shippers optimistic about a good start to the season in late May.
Stone fruit growers were hit hard by Hurricane Hilary in August 2023. They are hoping this year will provide a long season with strong volumes and a good water supply, similar to 2024.
A rainy March has brought much-needed rain to the state. The snowpack in the mountains guarantees a good supply of water for irrigation during summer, as lakes and rivers should maintain strong levels.
Stone fruit grower Mountain View Fruit Sales expects similar volumes from last year.
March 2025 had cooler weather than a year ago which slowed the crop some. However, the season is expected to ramp up in late May, with shipments occurring through the middle of October, weather permitting.
The initial estimate for the season looks very close to last year’s total volume.
Some of the heaviest volume is expected leading up to Memorial Day and for the summer holidays.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Over 30 different fruits and vegetables are produced in Georgia each year, and growers are very optimistic about this summer shipping season.
The Georgia Department of Agriculture reports blueberries, peaches, watermelons and sweet corn are all looking good.
Corbett Brothers Farms LLC of Lake Park, GA shipped watermelon and sweet corn for the first time last year and have them again this summer and loadings get underway on May 20 and continue until July 4.
The company has already started harvesting squash, cucumbers, bell pepper and specialty peppers and wi eggplant. The summer season will end around the Fourth of July, and the fall season will kick off in early September with the same commodities.
Bland Farms of Glennville, GA finished its Vidalia onion harvest in early May and has planting Sand Candy sweet potatoes in Georgia and North Carolina. It now has a year around sweet potato program.
When the Vidalia sweet onion season ends in August, Bland Farms will transition to its Peru premium sweet onion program, which will last through February. Then, the sweet onion seaspm will move to Mexico.
The company also sources sweet onions from Nevada and California.
Shuman Farms of Reidsville, GA will ship Vidalia onions through Labor Day
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA has released these “Live from the Fields” reports on South Georgia cucumbers and squash May 15, 2025:
- Harvesting is ramping up for cucumbers in south Georgia
- MFC Cucumbers are available in various pack sizes
- Quality is very good; supplies are ample
- Supplies are expected to remain available through mid-June
View a Markon “Live from the Fields” video regarding Markon First Crop (MFC) Zucchini and Yellow Squash currently being packed out of the South Georgia growing region.
- Harvesting is ramping up for various dry vegetable crops in Southern Georgia
- MFC Zucchini, and Yellow Squash are available in various pack sizes
- Quality is very good; supplies are ample
- Recent rain and thunderstorms had little or no impact on production
- Supplies are expected to remain available through mid-June *****
- ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
The 2025 crop of Chilean apples from Honeybear Brands—a leading grower, marketer, and developer of conventional and organic apples, pears, and cherries—is now available in the U.S. market.
Among the varieties shipped from South America are Honeycrisp and the exclusive Pazazz, which the company says deliver premium taste and eating quality that consumers will enjoy throughout spring and summer.
This year’s imported season kicked off with a wide range of conventional and organic varieties, including Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Fuji and Honeycrisp apples, as well as Bartlett and Bosc pears.
“Honeybear Brands is the leading apple importer from the Southern Hemisphere, ensuring retailers have premium conditioned fruit to meet shopper expectations year-round,” said Don Roper, vice president of sales and marketing at Honeybear Brands.
Pazazz is a late-season apple that retains its texture and flavor long after other premium varieties. It is ideal as a snack and for culinary preparations.
In December 2024, the USDA said apple production in Chile is forecast mostly unchanged at 920,000 tons as high yields from sufficient winter rainfall and chill hours offset decreased acreage. Additionally, exports are forecast to increase only slightly to 535,000 tons for the 2024-25 season.
Chile is the leading exporter of fresh apples to the U.S., with a 44.7% market share. According to USDA data, the country has averaged over 126 million pounds of apples exported to the U.S. annually in the last five years.
Canada is in second place with almost 50 million pounds of apples annually.
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ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.
Coming off of record shipments last season California blueberries are entering its peak volume period this week with both organic and conventional fruit.
The California Blueberry Commission reports 74.5 million pounds were shipped in 2024.
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA reports peak loadings of organic will occur the first two weeks and lasting June, while peak conventional loadings are now underway.
California Giant Berry Farms is anticipating its conventional fruit harvest to be up more than 30% compared with 2024.
Overall, this year nationwide production is projected at 721 million pounds, down slightly from 740.5 million pounds in 2024.
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The final loading shipments of South American table grapes have been exported and delivered to the U.S. for grower-shipper, Divine Flavor of Nogales, AZ. A few weeks ago the company turned its attention from Chile to their principal growing regions of Jalisco and Sonora, Mexico.
In recent years, April through May has emerged as a pivotal window for Divine Flavor, with their Jalisco operation kicking off right as the Chilean season concludes with its final shipments. A consistent supply of fresh, high-quality premium varieties—like Autumncrisp, Cotton Candy, and Sweet Globe (all proprietary green seedless grapes)—has played a vital role in supporting a seamless transition for their North American retail partners.
The company notes historically the red seedless would exceed green seedless demand, but slowly that has shifted to a point where in most cases greens now double the demand of reds. Part of this is due to the popularity of the Autumncrisp variety, as well as Sweet Globe, Cotton Candy, among others.
Last April, Mexico Table Grapes Association (AALPUM) announced around 23 million boxes for 2025 (about a 1.3% increase from 2024), and there, it was reported Sonora could see a delay on early-season varieties to start the season, but with volumes picking up in June.
With the early varieties, the Sonoran grape season will see some delays on reds and a smaller crop of Flames than from previous years. But once it approaches the mid-season of harvest, reds will bounce back with better volume, and there will be good volume in June. The company expects to have about an 18% increase from Sonora program.
Divine Flavor finished its last grape shipments from Chile around the end of April (with inventories going into the first weeks of May). Their Jalisco grape program is currently midway through its harvest and will go until the end of May. The company will start its Sonoran grape program with the first organic grapes from Mexico around the middle of May which will go into the end of July.
ALLEN LUND COMPANY, TRANSPORTATION BROKERS, LOOKING FOR REEFER CARRIERS: 1-800-404-5863.