Posts Tagged “feature”
The latest US Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA NASS) report comes bearing good news and a revised forecast for the Florida citrus industry, up two percent from the previous January estimate.
The good news comes following a devastating February freeze that wreaked havoc on the state’s blueberry and strawberry fields.
Florida will end the season with 12.2 million boxes, down only one percent from the previous year. Non-Valencia oranges will account for 4.7 million boxes, while Valencia orange numbers remain unchanged at the category’s end of the season in January, with a projection of 7.5 million boxes.
The effects of the cold snap might have been more evident in variables such as Valencia orange fruit size and droppage, which were below and above average, respectively.
The estimate for other Florida grapefruit production is up four percent, says the report, sitting at 1.25 million boxes—50,000 more in January. In the citrus breakdown, white grapefruit forecast is down 20 percent, while red grapefruit is up by 70,000 boxes, reaching 1.17 million.
Lemon growers are also celebrating, as the category’s forecast is up 29 percent since January, reaching 900,000 boxes. Meanwhile, tangerine and tangelos production will be up 13 percent, says the USDA, sitting at 450,000 boxes.
The agency’s citrus report also included revised estimates for other producing states, including California, Arizona, and Texas.
In the Golden State, all-orange production is expected to increase to 48.5 million boxes, up six percent since January. Lemons are also up to 26 million boxes, while tangerines and mandarins are up 11 percent and sit at 30 million boxes. The state’s grapefruit forecast remains unchanged at 4.3 million boxes.
Down south, the forecast for Texas oranges kept steady, with a slight one percent increase, leaving production at 910,000 boxes. Grapefruit did take a hit, with a 10 percent decrease that reduced the production estimate to two million boxes.
The lemon projection for Arizona was also down, though a bit more dramatically. The state estimate decreased by more than 20 percent, to 950,000 boxes.
The next and final USDA forecast for the 2025/26 season will be published on July 10.
Truckload freight volumes rose across all major equipment types in March while a sharp jump in fuel costs pushed spot and contract rates to their highest levels in more than two years, reported DAT Freight & Analytics, provider of the industry’s leading load boards and freight analytics.
The DAT Truckload Volume Index (TVI), which measures demand for truckload services, increased month over month, reflecting strong early-season demand to move retail goods, produce, and construction and industrial equipment:
• Van TVI: 253, up 12% compared to February
• Reefer TVI: 196, up 7%
• Flatbed TVI: 314, up 18%
Spot pricing: Fuel drives freight rates higher
National average truckload spot rates increased in March, driven almost entirely by fuel cost recovery:
• Spot van rate: $2.52 per mile, up 11 cents from February
• Spot reefer rate: $2.97 per mile, up 9 cents
• Spot flatbed rate: $3.09 per mile, up 37 cents
Spot rates, which are negotiated between the freight broker and carrier as all-in rates with no separate fuel surcharge, were substantially higher across all modes year over year. The average spot van rate was up 53 cents from March 2025, the reefer rate was up 70 cents, and spot flatbed rates increased 56 cents.
Van and reefer spot linehaul rates—the portion of the truckload rate excluding fuel—surged toward the end of March as shippers rounded out Q1, but actually declined month over month, falling 9 cents and 13 cents, respectively. Flatbed was the exception: the average linehaul rate rose 13 cents.
“Linehaul rates were still under pressure through most of March, which tells you demand hasn’t fully caught up yet,” said Ken Adamo, DAT Chief of Analytics.
The national average diesel fuel surcharge surged across all equipment types, compressing linehaul margins even as total rates climbed. Last month’s average van fuel surcharge rose from 41 cents to 61 cents per mile, the highest since late 2022. The reefer surcharge climbed 22 cents, to 67 cents per mile, and the flatbed surcharge rose 24 cents, to 73 cents per mile.
“For context, monthly average van fuel surcharges averaged around 40 cents per mile throughout most of 2025,” Adamo said. “The March reading represents a 50% increase from that baseline.”
Contract rates: Moving higher with fuel
Contract freight rates increased sharply in March, driven largely by the same fuel-cost dynamics that affect the spot market.
• Contract van rate: $2.72 per mile, up 20 cents month over month
• Contract reefer rate: $3.10 per mile, up 22 cents
• Contract flatbed rate: $3.43 per mile, up 30 cents
As shippers and carriers navigate RFP season in this environment, Adamo offered a pointed assessment of current trucking industry trends and freight pricing strategies. “Right now, the smartest players are pricing contracts based on where they believe the market is going and being transparent about those assumptions, leaving room to adjust if conditions change,” Adamo said.
