Posts Tagged “feature”
By the middle of October Peruvian asparagus exports totaled 71,630 tons for a FOB value of $199 million, reflecting a drop of 8 percent compared to the same period last year, according to Agraria, citing a recent report by Fresh Cargo Peru.
The report says that in this period the primary destination for Peruvian asparagus was North America, which concentrated 74 percent of Peruvian shipments for a value of $133,476,273. In second place was Europe (24 percent) with $7,926,620; followed by Latin America (2 percent) with $5,028,451; Asia (0.5 percent) with $1,956,400; and the Middle East (0.1 percent) with $413,734.
60 percent of these shipments were made by boat, while 40 percent were shipped by air.
The report reveals among the largest exporting companies in the industry are Agroexportaciones Nathanael with a 10 percent share of total Peruvian shipments, which amounts to 6,827 tons. It is followed by Danper Trujillo with a 6 percent share and 4,398 tons; TA Export with 6 percent and 4,173 tons; Kimsa Fresh with 5 percent and 3,843 tons; Florida Blanca with 5 percent and 3,258 tons.
The USDA is reporting New Zealand apple exports in 2024-25 are projected at 380,000 metric tons, up 40,000 metric tons from 2023-24 exports.
“If realized, this would be the highest exports since 2019-20, and the third-most volume of apple exports in a year,” the report said.
The harvest season in New Zealand starts in January and finishes in June, with peak harvest for apples from March to May.
The USDA said New Zealand’s export priorities will likely focus on Vietnam, China, the U.S. and the United Kingdom in the foreseeable future. India also is projected to be a growing market for New Zealand exporters, the report said.
U.S. imports of New Zealand apples in 2024 were valued at $44.9 million, down from $69.2 million in 2023, according to USDA trade numbers.
Royal gala was the most significant variety for export from New Zealand in 2023-24, however, the USDA said increased export demand for varieties such as Envy, Dazzle, and the new variety Rockit has resulted in increased unit pricing per metric ton.
“Commentary from growers is that with the current replacement of damaged orchards and increasing interest rates, farm gate returns will be a substantial factor in the selection of future varieties,” the report said. “As a result, the industry already sees diminishing hectares for varieties such as Braeburn, which in 2011-12 accounted for 22% of national hectares and in 2023-24 was just 6%.”
Growers in New Zealand are replacing apple trees lost to Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023.
“The cyclone caused considerable damage due to large-scale floodwaters, silt, debris, wind, and surface flooding in the primary apple-growing regions of Hawkes Bay and Gisborne,” the USDA said.
New Zealand’s apple planted area in the 2024-25 market year is forecast to increase substantially to 27,181 acres, up from 22,700 acres last season. Apple area expected to be harvested is estimated at 25,833 acres, up from about 22,000 acres in 2022-23.
“Although the recovery from the Cyclone damage is underway, on-farm inflation and debt servicing continue to put cost pressure on the growth of the industry,” the report said.
As the nation adjusts to the results of the 2024 election, agricultural leaders and third-party logistics (3PL) providers are positioned to play pivotal roles in addressing challenges and opportunities within the produce supply chain. Decisions made in the coming months will directly influence how agricultural products move efficiently from farms to consumers.
With President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team preparing key appointments in the Department of Agriculture (USDA), early decisions on leadership will set the tone for the administration’s approach to pressing agricultural issues. For 3PL providers, leadership developments highlight the importance of collaboration with ag leaders to ensure reliable and efficient transportation solutions based on evolving policies. These appointments will likely shape trade policies, domestic farm support, and regulatory practices, potentially mirroring the significant shifts seen during Trump’s previous term, focusing on strengthening U.S. agricultural competitiveness globally.
The trucking industry’s strong endorsement of Sean Duffy’s nomination as Secretary of Transportation highlights the potential for alignment between industry needs and DOT goals. American Trucking Association’s President Chris Spear commended Duffy’s understanding of transportation issues, emphasizing his support for “pro-trucking policies to strengthen the supply chain.” This alignment could accelerate critical projects, such as reducing bottlenecks in transportation corridors, modernizing storage facilities, and improving logistics networks in rural areas. Ag leaders, working closely with the DOT, can advocate for targeted investments that address the unique demands of agriculture. One area of focus, infrastructure improvements, presents a significant opportunity to enhance the agricultural supply chain. Combined with Trump’s focus on efficiency and safety, these developments could revolutionize the movement of agricultural products, bolstering the role of 3PLs in seamlessly connecting producers to markets both domestically and internationally.
Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic are spotlighting their full line of premium organic and conventional potatoes and onions as ideal ingredients for holiday meals, according to a news release.
Gold Bell said its pearl onions, boiler onions, shallots and cipollini onions enhance and elevate cooking. These holiday staples provide essential nutrients as potatoes are high in vitamin C and potassium and also offer vitamin B6, magnesium and antioxidants, and onions offer fiber and folic acid, the release said.
Gold Bell said it is fully equipped to ready to meet retail demands with high-quality potatoes, onions and specialty items available in customizable packaging options alongside bulk products. The company sources its potatoes and onions from East Coast farms in Massachusetts and Maine as well as from Prince Edward Island in Canada.
“Now is the perfect time to indulge in savory soups, stews and elevate your Thanksgiving sides,” Michael Guptill of Gold Bell said in the release. “By selecting Gold Bell and Morning Kiss Organic potatoes and onions, consumers are not only enhancing their meals but also making a positive environmental choice. We’re excited to partner with retailers to bring our exceptional crops to family tables across New England and beyond during the holiday season.”
A 17 percent increase in Peruvian grape exports for 2024-25 are forecast to reach a record of 620,000 metric tons, compared with the previous year.
The U.S. was Peru’s top export destination in 2023-24 with exports reaching 244,000 metric tons (up 3% from the previous season), followed by the Netherlands with 70,000 metric tons (up 7%) and Mexico with 45,000 metric tons (up 21%).
An annual deciduous fruit report on Peru from the USDA estimates that grape production will total 790,000 metric tons in 2024-25, up 2% from the previous season.
In early November 2023, Peru’s newly refurbished Port in Pisco started to serve both Ica and Arequipa regions with weekly express services, the USDA said. The Pisco Port connects Ica with the U.S. via a trans-shipment hub in Panama (to Savannah, Philadelphia and Los Angeles), Manzanillo (Mexico), Vancouver (Canada) and northern Europe (Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Amberes, France).
Transit days on average will be 12 days to Philadelphia, 18 days to Mexico, 22 days to Los Angeles, 20 days to Rotterdam and 30 days to Vancouver, the report said.
The 2023-24 growing season was seriously affected by unusual weather conditions — such as heavy rains and high temperatures — that resulted in a lower harvest. Production in the north of the country (Piura, Lambayeque and La Libertas) was severely affected, the report said.
This year, the USDA said the expected increase in grape production is due to better yields in northern Peru (Piura), which was severely hit by an extremely hot winter and heavy rains last season.
Peru’s table grape production area stretches from north to south along the Pacific Ocean, the report said. Peru’s five most popular grape varieties for export are Sweet Globe (22%), red globe (16%), Autumn Crisp (14%), Allison (7%) and Sweet Celebration (5%). Currently, 75% of table grapes are licensed, and 25% are traditional non-licensed varieties.
Grape production is mainly located in Ica (49%) and Piura (37%), the report said. Other relevant areas are Lambayeque (6%), La Libertad (5%) and Arequipa (3%). The total area under cultivation is estimated at 87,522 acres, and the harvesting season in Peru begins in October and ends in April with a north-to-south harvest pattern. With innovative technological advances, table grape production in Piura can harvest twice a year, once in March/April and again in November/December, the report said.
ldaho’s potato harvest is winding down about on schedule and although good volume is expected in the coming year, a small drop in acreage is reported by the USDA.
Overall U.S. potato acreage in 2024 is down slightly from 2023, according to the USDA. This year, the U.S. is forecast to plant 2% fewer acres than in 2023.
At 941,000 acres, the 2024 U.S. potato planted acreage forecast is a 24,000-acre reduction from 2023 but is 18,000 acres more than the 2020-22 average.
