Posts Tagged “Central American Imports”
Caution is urged loading melons from Central America, which is arriving at various U.S. port, as well a crossing the border at Nogales, AZ.
Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA in a press release reports Central American melon supplies are extremely limited following the effects of Tropical Storm Sara. Markets are elevated; demand exceeds supply and quality issues abound.
Cantaloupe
Central American
- Offshore shipments of Central American cantaloupes are arriving by vessel into domestic ports; volume is extremely limited
- Quality issues are arising from flooding brought by Tropical Storm Sara; yields are lower in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica
- Projections for upcoming lots are minimal
- Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage over the next three to four weeks; size substitutions may be recommended
- Expect elevated markets and light supply through early January
Honeydew
Central American/Mexican
- Mexican volume is light crossing into Nogales, Arizona as growers finish their season in Northern Mexico; light volume will continue to ship from Southern Mexico through February
- Offshore/Central American honeydews are arriving by vessel into domestic ports; volume is extremely limited
- Quality issues are arising from flooding brought by Tropical Storm Sara, resulting in lower yields in Guatemala, Honduras, and Costa Rica
- Projections for upcoming lots are minimal
- Markon recommends increased order lead time to maximize coverage over the next three to four weeks; size substitutions may be recommended
- Expect limited supplies and elevated markets through early January
As the early winter season in the U.S. gets underway, an unusually rainy season is coming to a close in Central America and the Caribbean.
Central American Produce Inc. of Pompano Beach, FL reports despite early season rains produce quality is good.
Central American imports papayas from Guatemala year-round, and the first watermelons, gala melons, cantaloupes and honeydews just got underway in the past week. The company also had praise for the melons from Honduras being imported.
There also have been recent arrivals of cantaloupe, honeydew and butternut squash.
HLB Specialties of Pompano Beach, FL experienced some delays in shipments due to rains in Honduras with rambutan. The firm also is importing rambutan from Guatemala, as well as papayas.
Thomas Produce of Calgary, Alberta has year around imports items from the Caribbean and Central American such as red and green Thai chili peppers.
Ecoripe Tropicals of Miami, FL imports product the year around from Central America. One example is okra, although its heaviest volume is from December to May. The company specializes in air arrivals so the product is extra-fresh, and supplement this with ocean arrivals. It also will have rambutan through January.
Brooks Tropicals of Homestead, FL will import Caribbean Red papaya into early spring. The operation also is importing SlimCado and limes in decent volume.
J&S Tropicals of Miami, FL imports tropical tuber line products from Costa Rica, Honduras and Ecuador. For example there is yucca roots used in stews and soups during the winter as well as malanga blanca,white yams and chayote. The company had 20 containers in a two-week time span; for a specialty item, that is pretty impressive.
“If that can perform well, that’s going to be a big deal for us,” he said.
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