Archive For The “Trucking Reports” Category
California avocado loadings will be 8 percent less for the 2020-21 season and stand at 292 million pounds, compared to a pre-season crop estimate by the California Avocado Commission. This still would be considered an average size crop.
Fall and winter weather events including heavy winds resulted in the slight forecast change, with the reduction occurring in the pre-season months.
The California avocado peak shipping season starts in late April and continues through August, with available volume before and after the peak period.
Following a week of freezing temperatures, vegetable and
citrus farmers across Texas are assessing the, with widespread losses.
During the weekend of February 19-29, Texas Citrus Mutual, reports losing
55% of grapefruit crops because of the freeze. Grapefruit and other Crops in
Rio Grande Valley were devastated by the arctic blast, with citrus industry
losses estimated to be at least $300 million.
Out of more than 40 vegetable crops grown in the southern Rio Grande Valley,
only three are hopeful to survive, onions, cabbage, and potatoes.
Most South Texas citrus is shipped from September through May. However, the
reason this season is wiped out, and little to no citrus production will occur
during the 2021-2022 season.
There has been long-term damage due to the ice storm, which resulted in
numerous trees dying or being seriously damaged.
Grapefruit will be affected most because Texas is an important supplier.
Oranges are now a big a crop in Texas and are primarily grown in Florida and
California.
There
also was 200 or so acres of lemons and limes produced in the Rio Grande Valley
which were completely destroyed
International grower and year-round marketer of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, Wish Farms, headquartered in Plant City FL, is pleased to announce that it has established a growing operation in Oxnard, CA.
“This is a move that aligns well with our strategy of smart, controlled growth,” said James Peterson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.
With its first season in Oxnard underway, Wish Farms began harvesting strawberries mid-January and expects volume to flow into May.
Darwin Reich, Director of California Operations: “The Frontera will be our exclusive variety for Oxnard. Quality and volume has proven favorable and in-line with our expectations.”
With this addition, the company now has operations in the three major strawberry growing regions of California: Salinas, Santa Maria and Oxnard.
Peterson: “By expanding our footprint to this third region, it solidifies our position as a California grower, streamlines supply and opens the door for a more consistent brand presence west of the Mississippi.”
About Wish Farms
Founded in 1922, Wish Farms is a fourth-generation, family operated company. As a year-round supplier of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries, it grows both conventional and organic varieties.
Chilean grapes will be down 25 percent this season following damaging rains a few weeks ago, according to importer/exporter Vanguard Direct, LLC. of Issaquah, WA.
If this estimate is correct it would be 10 percent less than the 35 percent estimated two weeks ago by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association.
Expectations are now for exports of 65 million boxes, compared to original forecasts of 85 million boxes, with mid-season varieties most heavily damaged.
The development comes during the first season in years in which Chile was expecting an increase over the previous season in its total grape volume.
Peru
The situation is very different in Peru, which by week 5 had shipped 48 million boxes, 12 million more than at the same time in the 2019-20 season.
Peru is now projecting a total crop of 52-54 million boxes representing a 12 percent increase.
Vanguard points out 16 million boxes of Peruvian green seedless grapes have been shipped season to date, which is up 31% over last season. Sweet Globes are up 48% more than last season representing 60% of the total green seedless. The green seedless variety showing the largest decrease from last year has been Sugraone with 30% less shipments than last year.
Meanwhile, 12 million boxes of Peruvian red seedless have been shipped season to date, which is up 13% over last season. The varieties with the most significant increases are Allison Reds at 141% and Sweet Celebrations with an increase of 51%.
Ica has shipped thus far 14 million boxes of table grapes and is predicted to ship approximately an additional 12 million boxes over February and March. Overall, the Ica crop is down 2%.
Vanguard notes Peru and Chilean grape demand is strong in Mexico, and increasing in Canada, the U.S., and Asia with California completing its storage season.
It’s been extremely difficult to get containers in and out of port due to congestion and delays.
It’s been a miserable two weeks in much of America with horrendous weather. Trucking is difficult enough without the record breaking low temperatures, snow and ice. Hang in there another month and spring will be here, with warmer weather and increasing volumes of fresh produce.
Here is a glimpse at potential loading opportunities from two of the most active states.
Texas
Thanks to imports of vegetables and tropical fruits from Mexico, the Lower Rio Grande Valley is one of the best shots at getting loaded.
The city of McAllen has over 200 produce companies such as Valley Fresh Produce Inc., Tricar Sales Inc. and Star Produce.
There are 1750 truckloads of avocados crossing the border from Mexico each week. Other leading volume items range from limes, to watermelons, broccoli, cucumbers, bell peppers, strawberries and tomatoes.
Last week South Texas produce companies were experiencing power outages along with much of the rest of the state. Use of generators was common among produce warehouses. Damage to vegetable and citrus crops are being assessed in the Lower Rio Grande Valley due to freezing temperatures. However, domestic volume pales in comparison to Mexican imports.
Arizona
The other major crossing for Mexican imports it at Nogales, which has nearly 200 produce companies such as Frank’s Distributing of Produce LLC and The Sykes Co.
Mixed loads often requiring multiple picks at various warehouses (similar to McAllen) is pretty much standard procedure here.
Heaviest volume may be with tomatoes led by vine ripes with lesser amounts of grapes and plums averaging about 1150 truck loads a week. There’s also good volume with squash led by zucchini, along with a half a dozen other varieties and totaling over 750 truckloads weekly.