The USDA said decreases in acreage were most pronounced in the Pacific Northwest, which typically accounts for 60% of the domestic crop. Washington (down 10,000 acres), Idaho (down 5,000 acres) and Oregon (down 3,000 acres) are expected to have the largest downward year-over-year adjustments as processors reduce contracted acreage, the USDA said.
In 2023, the USDA reported Idaho planted 330,000 acres of potatoes.
Potato acreage reductions are also expected in seven of the 10 other USDA-surveyed states, likely reflecting higher late-season storage volumes and softer open-market prices during the September 2023 to August 2024 potato marketing year.
The USDA estimates that 934,200 acres of the 941,000 planted U.S. acres will be harvested based on average abandonment rates.
“If this estimate is realized and the U.S. average yield is close to the trendline (458 [hundredweight] per acre), total potato production would be 3% lower (12.9 million [hundredweight]) than last season, but 4% higher than the 2020-22 production average,” the USDA said.
Average yields in 2020-22 fell below trend largely due to weather-related issues in Idaho and Washington. USDA will release its preliminary 2024 U.S. and state-level potato yield and production volume in the November Crop Production report, which will include updated acreage estimates.
Pummelos are currently in season and being shipped to Bee Sweet Citrus customers. The shipper/packer is based in Fowler, CA.
In addition to pummelos, Bee Sweet Citrus also has domestic lemons, Meyer lemons, grapefruit and Golden Gem grapefruit available for customers. California-grown Navel oranges and mandarins will be available this month as well.
“Our team has been harvesting pummelos out of the Central Valley for about three weeks now,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Harvesting and Grower Relations Randy Stucky. “Size structure has been slightly larger than last season, with excellent internal color and juice content.”
Scientifically referred to as Citrus maxima, pummelos are large green citrus fruits that can sometimes reach up to eight inches in diameter. The variety is native to Southeast Asia and is known for having thick rinds with bright reddish-pink internal hues. Often sweeter than most grapefruit varieties, pummelos can be eaten alone or used as an ingredient for various recipes.
“Most people are familiar with pummelos due to their large size and thick rind, but what truly makes them unique is their role in Asian communities,” said Bee Sweet Citrus Director of Communications Monique Mueller. “Pummelos symbolize good fortune, health and happiness, and many families consume them for good luck during the Lunar New Year.”
Bee Sweet Citrus recently shared that pummelos are now included in its premium variety line. The fruit’s bags, PLU stickers and cartons have been re-designed to celebrate their role in Asian communities, and the company can provide customers with various forms of point-of-sale material to complement the packaging.
BATAVIA, IL — This Thanksgiving season, ALDI is offering its lowest-priced Thanksgiving basket in five years – a full meal for 10 people at less than $47.* With reports showing grocery prices are up 50% across the industry on hundreds of items compared to 2019,** shoppers will get welcome relief at ALDI on their favorite Thanksgiving fixings.
Throughout the Thanksgiving season, holiday hosts can shop ALDI for all the fresh ingredients and award-winning products they need to assemble a beautiful holiday feast. Coming in at less than $4.70 per person, the meal delivers on the traditional, crowd-pleasing favorites that guests crave without the sales, coupons, minimum purchase requirements, loyalty cards and other hoops required to save at traditional grocers. The ALDI Thanksgiving shopping list includes a Butterball turkey with spices, gravy, rolls, mac & cheese, stuffing – plus the ingredients for cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole and pumpkin pie.
“Every day at ALDI, we are focused on finding ways to deliver the lowest possible prices for our customers – and this Thanksgiving is no different,” said Jason Hart, CEO, ALDI. “With 25% of U.S households now shopping ALDI, we know grocery prices are still top of mind for customers. We worked hard this Thanksgiving to deliver the best value and quality products so everyone can enjoy a traditional meal with family and friends without having to scale back.”
This inflation-busting holiday meal comes at a time when the popularity of ALDI is at an all-time high, and shopper demand is driving the retailer’s continued growth as it plans to open 800 stores over the next five years. Whether checking off a weekly grocery list or planning a holiday meal, ALDI is ready to earn the trust of new communities with shelves stocked with everything needed to satisfy families and impress guests.
