Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
REEDLEY, CA — Fruit World, a family-owned, grower-shipper of organic and conventional fruit and the largest California grower of organic Thomcord grapes, started shipping this popular variety at the end of July, with good volumes available from mid-August through early-October. Thomcord seedless grapes are a hybrid of Concord and Thompson Seedless grapes, with the rich, full Concord flavor and the tender skin and seedless qualities of the Thompson.
Seven years since planting, Fruit World’s Thomcord vines are now fully mature and heavy with luscious purple clusters. “The recent warm weather in California’s Central Valley is rapidly increasing the color and brix, so we’ll begin harvesting 7-10 days earlier than last year,” said CJ Buxman, co-founder of Fruit World.
Fruit World Thomcord grapes are shipped in 10 x 2 lb recyclable and compostable paper totes, with bright, colorful graphics. The company will also be shipping 20 x 1 lb clamshells.
In 2020, Fruit World shipped their organic Thomcord grapes across the United States, in addition to air freighting to customers in Asia. “While we anticipate this year’s crop to be heavier than in 2020, last year we sold out in mid-September,” Brianca Kaprielian, co-founder of Fruit World added. “We encourage retailers to contact us early to confirm their orders and meet the high consumer demand for this popular variety.”
In 2020, Fruit World shipped their organic Thomcord grapes across the United States, in addition to air freighting to customers in Asia. “While we anticipate this year’s crop to be heavier than in 2020, last year we sold out in mid-September,” Kaprielian added.
About Fruit World:
Fruit World is a fresh 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.
Strong growth with the production of South African citrus, mainly soft citrus, new orange varieties, lemons and limes is estimated to continue in the 2020-21 shipping year, according to a new report from the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service.
The expected growth, is based on the increase in area planted, improved yields, high level of new-plantings coming into full production, and the minimal impact of COVID-19 on labor and input supply. The increase is expected to be partially offset by drought conditions in some production areas of the Eastern Cape, and hail damage in some production areas of Mpumalanga, according to the report.
Duty free exports of all citrus types to the United States under the African Growth Opportunity Act reached a peak of 91,402 metric tons in 2020 and are expected to continue their strong annual growth in 2021, as the U.S. is still considered a premium market.
The value of U.S. imports of South Africa citrus totaled $94.9 million, up 72% from $55.3 million in 2019 and up 45% from $65.5 million in 2018.
Citrus in South Africa is grown across the country mainly in the Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Kwa Zulu Natal, Northern Cape and North West provinces, according to the report. A total of 233,092 acres was planted to citrus in South Africa in 2020, a 9% increase from 214,507 acres in 2019. This growth trend is estimated to continue in 2021, based on the significant investments and aggressive new plantings of soft citrus, lemons, and new varieties of oranges.
While oranges are the biggest citrus type produced in South Africa and account for 48% of the total citrus area planted, the report said there has been notable growth in the area planted to soft citrus (25%) and lemons/limes (19%). This growth is driven by the attractive investment returns, profit margins from soft citrus and lemon production, and a spike in global demand.
Washington potato acreage has increased this season, but is still short of what it once was.
The Washington State Potato Commission reports nearly 160,000 acres is forecast, up about 5,000 acres from 2020, but down about 5,000 acres from the state’s maximum potato acreage.
Harvest got undeway in the first half of July in the Columbia Basin with red and yellow potatoes, followed by russet potatoes the last week of July.
Washington also ships red potatoes and there has been increasing volume with gold potatoes.
“In a lot of other areas (in the U.S.), there’s been a swapping where red acres are going down and yellow acres are going up, but we’ve been able to maintain our red acres because of the great quality (of the state’s red potatoes),” the commission reports. “We’ve been able to maintain our red acres, but there is a growing interest in yellow potatoes, so we’re starting to see more of more of those grown.”
There are two major potato growing regions in Washington, the biggest consisting of the Columbia Basin, which accounts for about 90% of the state’s potato production. Growers there typically ship potatoes to the fresh market and to processors.
In Northwest Washington’s Skagit Valley, growers raise potatoes strictly for the fresh market.
