Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
Shipments of domestic raspberries and blackberries has ramped up, and with shipments underway from Mexico. Growers anticipate an overall good season this year despite a slower start than last year.
The USDA reports as of April 19, black berry loadings was at about 6.3 million pounds from California, Georgia and North Carolina, down from about 9.5 million pounds at the same time in 2024. Total 2024 fresh market volume was 62.3 million pounds.
Fresh market shipments of raspberries as of April 19 was 720,000 pounds from California, down from 1.9 million pounds in 2024. Total fresh market volume for 2024 was 63.5 million pounds of conventional and 27.7 million pounds of organic.
North Bay Produce of Traverse City, MI sources blackberries from Mexico year-round, while Georgia started in May, followed by North Carolina in June. Raspberries are shipped from Mexico from October to June and from California from June to October.
California Giant Berry Farms of Watsonville, CA has peak shipments of raspberries from August to November. Peak loadings for blackberries is June through October. Both are sourced primarily from Watsonville and Mexico.
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The Mexican Table Grapes Association reports heavy rains hit the Corborca producing area and affected primarily the red grape variety of Flames.
Nearly 2 inches of rain severely impacted the grape-producing area right before peak harvest and will affect early shipments of variety the most. An early damage estimate sees 50 to 60 percent of the crop in that production area lost.
The association reported the Hermosillo area, which also has significant production, did not suffer major damage. Last year, production reached 6 million boxes of Flame grapes across the three regions: Hermosillo, Guaymas, and Caborca. Guaymas is the smallest, Hermosillo had nearly 300,000 boxes, and Caborca produced 2.6 million boxes. This year, they had only harvested about 155,000 boxes as its season was just beginning.
Despite the weather event, about 12 to 15 million boxes of fruit is expected to be shipped in the coming weeks. The initial forecast was for a total of 24 million boxes.
As the offshore melon season ends, the Westside Produce and Classic Fruit Alliance have announced the kickoff of the domestic melon season in Arizona and California. “The team is gearing up for another great year with first picks out of Arizona expected next week,” both companies said in a release.
Patricio indicated the domestic season started in Yuma, AZ, on May 19th, with stable volumes starting June 1st.
“We are entering year 4 of our alliance together, providing year-round supplies of melons to our valued customers,” said Garrett Patricio, president of Westside Produce. “We have developed synergies as partners and satisfied our goal of being the one-stop shop for melons year-round. We will continue working together to make this goal a reality.”
Then, they will transition to Firebaugh by July 1st, “where we plan to have sufficient acreage and volume to cover contract customers and provide some market opportunities for regular customers. In addition, we have new trial varieties planted in every block in Yuma. We are also being planned out of California to seek the highest quality and flavor available.”
The allied companies said they have also begun preparations for the 2025/26 winter import season, fulfilling their mission of providing melons 52 weeks a year.
The main melon-producing states in the U.S. are California, Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
Pacific Trellis Fruit, home to the Dulcinea brand, introduced a new line of premium melons: Dulcinea Pure Perfection melons.
This collection of high-flavor, high-quality melons is designed to elevate the consumer eating experience with exceptional sweetness, texture and juiciness, according to a news release.
“We are enthusiastic to introduce the Pure Perfection line to our customers,” said Rob Markel, vice president of sales, melon division for Pacific Trellis Fruit. “These melons represent the pinnacle of flavor and quality, meeting the consumer demand for superior-tasting fruit that delivers an unforgettable eating experience.”
The Pure Perfection lineup will launch with three distinct varieties, available June through September:
- Pure Sweetness — An extra sweet cantaloupe-like variety celebrated for its incredibly juicy, soft, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.
- Pure Sunshine — A firm yet juicy honeydew-like melon offering a refreshing, smooth and sweet taste.
- Pure Crunch — An oblong Chinese Hami melon featuring a crisp, refreshing texture with hints of honey and pear.
- Beyond the launch of Pure Perfection melons, Pacific Trellis Fruit continues to offer a diverse and robust melon program. The company remains the innovator of the mini-seedless watermelon, PureHeart, and grows the full-size, seedless Sugar Daddy watermelon, both available in organic options. Other premium offerings include the Tuscan-style extra sweet cantaloupe and the SunnyGold yellow mini-seedless watermelon.
- The company ships its mini-seedless and full-size watermelons year round from growing regions in Mexico, Arizona, California and Idaho, with an offshore program in Guatemala. Seasonal melon programs include the Tuscan-style, extra sweet cantaloupe and the SunnyGold yellow, seedless mini watermelon. The Tuscans will begin shipping from Arizona in May and California in July, whereas the SunnyGold will start in May from Mexico, moving to Arizona in June and California in July. The Dulcinea program will have a steady melon supply throughout the summer months, ripe for promotional opportunities.
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Optimism abounds in the Northwest as the cherry shipping season has arrived. Favorable weather has growers and shippers ready for a good start, followed by heavy shipments.
Orchard View Cherries of Dalles, OR is looking to a promising season and is expected to kick things off on June 12.
With more than a century of expertise growing cherries on the banks of Oregon’s Columbia River, Orchard View is forecasting excellent quality, consistent large sizing and mature sugars, and a 30% increase in volume over last year.
“This season is progressing beautifully,” shared Brenda Thomas, president of Orchard View. “Our trees came through a mild winter looking strong, and after an exceptional pollination period, they’re now bursting with more cherries than we saw in 2024. We’re thrilled to be entering this season with moderate conditions that are ideal for producing high-quality fruit.”
With promotable volumes beginning the last week of June, ample supply will be ready for July 4 celebrations and continue through the season. The team expects a smooth transition from California to Northwest fruit, ensuring uninterrupted availability for retailers and consumers during the peak summer season.
The company focuses exclusively on cherries, with over 90% of fruit shipped raised on the 3,500 acres it grows on. Each variety — Chelan, Bing, Kordia, Rainier, Lapins, Regina, Skeena and Sweetheart — is carefully matched to its optimal microclimate and elevation for peak performance.
Early Northwest cherry 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.
Some young cherry plantings in the Pacific Northwest have started to produce, which adds to overall supply.
Chelan Fresh Marketing of Chelan, WA expects to have about 10 percent more cherries this season.
CMI Orchards of Wenachee, WA expresses similar optimism.
A few cherries started in the Pacific Northwest around June 1 and it will be late June for British Columbia cherries.
Peak shipments will be the week of June 23 and the week of July 14. There will be ample loadings occurring from mid-June through at least mid-August.
Loadings ahead of the Fourth of July holiday is another time for good volume.
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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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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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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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