Posts Tagged “feature”
The Chilean citrus season kicked off in mid-April when the first shipment of clementines set sail for the U.S. market.
Chile will supply clementines, mandarins, navels and lemons to the U.S. market, with promotional support starting in June and continuing through October, according to a news release.
The current total Chilean Citrus forecast across categories is as follows:
- Clementines: 45,000 tons
- Mandarins: 120,000 tons
- Navels: 90,000 tons
- Lemons: 90,000 tons
Logistical and climatic issues have impacted overall volume, resulting in an anticipated 12% decrease from 2021. Nonetheless, Juan Enrique Ortuzar, president of the Chilean Citrus Committee, remains optimistic about the industry’s future.
“We are facing a challenging season in many respects, but citrus has grown into an incredibly strong, year-round category,” Ortuzar said in the release. “Chilean citrus volume has increased by 25% over the past five years. With our quality proposition, we believe there will continue to be growth opportunities.”
The U.S. received 88% of all Chilean citrus exports in 2021, with 97% of clementines and mandarins shipped to the U.S. Volume will be lower this year, especially for clementines, where a volume decrease of 35% is anticipated, but the U.S. will continue to receive the majority of Chilean citrus exports. To support this volume, the Citrus Committee is finalizing a robust marketing campaign that will help build demand and drive sales at the retail level.
At the Advanced Clean Transportation Expo today, Carrier Transicold introduced its eCool family of electric transport refrigeration and cooling products for heavy-duty tractors and trailers, as well as medium- and light-duty trucks. The eCool portfolio encompasses solutions for a wide range of applications to fulfill customer needs for more sustainable solutions that reduce emissions and respond to changes in the regulatory environment. More details are provided in the news release, and a photo is included.
Thank you for giving this your editorial consideration.
Tom Cunningham
For Carrier Transicold
412-486-0076
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary Udry
706-357-7242
Carrier Transicold’s Electric eCool Series Drives Efficient, Sustainable Transport Refrigeration
LONG BEACH, Calif., May 10, 2022 – Carrier Transicold today showcased a range of electric transport refrigeration and cooling products as part of the eCool™ series, which help lower emissions for customers across the cold chain. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation (NYSE: CARR), the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions.
The eCool family, which includes sustainable solutions for heavy-duty tractors and trailers, as well as medium- and light-duty trucks, was featured by Carrier Transicold during the 2022 Advanced Clean Transportation Expo at the Long Beach Convention Center.
“Our eCool portfolio encompasses solutions for a wide range of applications to fulfill our customers’ need for more sustainable solutions that reduce emissions and respond to changes in the regulatory environment,” said Dave Kiefer, Director of Product Management and Sustainability, Carrier Transicold.
“Fundamentally, all eCool products help to push emissions toward zero by using electricity to power the systems, but the technology for each product varies based on what is best for the specific application,” Kiefer continued. “Elimination of the diesel engine also reduces noise, which is especially appreciated when operating in urban and suburban areas.”
The eCool products showcased by Carrier Transicold at the ACT Expo included:
- Vector eCool™ refrigerated trailer system powered by ConMet eMobility – The new system sustainably creates its own power using leading-edge energy recovery and storage to operate an all-electric Vector trailer refrigeration unit. In the Americas, Carrier formed a strategic alliance with ConMet eMobility to offer the PreSet Plus® eHub™ system, which uses innovative in-wheel motor technology to capture and store clean, regenerative energy for the refrigeration unit. Global foodservice distribution leader Sysco is piloting a Vector eCool system to explore ways this new technology can help the company achieve its 2030 climate reduction goals. The Sysco trailer was featured and operable, emissions-free in the Carrier Transicold booth at the ACT Expo.
- Supra eCool™ truck refrigeration unit –An electric complement to Carrier Transicold’s Supra diesel truck refrigeration units, which operates via its own battery module in non-electric truck applications or via the truck’s power supply in battery-electric vehicle applications. When it goes into service in 2023, it will help fleets operating in California that are subject to new regulations requiring adoption of zero-emission systems for truck refrigeration.
- Neos 200e for light-duty vehicles – This latest addition to the Neos platform adds compatibility with battery-electric vehicles, greater operating efficiency and more capacity than the model it succeeds.
- ComfortPro electric auxiliary power unit (APU) – The new lithium-ion battery-powered version of Carrier Transicold’s electric APU outperforms electric systems using conventional absorbent glass mat (AGM) batteries, providing up to 17 hours of continuous air conditioning. Exclusive features include a variable-speed compressor, cabin pre-cool lock and a high-power battery pack that is independent from the tractor’s lead-acid battery.
Carrier Transicold eCool products can also use refrigerants such as R-452A that have a significantly lower global warming potential than R-404A, the longtime standard refrigerant used in most transport refrigeration systems.