A notable increase in volume of Peruvian mandarin exports is being seen so far this season, rising by at least 25 percent compared to the 2020 season.
Until June 20, Peruvian early variety mandarin exports totaled over 54,000 metric tons (MT) at US$61 million, according to Agraria. This shows a 25 percent increase in volume and a 30 percent rise in value year-on-year.
It’s estimated that in July, mandarin exports could reach over 62,000MT at $71 million, which would mean a growth of 31 percent in volume and 35 percent in value year-on-year, the publication reported.
Early Peruvian mandarin varieties include satsumas and clementines, as well as later hybrids. Early variety mandarins are usually exported between the first week of April and the second week of July. The season normally ends in October.
Peruvian exports of satsuma and clementines to the U.S. totaled over 14,000MT at $19 million with shipments falling eight percent in volume and remaining similar in value. Despite the decrease in exports to the U.S., it remains the main destination for early variety mandarins with a 26 percent share.
The UK is the second most important destination for mandarin exports of early varieties with a 22 percent share. Exports reached over 10,000MT for $12 million, a 15 percent increase in volume and an 18 percent rise in value year-on-year.
Peruvian exports of late variety mandarins to the Netherlands grew 68 percent in volume and 72 percent in value, totaling over 5,000MT for $9 million.
Canada saw a decline in volume and value year-on-year, 22 and 24 percent less, respectively. The country holds a nine percent share of Peruvian satsuma mandarins and clementines, a six percent decline from last year.
After the early mandarin season, the late varieties follow between June and September among which Murcott, Nadorcott and Malvaceo stand out.
Through June 20, late variety mandarin exports totaled almost 14,000MT, a 69 percent increase year-on-year.
The main destinations were China, with a 37 percent share and the U.S. at 34 percent.
Naturipe started shipping its proprietary Seedless Muscadine Vine Drops in the past week or so.
Native to the Southeast, the original Muscadine is a unique grape that is crisp, sweet, tart and packed with nutrients, the company says.
“We’re excited about this year’s Vine Drop crop because we expect to drastically surpass our original anticipated volumes,” says Jim Roberts, President of Sales at Naturipe.
“We’re excited to bring this uniquely seedless variety to market for consumers everywhere to experience the flavor they have always enjoyed, without the seed. We will be packing the Vine Drops in a 1 lb clamshell at a great introductory price to encourage consumers to try this wonderful fruit.”
July marks the start of Naturipe’s harvest for the seedless Muscadine in Georgia. This will continue through the first frost, which is usually in October.
As one of the U.S.’s oldest grape varieties, Muscadines come with a rich history. They were first discovered by Englishmen in 1585 on Roanoke Island, North Carolina where the Mothervine continues to thrive today. Muscadines have been long known for their use to make sweet wine. In fact, the wine industry was largely based on scuppernongs and muscadines in the 1800s and early 1900s until Prohibition.
But the deliciousness and intriguing history of these berries is not the reason they are a star superfruit. Muscadines are Mother Nature’s richest source of polyphenolic antioxidants and are packed with many good-for-you nutrients.
“Muscadines are packed with polyphenols, making them among the most nutritious fruits out there,” says Wendy Reinhardt Kapsak, Registered Dietitian and President and CEO of Produce for Better Health Foundation.
“Polyphenols are naturally-occurring, healthful compounds found in plants. Acting as antioxidants, they promote digestion and brain health; reduce inflammation; protect against heart disease and type 2 diabetes; and even reduce the risk of certain cancers,” she continues. “Add these gems to your breakfast, lunch and dinner or simply eat them as a snack, and they will do wonders for your health – and excite your tastebuds.”
There should be increased exports of Argentine lemons to the U.S. this season, despite a reduced export forecast by the USDA.
The USDA said that it now expects the world’s top lemon-growing country to export 180,000 metric tons (MT) of the fruit, down 10,000MT from its earlier estimate. Around 45,000MT are expected to be sent to the U.S., up by around a third from a year ago.
The lower total export projection also comes despite the production outlook improving.