For previous TVI reports, visit: https://www.dat.com/news-releases
About the Truckload Volume Index
The DAT Truckload Volume Index measures monthly changes in loads with a pickup date during that month. A baseline of 100 equals the number of loads moved in January 2015, based on data from DAT RateView, part of the DAT iQ freight analytics platform, which tracks rates paid on actual shipments. Benchmark spot rates reflect invoice data for hauls of 250 miles or more, offering a consistent view of truckload demand and spot rate trends across the United States and Canada.
About DAT Freight & Analytics
DAT Freight & Analytics operates the DAT One truckload freight marketplace; Convoy Platform, an automated freight-matching technology; DAT iQ analytics service; Trucker Tools load-visibility platform; and Outgo factoring and financial services for truckers. Shippers, transportation brokers, carriers, news organizations, and industry analysts rely on DAT for market trends and data insights, informed by nearly 700,000 daily load posts and a database exceeding $1 trillion in freight market transactions.
Founded in 1978, DAT is a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500, and Fortune 1000. Headquartered in Portland, Oregon, DAT continues to set the standard for innovation in the trucking and logistics industry. Visit dat.com for more information.
The 2025/26 winter in Southern California was the warmest on record, and the result is an early bloom for table grapes in the San Joaquin Valley. Growers and shippers see the season starting two to three weeks earlier than usual.
Hronis Inc. of Delano, CA reports if the warm trend continues they could be harvesting grapes by the week of June 15. The grower/shipper notes other producers in the area and even stretching to Mexico are reporting similar sightings, with estimated harvest timelines varying by location.
Pandol Bros. of Delano, CA refers to communications among other area growers who indicate harvesting may be anywhere from 15 to 23 days early, but he’s cautious about such predictions. The harvest is still two months away and a lot can happen to affect it.
The Southern San Joaquin Valley starting the season at the end of June would still be early, as table grape picking typically starts around the first and second weeks of July.
If the season does get underway earlier this could extend the shipping season. Loadings typically last into December or January.
U.S. diesel fuel prices are rising anywhere from 11 to 49 percent depending upon what part of the country one is looking at, according to the International Fresh Produce Association.
For an industry built on speed and temperature control, these increases are not just incremental—they are structural. Cold chain logistics, from refrigerated trucks to ocean containers, depend heavily on fuel stability. As surcharges are added across ocean, air, and land transport, the cost of simply moving fresh produce is climbing in real time.
There are early signs of adjustment. Freight markets are resisting sharper increases due to underlying demand softness, with some carriers offering discounts below announced rates. However, structural risks remain.
Truckers are certainly feeling the pain. According to the U.S. Department of Energy the average cost of number 2 diesel fuel for April 13th was $5.39 per gallon, compared to $4.80 on March 9. A year ago the average price was $2.15.
Pacific Trellis Fruit of Los Angeles recently announced it will launch of its Southern and Eastern peach program for the summer season.
Designed to provide a seamless, high-quality domestic peach supply, the program will feature fruit sourced from leading growers across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Running from May through September, the program ensures consistent availability and optimal eating quality throughout the summer months. By partnering with trusted growers across multiple states, Pacific Trellis Fruit reinforces its commitment to delivering premium fruit with exceptional flavor, appearance, and condition.
“Our goal is to bring the best of the East Coast and Southern growing regions together into one cohesive program,” said Mike Blume, East Coast Sales Manager of Pacific Trellis Fruit. “By aligning with top-tier growers and focusing on regional strengths, we’re able to deliver a premium peach experience that meets the expectations of today’s consumers while creating meaningful value for our retail partners.”
“This program is a key component in strengthening our overall fruit portfolio,” added Eric Coty, Executive Vice President of Fruit for Pacific Trellis Fruit. “By expanding our peach offerings domestically across multiple regions, we’re excited to provide our customers with a more complete and compelling summer peach program. With over 20 years of experience, Mike Blume brings a keen understanding of the finer points of this dynamic deal, and we believe his proven experience in the program will serve our customers well.”
A key highlight of the program is the exclusive offering of Chambersburg peaches from South Central Pennsylvania. Available only through Pacific Trellis Fruit during the month of August, these peaches are widely regarded for their superior sweetness, juiciness, and rich heritage. This exclusive window offers retail partners a unique opportunity to differentiate their stone fruit category during peak season.