Everything ALDI does, from using a quarter cart system and displaying products in their original boxes to having a smaller store footprint, helps customers save up to 40% on groceries compared to traditional grocery stores.*** For seven years running, ALDI has been recognized by the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index as #1 in Everyday Low Price,**** providing unmatched value for millions of customers who rely on ALDI for high quality products at the lowest possible prices.
*Availability may vary by store location and is subject to change. Pricing valid 10/16/24 – 11/27/24.?Assumes a 16lb Turkey.
**According to a NielsenIQ study published in the Wall Street Journal article “How Far $100 Goes at the Grocery Store After Five Years of Food Inflation.” April 4, 2024.
***If you purchased all ALDI’s exclusive grocery brands instead of the competitors’ comparable items. Prices checked weekly and monthly. Your savings may vary. Competitors may offer lower priced branded/private label items. Savings per basket 16%-40%.
****According to the dunnhumby® ©2024 Retailer Preference Index?
About ALDI U.S.
ALDI is one of America’s fastest-growing retailers, serving millions of customers across the country each month. Our disciplined approach to operating with simplicity and efficiency gives our customers great products at the lowest possible prices. For seven years running, ALDI has been recognized by the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index as #1 in Everyday Low Price.* ALDI strives to have a positive impact on its customers, employees and communities by being socially and environmentally responsible, earning ALDI recognition as a leading grocer in sustainability.** In addition to helping protect the planet, ALDI helps customers save time and money through convenient shopping options via in-store, curbside pickup or delivery at shop.aldi.us. For more information about ALDI, visit aldi.us.
*According to the dunnhumby® ©2024 Retailer Preference Index.
**According to Progressive Grocer’s 2023 Top 10 Most Sustainable Grocers list.
Phoenix, AZ — Arizona is known as the winter lettuce capital of the US providing Americans with an abundance of lettuce and leafy greens from November to March.
According to United States Department of Agriculture statistics Arizona farmers grow approximately 25% of the total U.S. lettuce supply each year. On an annual basis the leafy greens farming community in Arizona generates a $2 billion impact.
“Right now, Arizona farms are actively growing and harvesting some types of leafy greens including spinach, kale, arugula, spring mix, Swiss chard and romaine lettuce.” said Teressa Lopez, Administrator of the Arizona LGMA program.
To celebrate the start of harvest Arizona growers and shippers are celebrating the 12th annual Arizona Leafy Greens Month.
Since the first celebration, Arizona farmers have produced more than 100 billion servings of lettuce (based on the average production of 9 billion servings per year).
The Cranberry Institute has launched its latest digital resource, The Berry Best Guidebook, which compiles all the research behind the health benefits of cranberries. While decades of research support the role of cranberries in health, new studies continue to uncover even more potential benefits.
The online resource makes it easy to explore the bioactive compounds in the fruit and their proven effects. The guide includes links to help access each section including stomach – suppression of H. pylori, gut microbiome, urinary tract health, support of nerve cells and cognition, and others.
While most cranberries are harvested between September and October in the U.S., all forms of cranberry (juice, fresh, sauce, or dried berries) are healthy and can be enjoyed year-round.
The fruit is rich in healthful bioactive compounds including polyphenols such as proanthocyanidins (PACs), anthocyanins, and flavonoids, and are one of the only foods rich in A-type PACs which give cranberries the ability to inhibit bacterial adhesion in the body.
Cranberry anthocyanins have been shown to be the most highly available to the body.
Cranberry polyphenols help prevent biofilm formation, which benefits the body by keeping bad bacteria at bay. Biofilm is a layer of bacteria that grows and sticks to a surface, this can happen during the early stages of the development of an infection in the body.
An evaluation of food data collected from more than 3800 people through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2010 was used to develop a dietary index for healthy gut microbiota.
The research identified cranberries as part of a short list of foods found to benefit gut microbiota diversity and production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), a metabolite produced by the fermentation of fiber by the gut microbiome. A growing body of research supports the role of SCFAs in fighting inflammation and supporting immunity.
Other benefits of the fruit include supporting oral health, cardiometabolic health, and cardiovascular support.