Additionally, Carrier Transicold’s telematics platform can be used with transport refrigeration units in the eCool family to provide remote temperature monitoring, unit location and movement details, as well as battery status and system performance.
Energy efficiency is critical to Carrier’s progress in reducing its customers’ carbon footprint by more than one gigaton, while also achieving carbon neutral operations by 2030, as outlined in its bold Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Goals.
For additional details about Carrier Transicold’s eCool family of electric products, turn to the experts in Carrier Transicold’s North America dealer network.
About Carrier Transicold
Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping of temperature-controlled cargoes with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated transport and cold chain visibility. For more than 50 years, Carrier Transicold has been an industry leader, providing customers around the world with advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive and diesel truck units, and trailer refrigeration systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, the leading global provider of healthy, safe, sustainable and intelligent building and cold chain solutions. For more information, visit transicold.carrier.com. Follow Carrier on Twitter: @SmartColdChain, on Facebook at Carrier Transicold Truck/Trailer U.S. & Canada and on LinkedIn at Carrier Transicold Truck Trailer Refrigeration.
New Jersey is one of the top 10 producers nationally for blueberries, cranberries (processed), spinach, squash and many other crops, according the New Jersey Department of Agriculture.
Consalo Family Farms of Vineland, NJ grows a full line of produce in New Jersey, with a history in the state dating back to 1927.
There are more than 100 different varieties of produce grown in New Jersey. These items range from methi, to daikon radishes, and bok choy plus more traditional items like cilantro, dill, romaine lettuce, and beets.
New Jersey grown produce is shipped by truck to retailers up and down the East Coast. Vegetable loadings begin in April and usually extending into November for some crops. New Jersey blueberries are available June through early August.
Sunny Valley International of Glassboro, NJ, has been a leading marketer of New Jersey stone fruit and blueberries for nearly 30 years.
There was a 23 % drop in Florida avocado shipments during the 2021 season, according the the USDA.
The Sunshine state totaled 1.11 million 25-pound cartons in 20. There was a 39% plunge to 1.83 million cartons in 2019. The decline in volume has corresponded with a dip in Florida avocado bearing acreage.
Florida avocado bearing acreage in 2021 was 4,400 acres, down 4% from 4,600 acres in 2020, off 27% from 6,000 acres in 2019 and 24% off from 5,800 acres from 2018.
Florida avocados are available year-round, but the heaviest volume from the state in 2021 ran from June through December.
The top shipment month for Florida avocados in 2021 was August, when shippers moved 225,200 cartons, or about 20% of the state’s total annual fresh shipments.
In 2021, August was followed in importance by July, which featured 201,600 cartons, or about 18% of annual volume. September shipments were 196,800 cartons, or about 18% of annual volume.
A crop estimate for 2022 has yet to be issued.
Brooks Tropicals LLC of Homestead, FL will see an increase in Florida avocado production because of new grafts bearing fruit.
The company has invested in recent years over $1 million in transitioning some varieties into others based on various production, harvest, and fruit characteristics. Overall, Florida avocado industry acreage has shrunk though, due to economic forces (land value) and devastation brought on by the Laurel Wilt virus.
Brooks is the second-largest importer of tropical avocados and representing about 35% of the Florida industry – combining to make Brooks Tropicals the single largest distributor of tropical avocados in North America.
By Zach Griebling, ALC Denver
Last year in the summer of 2021, Lake Mead and Lake Powell, two of the largest reservoirs in North America, reached an all-time low. Over time there have been different megadroughts that have occurred throughout history, the one we are currently in has lasted over 22 years. During these unprecedented times ranchers and produce farmers have dealt with water shortages as well as wildfires.
In February 2022, the federal government announced that they would not be deliveringwater to farmers in California’s agricultural belt which provides roughly 25% of our nation’s food. The federal government operates the Central Valley Project in California, a complex system of dams, reservoirs, and canals. This is the fourth time in the last decade that farmers of the San Joaquin-Sacramento River Delta have received no federal aid from the government.
With the uncertainty of the amount of water that will be available to farmers this year, we could see loads out of California drop, creating problems for carriers on the West Coast that depend on produce out of this area to support their business. California growers may need to shift their plans for acreage in the state if they have an option elsewhere. Other growing regions will need to pick up the slack because some crops traditionally grown in California will likely come from more local areas, which will further strain transportation needs. We will be watching to see how Mother Nature may affect rates not only in California but around the country.
****
Zach Griebling is a transportation broker in the ALC Denver office.
The U.S. is expects to import a record amount of Peruvian avocados this summer, an unprecedented 250 million pounds — according to the Peruvian Avocado Commission. The increase in Peru’s avocado export volume from last year will allow the South American country to play an important role in supplying avocados to the U.S. market.