During the spring of 2020, a severe drought during blossom and fruit set in the main lemon growing area of the country was expected to reduce fruit volumes.
However, precipitation during the summer rainy season allowed Argentine lemon trees to recuperate, increasing production above low initial estimates.
Production of 1.15 million MT is now expected, 120,000MT more than the earlier forecast. However, the figure remains below normal, with 1.49 million MT produced last year.
The projected decline in exports largely due to below-normal production, adequate fruit supply in Northern Hemisphere fruit-producing countries, and strong competition by South Africa.
Additionally, although the EU on May 1, 2021, reopened the market to Argentine fresh lemons and oranges after the detection of citrus black spot (CBS) last year, some exporters may need additional investments to ensure their compliance with the EU’s technical requirements, the USDA report said.
The export forecast for this year is also well below the 256,000MT sent abroad last year.
At the beginning of that season, local contacts were optimistic about export prospects due to decreased supply in the northern hemisphere, increased consumer demand and expanded market access.
However, the EU’s detection of CBS in May 2020 saw Argentina voluntarily withdraw from the EU market in mid-July 2020 with approximately 20,000 MT of lemons reoriented to processing and/or exported to non-traditional markets like the U.S., which reopened for Argentine lemons in 2017 after a 17-year hiatus.
“The fresh lemon export business remains profitable, however, with production costs, such as labor, inputs, energy, inland and ocean freight increasing, and high inflation rates, the competitiveness of the lemon sector has been affected,” it said.
“Furthermore, although the continuous depreciation of the Argentine peso and the elimination of export taxes make exports more price-competitive in foreign markets, a decrease in export rebates and high-interest rates, partially offset that advantage.”
During MY 2019/20, the EU remained the largest export market for Argentine fresh lemons with 51 percent of Argentina’s total exports, followed by Russia, with 23 percent, and the U.S., with 13 percent.
After regaining market access to the U.S. in 2017, Argentine lemon exports to the U.S. have shown an upward trend, rising from 10,640MT in 2018 to 33,963MT last year.
For 21, with about forty-five certified exporters, fresh lemon exports to the U.S. are estimated at about 45,000 MT, depending on the recovery of pre-covid consumption patterns in the U.S. and the impact of a 25 percent tariff levied in October 2019 by the US on EU fresh citrus imports, the USDA said.
The analysis of Argentina’s request for market access to the U.S. for sweet citrus is ongoing.
An estimated 20% reduction in cherry shipments compared with earlier expectations is predicted in a new report from the Northwest Cherry Growers.
Expectations and comments from the fourth and last cherry crop estimate indicate about a 20% total crop reduction from the heat.
“That reduction is spread throughout the Northwest but was particularly damaging to the bing and rainier cherry crops, which were in the peak of harvest in many regions when the heat arrived,” the group said. Skeena also was heavily affected by high temperatures and winds, according to the report.
With supermarket ads only second to peaches in mid-July, the group said cherry promotions should line up for a strong showing through the end of July.
“While our latest orchards will continue to deliver a small but steady supply until the end of August, the shipments for the 2021 yellow cherry season have significantly decreased over the past seven days,” the group said.
On July 16 the industry’s daily shipment average for the previous week remained over 350,000 boxes a day, which is still within the normal range of a July crop.
By way of comparison, Northwest Cherry Growers said the shipments for the same week were 377,000 boxes a day in 2020 and 467,000 boxes a day during the 2019 season. As of July 14, Northwest cherry shippers had moved about 13.7 million 20-pound boxes so far this year.
New York vegetable shipments are just getting started with full volume expected in August.
Torrey Farms of Elba, NY grows, harvests, packs and ships everything it grows, while its sister company, Paul Marshall Produce and its drivers deliver prouct to customers.
The company expects 2,400 acres of onions this season in addition to its
cucumbers, green beans, squashes and potatoes. Most items got underway around July 10 – 15, while onions will start in early August.
Torrey Farms ships vegetables to destination all along the East Coast and as far west as Chicago.