Other available items range from bell peppers (750 truckloads a week) to cucumbers, and watermelon, among others.
In Yuma, AZ companies such as D’Arrigo Bros. of California and Growers Express LLC are shipping lettuce and other vegetables. All together, various Yuma shippers are loading about 400 truckloads weekly of head lettuce and romaine.
Truck rates from Nogales have been all over the board – grossing from $5000 to $7000 to Chicago.
Yuma rates are up generally but not nearly as much – grossing about $8200 to New York City.
U.S. imports of Mexican mangoes are starting the 2021 season with higher volumes predicted than in recent years.
The National Mango Board of Orlando, FL is expecting significantly higher volumes until mid-June compared to the previous year.
The board expects about 12% more of the tropical fruit than the previous season, with an estimated volume of about 42 million boxes.
This would also be 11 percent higher than the average 5-year (2016-2020) volumes. Based on current projections higher volumes are seen beginning the last week of May and through June.
Also fueling optimism is no significant problems are seen with logistics or operations.
Meanwhile, demand had an increase in 2020, which is projected to continue into 2021 despite difficulties arising from the pandemic.
During a webinar, named Panorama for Postseason Table Grapes, which was organized by the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) and others, the latest estimate for rain damaged grapes it volume will be slashed by 35 percent this season.
As of February 10, the estimated number of table grape exports only reached 68 million boxes.
Most affected were grapes in central Chile, which destroyed a good part of the mid-season grape crop.
Fedefruta, Chile’s fruit growers group, reports three out of four of the country’s fruit growers suffered some type of damage from the rains, which totaled as much as three to four inches in some regions.
Fruit that was hit by the rains won’t reach U.S. shores until later in February and March. Congestion at U.S. port has been resulting in distribution delays. Not only is it common for boat transit times from Chile to take up to 3 weeks, but port delays have been adding an additional week or two. (see January 29 report)
Importers reports the rains are resulting in grapes splitting, particularly for the green/white seedless.
Good volumes from Peru may, and possibly better quality, is expected to help lessen the shortfall from Chile.
Little to no effect from the rain is anticipated for the Chilean red crimson seedless grapes, which are in good supply from March to April.
Pandol Bros. Inc. of Delano, CA reports generally there will be a shortage of good whites, while red seedless will be plentiful.
Unifrutti Chile points out there will definitely be fewer shipments to the U.S.
The late January rains were the biggest for that month since 1933.
AFC Global Sourcing of Chile notes the rain was very hard from San Felipe and south, hitting tree fruit, grapes and stone fruit.
BAKERSFIELD, CA — Cal-Organic Farms, the largest producer of organic vegetables in the US, is now shipping organic red bunch carrots and celery from Coachella, CA. A division of Grimmway Farms, Cal-Organic is shipping its exclusive red bunch carrots for a limited time and supplies are expected to last through the Easter holiday (April 4). Additionally, they expect to ship seasonal celery through the end of this month.
“Outstanding sweet flavor is what makes our red carrot variety truly unique. These specialty carrots feature vibrant red color through the root and make for beautiful plate presentation,” said Bob Borda, Vice President of Organic Sales at Grimmway Farms.
Red carrots are an excellent source of vitamin A and contribute to a balanced diet. Favored by shoppers for their colorful appearance, these ruby-colored roots are among the dozens of fresh carrot products available from Grimmway and Cal-Organic Farms.
“Celery quality looks great as well, with bright green color and firm, crisp texture,” added Borda.
Cal-Organic’s seasonal red carrot and celery programs are integrated with their year-round vegetable program and Grimmway’s category-leading carrot business.
About Grimmway Farms
Headquartered in Bakersfield, California, Grimmway Farms traces its roots to a produce stand opened by the Grimm brothers in the early 1960s. Grimmway is a global produce leader and the world’s largest producer of carrots. Grimmway supplies more than 65 organic, USA-grown crops and brands include Cal-Organic Farms and Bunny-Luv.
Imports of Peruvian table grapes were increasing throughout January but may decline in February.
Volumes from Peru are up this year in comparison to the average of the past five seasons. Capespan North America reports Peruvian quality has been mostly very good and has avoided serious weather issues from orchards north of Lima, unlike Chile to the south.
Because of labor and social unrest throughout the growing regions, Peru’s volume is expected to be lower in February.
Capespan is concerned there may be some irregular arrival patterns. Because of congestion at container vessel ports between Long Beach and Los Angeles, CA, some Peruvian shipments are being redirected to Port Hueneme.
Southern Specialties of Pompano Beach, FL 8is ramping up its expanded Mexican asparagus shipments, according to a news release.
The grower/shipper/importer is expanding its volume of asparagus from Mexico to supply retail, club store and foodservice customers. It will be shipping asparagus, grown in Caborca, Mexico until mid-April.
“The northern Mexico deal is a vital portion of our year-round asparagus program.” Kristen Francisco, the company’s director of sales, said in the release. “We continue to grow year-over-year volumes, from this region, and increase our customer base. We are looking forward to an active season.”
Mexican asparagus from Southern Specialties is hauled in less than truckload and straight loads, from San Luis, AZ., and Pompano Beach, FL. shipping points.
The firm’s Mexican asparagus is available in both 11-pound and 28-pound cases and packed in all sizes from small to jumbo. The company is also shipping organic asparagus in 11-pound cartons.