McDaniel Fruit Co. of Fallbrook, CA report the additional volume fits well into the U.S. market, which is facing a shorter than typical California avocado season, plus there was volatility in the Mexican market transitioning into the new crop. Sizing will peak on 48s and larger, which will complement the introduction of the Mexican flora loca crop, which typically consists of smaller avocados.
And as global supply chain disruption persists, elevated volume on Peruvian avocados will further help suppliers and retailers keep pace with demand.
There also are Global conflicts and challenges in the supply chain which seem to change weekly, resulting in struggles with movement around the globe. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has pressures growers to ship bigger volumes to the North American market. The company predicts a 30% increase in Peruvian avocado supply compared to last year because of these factors.
Per-capita availability of U.S. fresh blueberries and raspberries at the retail level has more than doubled in the past decade, according to USDA data.
From 2010 to 2019, per-capita availability of blueberries at retail has grown from 1 pound to 2.1 pounds, a twofold-plus gain. During the same period, per-capita retail availability of raspberries has also more than doubled, from 0.3 pounds in 2010 to 0.80 pounds in 2019.
Strawberries still represent the most widely consumed fresh berry, with the USDA reporting 5.3 pounds retail per capita in 2019.
However, that number is down about 19% from 6.6 pounds in 2010, the USDA said.
Per-capita consumption of blueberries from 2010 to 2019, in pounds, was:
- 2010: 1.0;
- 2011: 1.2;
- 2012: 1.2;
- 2013: 1.3;
- 2014: 1.4;
- 2015: 1.5;
- 2016: 1.6;
- 2017: 1.6;
- 2018: 1.8; and
- 2019: 2.1.
Per-capita consumption of fresh raspberries from 2010 to 2019, in pounds, was:
- 2010: 0.2;
- 2011: 0.3;
- 2012: 0.3;
- 2013: 0.3;
- 2014: 0.7;
- 2015: 0.8;
- 2016: 0.7;
- 2017: 0.8;
- 2018: 0.7; and
- 2019: 0.8.
Per-capita consumption of strawberries from 2010 to 2019, in pounds, was:
- 2010: 6.6;
- 2011: 6.8;
- 2012: 7.4;
- 2013: 7.4;
- 2014: 7.3;
- 2015: 7.1;
- 2016: 6.8;
- 2017: 6.3;
- 2018: 5.9; and
- 2019: 5.3.
Oppy is ready for the Orchard View cherry season which has just got underway from The Dalles, OR. While other cherry growers in the area apparently have reduced crops from Oregon, the Orchard View, located on the Columbia River is more fortunate this season.
Orchard View pointed out in The Dalles, there is a microclimate in the hillsides of the Columbia River Gorge protecting the company from a cold snap and encourages bees to migrate and pollinate as they sense warmer weather.
The harvest just started within the past week, and shipments will continue through July.
Last year Oppy expanded its import stone fruit program from Chile, Argentina and New Zealand, doubling volumes to cater to increasing market demand. With nearly year-round availability, cherry offerings are available May through January for the second time.
Growing, marketing and distributing fresh produce from around the globe for more than 160 years, Oppy of Vancouver, BC has over 50 million boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables grown on every continent moving through its supply chain annually It also offers popular favorites from avocados and berries to apples and oranges year-round, alongside innovative seasonal specialties. Over the years, Oppy has introduced North Americans to a number of items across its diverse produce range, including Granny Smith, JAZZ and Envy apples, as well as green and gold kiwifruit.
Tucked away on protected hillsides along the Columbia River Gorge, Orchard View Cherries grow plump and flavorful. For four generations, the Bailey family has perfected the art of cherry growing.
The company has 14,000 tons of cherry varieties grown annually on over 3,200 acres. Orchard View is unique in that it grows only cherries, unlike many other producers in the region who grow numerous other items, so it can channel specific into cherry production.
Cape Town South Africa – Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) announces the start of its 2022 season with the arrival of its first conventional vessel to the U.S. this week.
The vessel will arrive at PhilaPort, The Port of Philadelphia and contain 3,900 pallets of Clementines and Navel Oranges. Based on market demand, Easy Peelers are now the largest portion of SCSA’s product offering accounting for almost 50% of planned shipments this season.
“Quality of fruit this season is excellent, and volumes are on-par with what we anticipated,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “Retailers should be prepped, stocked and ready for the busy citrus demand this summer.”
This season does not come without its challenges. Due to logistics and supply-chain hurdles, SCSA is unable to ship containers directly to Packer Avenue, Philadelphia, which would have accounted for almost 30% of shipments for the summer.
“It is no secret that there are issues with the supply chain and logistics, however our sophisticated business model ensures that we are prepared and able to adjusts plans as needed,” said Conradie.