About 70 percent of its produce goes to the retailer, with the balance directed to wholesalers and food service operations.
While Parker Farms is favorably known in the south for its marketing of broccoli, sweet corn, squash and peppers in partnership with nearly half a dozen farms on several thousand acres, come summertime, the company turns a great deal of attention to New York state.
Parker Farms of Oak Grove, VA works with Kludt Bros. Farm in Kendall, NY, who operate over 1,000-acres of vegetables, growing mainly broccoli and sweet corn.
Working with Kludt Farms in the summer allows Parker Farms to be a year-around vegetable supplier. the company distributes vegetables from Florida to Maine, with most its business east of the Mississippi, except for some sweet corn and other items it delivers to Texas.
In New York, broccoli starts in the middle of July with corn following around July 20 and lasting until early August.
GLASSBORO, NJ — New Jersey’s locally grown peaches are now available in supermarkets, community farmers markets and on farms, and New Jersey peach producers are celebrating a near-perfect growing season. This is one of the best Jersey-peach seasons in years, growers report to the New Jersey Peach Promotion Council, the association representing the industry.
New Jersey’s Jersey Fresh peaches are marketed and shipped throughout the northeast and Canada under the labels Jersey Fruit, Atlantic Sunrise, Top Crop, Circle M Farms, Just Picked, Melicks Town Farm, Nichols Orchard.
“The orchards got enough rain and sunshine, with no major late spring frost, to result in beautiful peaches with maximum size and flavor,” says Bonnie Lundblad, PPC chair. Lundblad is also sales representative of Sunny Valley International, New Jersey’s largest peach marketer.
“We had a good growing season and have peaches for wholesale and retail on our farm and in the farmers markets we supply,” says John Melick, owner of Melick’s Town Farms in Oldwick, Bridgewater and Califon.
New Jersey ranks fourth in the country for peach production, which averages 50 – 54 million pounds and is valued at $30-35-million.
The Jersey Peach website www.jerseypeaches.com includes a page for requesting further information and contacting grower/purveyors. It also lists varieties, grower/shipper contacts, consumer tips on buying and handing, and recipes. Information is also available on Facebook.com/newjerseypeaches; and on Instagram newjerseypeaches
The New Jersey Peach Promotion Council is a it voluntary organization of growers, shippers, wholesalers and allied industries dedicated to maintaining a viable peach industry in the Garden State while preserving farmland.
2021 Shipped Crop To Date: 8,879,137 boxes as of July 5th
Excessive heat can delay fruit development just as much as cooler weather.
Duration of this heat wave encouraged growers who were close to harvest to begin picking and shipping before their fruit was subjected to the heat. Such an upward shift in volume will have an eventual impact on the overall daily potential volume.
So while some more fruit arrived at the optical sorters before otherwise expected, the Northwest did lose some cherries due to the extreme heat. Cherries on the perimeter of the trees were more greatly impacted than fruit within the canopies. Thankfully, many growers were able to mitigate the worst of the heat with over-orchard netting and under-canopy sprinklers and thus were able to save much of their fruit. And at this point, no effects on green or developing cherries have been detected.
Even with the spike of fruit intake before the heat by most warehouses, June volume still fell well under the forecast due weather delays. With close to 8.4 million boxes, the preliminary June 2021 total was just under 2 million boxes shy (18%) of the last pre-crop estimate.
While the first week of June saw an average of 31,000 boxes a day, the Northwest has averaged an additional half-million additional boxes shipped per day (530,000) for the last week of the month.
It’s obvious the preseason estimate of 22.4 million boxes couldn’t take into account a record-smashing heat wave.
Big volume cherry shipments should continue into August as planned. The cherries in many higher elevations and norther latitude orchards are still green and growing well.
While most retails are now carrying Northwest fruit, there is still some late California fruit to be found in markets around the US. California’s volume increased 283% from last year, and 231% over the 3 year average. This lingering California fruit has delayed the transition into Northwest cherries, and caused perhaps more of an issue for Northwest shippers than the weather.
Yakima Valley cherries – grossing about $9700 to New York City.