About Pacific Trellis Fruit
Pacific Trellis Fruit is one of North America’s top year-round importers, growers, and marketers of premium fresh fruit, including melons, grapes, stone fruit, cherries, and citrus. In 2014, Dulcinea was acquired by Pacific Trellis Fruit and became their consumer-facing brand. Dulcinea is the pioneer of the PureHeart personal seedless watermelon, the Tuscan-Style cantaloupe, SunnyGold yellow mini seedless watermelon, and Pure Perfection melons. Pacific Trellis Fruit’s corporate headquarters is in Los Angeles, CA, with sales offices in Fresno, CA, and Philadelphia, PA.
Mexican avocado shipments are looking at yet another year of rapid growth in 2026, according to a March report by the USDA.
The document puts production at 2.8 million metric tons (MMT), noting a three percent year-on-year rise as strong US demand continues to pull supply north.
Exports are projected to be up to 1.31 MMT, with the US absorbing nearly 90 percent of total shipments. Demand tied to major sporting events, such as February’s Super Bowl, and holidays like Independence Day and Labor Day, is expected to underpin the outlook.
Total exports reached 1.22 MMT in 2025, up two percent from the previous year, with shipments to the United States totaling 1.08 MMT.
By all accounts, Mexico will maintain its leading position as the world’s top avocado producer and exporter, accounting for about 28 percent of global output.
The report also notes that improved weather conditions and production practices are setting the stage for an even larger, higher-quality crop in 2026. Planted area, however, is forecast to remain flat at about 662,000 acres. But yields are trending higher.
Late-season rains in 2025 extended into November and early December, replenishing aquifers in key production regions. Combined with mild December temperatures ranging between 68 and 73 degrees Fahrenheit, strong flowering and fruit set are expected to improve size profiles.
Orchard management has also been key to the sector’s sustained growth. While about 65 percent of the groves still depend on rainfall, producers in Michoacán and Jalisco are accelerating the adoption of pressurized irrigation systems to improve water use and nutrient delivery.
The neighboring states in western Mexico are the only ones approved for exports to the US and account for 85 percent of the country’s total output.
Vista Vineyards of Bakersfield, CA has announced the launch of a leadership-owned table grape company built to deliver a consistent, 52-week supply through integrated farming, packing, and sales operations.
By following the sun across California, Mexico, and South America, Vista coordinates timing, varietal performance, and volume to support uninterrupted retail programs throughout the year.
The company brings together long-standing operations under one structure focused exclusively on table grapes, with key members of Vista’s leadership team having company ownership. This ownership structure reinforces long-term alignment, clear accountability, and commitment to retailer partners.
Vista Vineyards operates as a grower, packer, and shipper with proprietary licensed access to Sun World and BLOOM FRESH varieties across its growing regions. This integrated model allows Vista to coordinate production decisions in service of consistent, retail-ready programs year-round.
“Buyers want continuity and accountability,” said Oliver Sill, Vice President of Sales at Vista Vineyards. “Our leadership team has worked together for years across these regions. Now we’re operating as one company, with clear execution and responsibility behind every shipment.”
Vista Vineyards operates across complementary growing regions to stay in season year-round, maintaining consistent supply and quality:
● California (July–December): Established domestic acreage supporting peak U.S. production.
● South America (November–April): Growing operations that extend supply beyond North America, with further information coming soon.
● Mexico (May–July): Licensed partner growers operating under Vista Vineyards’ proprietary variety sales rights.
This investment structure supports consistent availability of premium green, red, and black seedless grapes throughout the year, with production decisions aligned to retail demand, varietal performance, and shelf consistency.
“We’ve spent years building relationships and infrastructure across these regions,” said Kevin Andrew, CEO. “This structure lets us operate the way we’ve always believed the business should run — with ownership, accountability, and a long-term view. We’re building something we believe in.”
The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) is projecting 17 million tons of Valencia oranges for the current 2025/26 season in the Golden State. The estimate is 16 percent above the production total of the previous campaign and five percent above the five-year production average.
The increase can be explained by a higher average yield, which the agency found to be 657 oranges per tree.
This figure is considerably higher than in recent years, representing a 19 percent jump compared to the 2024/25 season and 18 percent above the five-year average of 557. In fact, the CDFA had not forecasted such a high average yield since the 2015/16 campaign, when it estimated an average of 696 oranges.
The latest edition of the Valencia Orange Objective Measurement Survey, which has been examining the crop in the state since 1985, shows an interesting trend: a sustained decrease in planted acreage, alongside a steady average tree density.
