Posts Tagged “California lemon shipments”
With a strong supply of lemons and other varieties, Bee Sweet Citrus of Fowler, CA reports that they’re well-suited to tackle Lenten (which started February 18 for 40 days) and springtime citrus promotions.
“With the start of Lent, we often see a rise in lemon consumption as many families turn to meatless meals,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “Lemons not only enhance the flavor of pescatarian dishes, but are also a popular ingredient in springtime beverages and desserts.”
Currently, Bee Sweet Citrus is harvesting lemons from California’s Central Valley and Central Coast. The field team reports that this season’s lemon crop boasts exceptional quality and flavor.
“Lemon supply is very good right now. We increased harvest ahead of current rain events, so we have plenty of inventory ready to ship,” stated Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Harvesting and Grower Relations Randy Stucky. “We are picking full-color fruit and packing immediately after it arrives from the field, which will extend shelf life and improve fruit quality at the store level.”
In addition to lemons, Bee Sweet Citrus has a robust line of varieties that would complement Easter and other seasonal promotions. The company’s Meyer lemons, Royal Red oranges, and Cara Cara oranges would best suit desserts, while its grapefruit, Minneola tangelos, mandarins, and Navel oranges would make great on-the-go snacks.
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California lemon shipments look good this season as consumption increases and consumers discover the health benefits and versatility of the fruit.
Limonaira Co. of Santa Paula, CA began shipping lemons last August from the desert region and moved into full volume in late October. San Joaquin Valley shipments started in early October, and full weekly volumes began in early November . California’s coastal area should start shipping lemons in February.
Growing conditions were excellent this year with good rain, mild temperatures and minimal wind.
Limoneira’s volume is expected to up 5 to 9 percent.
The Wonderful Co. LLC of Los Angeles is optimistic about the launch of Wonderful seedless lemons, which began shipping in the last couple of weeks.
A first this season will be Kern Ridge Growers LLC of Arvin, CA. The operation will have a small lemon crop in December in addition to its navel orange program.
Suntreat Packing & Shipping Co. of Dinuba, CA., grows lemons that now are packed and marketed by the Limoneira Co. The company grows lemons in Central California from November. 1 to March 1.
California lemon shipments have been lighter than usual and the situation may continue into October. Meanwhile, the U.S. is awash in mangos from Mexico.
Pro*Act of Monterey, CA sees lower volume continuing until lemon shipments get underway in Yuma, AZ and Mecca, CA. F.O.B. prices have hit $57 per carton compared to $42 two years ago.
Because of lighter domestic shipments, there have been lemon imports from Chile and Mexico, but it is still not enough to make a dent in the high market.
If you are loading domestic lemons use caution. Soft rot has plagued some lots and quality has been described as only “fair” at best.
While more Chilean and Mexican lemons may be imported, Coast Citrus of San Diego has expressed concerns that due to the fruit travel by boat to the U.S. for weeks, if the product is not repacked after arrival, there may be quality problems.
Mexican Mangos
While lemon shipments are lighter than usual, handles of mangoes are trying to figure out how to deal with excessive volumes.
North American mango importers continue to buy large volume to place into an overflowing market. Splendid by Porvenir LLC of San Bruno, CA has a huge packinghouse in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, and continues to pack at full speed and will continue packing through September.
However, rains has adversely affected the quality of Los Mochis mangos, which as resulted in anthracnose to scar the fruit. Anthracnose is caused by fungi that creates diseases on many plant species.
Los Mochis began shipping mangos in late June. There was a slow start on shipping volume, but now the market can’t handle the volume.