To offset some of the logistical problems, SCSA will be loading a few additional conventional vessels with containers that will be shipped via Port Newark in New Jersey. Additionally, some of the larger importers will be adding the Port of Savannah, GA as the point of entry for containers from Capetown.
“We are thankful to all of our business and logistics partners who make every season possible AND successful,” concluded Conradie.
For more information and to stay up-to-date on citrus from South Africa, subscribe to the newsletter by filling outthis form or for more information, please visitwww.summercitrus.com.
# # #
About Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA)
Summer Citrus from South Africa represents a group of South African citrus growers who consolidate their logistics, marketing and sales efforts to bring the finest citrus fruit to market during the U.S. summer season. Established in 1999 and re-branded for expanded marketing efforts in 2016, the group provides Navels, Midknights, East Peelers, Star Ruby Grapefruit and Cara-Cara oranges for the U.S. market. For more information about Summer Citrus from South Africa, visitwww.summercitrus.com and visit the brand’sFacebook,Instagram andTwitter pages.
FOLSOM, Calif. – A new research study published in Nutrients finds that blueberries have cognitive benefits. More specifically, the equivalent of a half cup of fresh blueberries per day, consumed as freeze-dried blueberry powder, was found to help middle-aged individuals against cognitive decline when implemented early in at-risk individuals.1
This is an important finding given that in the United States, nearly six million older adults live with dementia. Since limited treatments for cognitive decline exist, preventative approaches and mitigation of risk through proper nutrition are of increasing importance. Given that neurodegenerative changes associated with cognitive decline start in midlife, this research indicates that blueberries may present an opportunity for early intervention, by targeting modifiable risks like poor nutrition and related metabolic disturbance.
The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, “Blueberry Supplementation in Midlife for Dementia Risk Reduction,” looked at the impact of blueberry supplementation to produce measurable cognitive benefits in the context of aging and insulin resistance. Participants were overweight men and women 50 to 65 years old with subjective cognitive decline and moderate insulin resistance. Over the course of 12 weeks, participants were randomly assigned to consume either freeze-dried blueberry powder or placebo powder daily. Participants were asked to consume the powder with either their morning or evening meal, mixing it with water. Pre-and post-intervention assessments of cognition and metabolism and exploratory measures of peripheral mitochondrial function were conducted.
The blueberry group experienced improved performances on measures of lexical access, such as letter fluency as measured by the Controlled Word Association task, improved performances on measures of memory interference, such as fewer recall intrusion errors as measured by the California Verbal Learning Test and reduced memory eroding difficulty in daily life activities, such as reduction of forgetfulness, as measured by the Everyday Memory Questionnaire. The blueberry group also experienced correction of peripheral hyperinsulinemia, which is associated with neurodegeneration in the brain, as well as a significant decline in fasting insulin levels.2
Based on these findings, the study authors suggest that the potential mechanisms for these findings may be associated with anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins, the bioactive flavonoid compounds found in blueberries responsible for their vibrant blue color. Importantly, these results provide support that blueberries may induce metabolic and other benefits that could serve as an early intervention for preventing the cognitive decline associated with aging.
“This is the first study of its kind to look at blueberry supplementation in middle-aged individuals at risk for future health problems and late-life dementia,” said Robert Krikorian, PhD, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati Academic Health Center and the study’s lead investigator. “Importantly, this research provides evidence that blueberry supplementation can improve cognitive function and correct high insulin levels in these participants with prediabetes.”
The study, which was supported by funding from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council, builds on previous research in this area, which has demonstrated improvement in long-term memory performance with blueberry supplementation in older adults with mild cognitive impairment.3 It also supports previous research that found an association between blueberry consumption and improved metabolic function in at risk individuals, such as an improvement in insulin sensitivity.4
Further research is needed to look at blueberry supplementation over a longer time period, with a more robust sample size. Additionally, longitudinal cognitive assessments would be of value to assess the influence of blueberries on the progression of cognitive decline and to more thoroughly investigate the mechanisms of neurocognitive benefit.
“While further studies are warranted, our results provide novel and exciting data regarding the potential of blueberry supplementation as a preventive intervention,” said Krikorian.
With Brain Health Month on the horizon in June, tailored resources from USHBC are available now in the Brain Health toolkit, including ready-made social media content and digital ads, tip sheets, a research deep-dive (including this study), mouthwatering recipes, eye-popping blueberry images and more.
The USHBC had no role in study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, or writing of the study. For more information on blueberry nutrition research visit blueberrycouncil.org/health-professionals/health-research/.
About the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council
The U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council is an agriculture promotion group, representing blueberry growers and packers in North and South America who market their blueberries in the United States and overseas, and works to promote the growth and well-being of the entire blueberry industry. The blueberry industry is committed to providing blueberries that are grown, harvested, packed and shipped in clean, safe environments. Learn more at blueberry.org.