These numbers reflect a higher level of agronomic efficiency, especially considering that yearly production totals don’t show significant variations.
Finally, the CDFA also reported an increase in the average fruit size. Valencia orange samples showed a 17 percent increase in diameter, sitting at 2.55 inches. This is the biggest size forecasted by the agency since the 2017/18 season, when the average fruit diameter was 2.58 inches.
For the survey sample, the CDFA randomly selected 330 Valencia orange groves proportional to acreage, county, year planted, and variety representation in the state. Out of the total, 313 of these groves made it into the survey. The sampled groves were primarily in the top Valencia orange-producing counties of Tulare, Kern, San Diego, and Ventura.
LYNDEN, Wash. — A simple addition to the plate may help support both metabolic and brain health as we age. New research published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that adding red raspberries to a meal improved post-meal blood sugar responses and enhanced cognitive performance within hours.
Red raspberries are naturally rich in polyphenols, plant compounds known to influence metabolic and inflammatory processes relevant to brain health. To better understand this connection, researchers tested whether adding 25 g of freeze-dried red raspberry powder to a high-carbohydrate, moderate-fat meal could influence post-meal metabolic responses and cognitive performance in adults ages 55 to 70 who are overweight or obese.
After eating the raspberry-containing meal, participants experienced a smaller rise in blood sugar and a lower insulin response compared with the control meal. Blood samples collected after the meal also showed reduced neuroinflammatory responses in laboratory testing, suggesting a potential protective effect on the brain following meals.
Participants also performed better on a standardized battery of cognitive tests within hours of eating the raspberry meal. Researchers observed improvements in learning and memory tasks, including fewer errors and more efficient problem-solving strategies.
Importantly, these benefits were observed after just one meal that included freeze-dried red raspberry powder, highlighting the potential for immediate post-meal effects.
“As we age, maintaining healthy blood sugar and cognitive function becomes increasingly important,” said Britt Burton-Freeman, PhD, MS, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research, Illinois Institute of Technology. “These results show that adding red raspberries into your daily diet may have some metabolic and cognitive benefits that are important to all of us as we age.”
Frozen Washington red raspberries make it easy to enjoy these benefits year-round. Harvested at peak ripeness and frozen within hours to help preserve flavor and nutrients, they can be quickly added to smoothies, oatmeal, sauces and everyday meals. Shoppers can find frozen Washington red raspberries in the freezer aisle by looking for “Product of the USA” on the label.
While longer-term studies are needed, the findings add to growing research showing how everyday dietary choices can help support metabolic and brain health.
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON RED RASPBERRY COMMISSION
The Washington Red Raspberry Commission (WRRC) represents the growers and processors who produce 90% of the American-grown frozen red raspberries. Grown specifically for freezing, Washington red raspberries are picked at peak ripeness and frozen within hours to preserve their bold flavor, vibrant color and natural nutrition. These berries are the product of generations of farming expertise and sustainable practices, crafted for quality, air-chilled for food safety and available year-round. WRRC promotes the taste, health benefits and versatility of frozen Washington red raspberries while sharing the story of the American farmers behind every berry. Learn more at redrazz.org.
All tomato varieties are extremely tight. Round tomatoes are especially scarce this week and will remain so through April, according to a press release from Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA.
Round
Florida
- The South Florida season is just getting underway
- Supplies are limited
- Average volume is not expected until early May
Mexico
- Yields are extremely low, with only a few growers offering pallet quantities
- Production should remain constrained through next week
- Markon recommends substituting the Roma variety
- Quality is mixed
Roma
Florida
- Supplies are limited
- Romas are more available than rounds
- Yields are forecast to increase over the next two weeks
- Mexico
- Stocks are tight
- Production levels will remain below normal through next week
- Quality ranges from fair to average
- Prices are rising as buyers use Romas to cover round tomato demand
- Grape and Cherry
- Florida
- Supplies remain extremely limited following the January/February freeze
- Mexico
- Volume is declining as the Sinaloa season winds down due to unfavorable weather and disease pressure in the fields
- Summary
- Supplies remain extremely tight across all tomato varieties; rounds are the most limited
- Markets are elevated (record-level for this time of year), and buyers are using Romas to cover round demand
- Order flexibility (size/variety) and quick product rotation are recommended due to reduced shelf life
- Near-term relief is limited: some improvement may begin in mid-April (including grape/cherry supplies as new fields come online), but Florida growers are not expected to reach typical round volume until early May