Posts Tagged “feature”
Two recent studies point to the positive health outcomes of consuming mangos. Findings in two areas confirm mango consumption is associated with better overall diet quality and intake of nutrients.
There is the positive health outcomes of consuming mangos. Findings in two areas confirm mango consumption is associated with better overall diet quality and intake of nutrients. For example, snacking on mangos may improve glucose control and reduce inflammation in contrast to other sweet snacks.
With mangos consumed widely in global cuisines and 58% of Americans reporting snacking at least once a day in 2021, this new research provides added evidence that regularly consuming mangos may have health advantages and be relevant to cultural dietary preferences and current eating patterns.
“As immunity remains a priority for consumers today, we’ll continue to see a rise in plant-based options on menus to meet the demand,” Suwann Frison marketing manager at NMB Foodservice said. “Mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals, making it a versatile and healthy ingredient.”
Snacking on mangos may improve glucose control and reduce inflammation in contrast to other sweet snacks.
LOS ANGELES, CA – Pacific Trellis Fruit, the year-round importer, grower, marketer, and owner of the Dulcinea® Brand, is gearing up for a successful Mexican table grape season. Since the company’s inception in the grape industry in 1999, they have experienced year-over-year volume growth for its conventional and organic varieties.
“The crop out of Mexico this year is up nearly 20%, which relates to around 25.5 million boxes,” says Earl McMenamin, Senior Sales Executive. “Pacific Trellis’ 2 million boxes of volume this year will account for around 20 high-flavor varieties which will begin packing the second week of May.”
The company’s robust line-up for the Mexican season consists of conventional and organic red, green, black, and specialty varieties. Pacific Trellis’ specialty grapes kick off the last week of May with Tawny Red, a red seedless variety cross between a Red Globe and Flame. Tawny Red is a large, round berry with great crunch and skin color that varies between dark red and crimson. The Tawny variety is followed closely by Sweet Celebration and Sweet Globe, two high-flavor berries, which begin the first week of June. Pacific Trellis’ grape program is rounded out with organic red and green varieties, which will start in May, with all colors ready for shelves the first week of July.
“Our Mexican grape season has a tremendous advantage as it provides non-interrupted service and a bridge from the import season right into California production,” comments McMenamin. “Our team prides itself on smooth varietal transitions for our customers.”
Pacific Trellis’ entire Mexican table grape production filters through their primary warehouse in Nogales, Arizona. From Nogales, inventory is shipped to secondary warehouses in southern New Jersey and the Central Valley of California. All three centers have customer fulfillment abilities, giving Pacific Trellis reliable national distribution. This season’s grapes will be packed under the renowned Dulcinea® brand, with various bag and clamshell options for retail partners.
Learn more about Pacific Trellis Fruit by visiting their website https://www.pacifictrellisfruit.com/.
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About Pacific Trellis Fruit
Pacific Trellis Fruit is one of North America’s top year-round growers and importers of premium fresh fruit, including melons, grapes, peaches, plums, nectarines, citrus, and cherries. It partners with growers in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Peru, Spain, and Uruguay, as well as domestic farmers across the United States.
Its corporate headquarters is in Los Angeles, CA, with sales offices in Fresno, CA, Gloucester, NJ, and Tucson, AZ. Pacific Trellis owns and manages the renowned Dulcinea® brand. Dulcinea® is the pioneer of the Pureheart personal seedless melons as well as the Tuscan Style Cantaloupe, and Pacific Trellis has recently expanded the brand to pack grapes, citrus, and cherries. In 2020, Pacific Trellis fruit became the exclusive marketer and distributor of the KISS line of melons./
By Dave Comber, ALC Madison
Many of us like to enjoy a beer at a sporting event, while watching our favorite sports teams on TV, at picnics, or at any other gathering with family and friends. Most of us never think about the fact that beer is considered a perishable product. However, beer is a fragile product that needs care when being transported.
Beer is food. As with most foods, it deteriorates as a result of the action of bacteria, light, and air. To combat this, breweries, prior to bottling, make beer undergo some form of stabilization to extend its shelf life. The two primary forms of stabilization are sterile filtration, where the beer is passed through a microporous filter that will not let through any crunchy bits larger than 0.5 microns, and pasteurization, whereby the beer is heated briefly to kill any microbial wildlife.
The length of time it takes for a beer to become stale is determined by the alcohol strength and hopping level of the beer. Alcohol and hops help preserve beer – stronger beers with more hops keep longer. The freshness for a lager is about four months, five months for stronger craft brewed ales, and about six months to one year for high strength beers such as doppelbocks.
In most cases beer is at its best before it leaves the brewery. The further it travels from the brewery, the more difficult it becomes to maintain quality. Everyone involved in the production, distribution, and service of beer shares a responsibility for familiarizing themselves with, and maintaining product freshness. The sooner the beer can get from the brewery to the consumer, the better. Transportation providers play a large role in ensuring beer gets to the consumer expeditiously to ensure product quality.
When transporting beer, it is critical that carriers understand what it takes to cross state lines. Many states require permits to be able to legally haul beer in and out and through their state. All transportation providers need to ensure they have the proper permits to haul the product. Fines are possible, and delays getting the product to the store can occur if a truck is detained because they do not have the appropriate permits.
Since beer is a food product, the trailer needs to be inspected to ensure that it is clean and free of any odors. Some beer companies require that reefer trailers are used to haul their beer to slow down the oxidation process to keep it fresh longer. The temperature of beer hauled in reefers is generally around 40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the beer at the proper temperature keeps beer fresh longer. Also, in the winter, if hauling beer in a dry van trailer, it is imperative that beer is not kept outside too long depending on the outside temperature. Beer will not freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit due to the alcohol and sugar in beer. However, if beer is being transported on a dry van in cold temperatures in winter months, it should be delivered straight through to the receiver, or early the next morning. If temps are extreme (15 degrees F. or less) beer loads should only be transported with a reefer trailer, with the reefer running between 40-45 degrees Fahrenheit.
The transportation industry plays a big role in ensuring that beer goes from the brewery to the consumer in a timely manner. When purchasing beer, remember to think about all that the transportation industry does to ensure the freshness of beer. Enjoy and respect beer, and always drink in moderation.
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Dave Comber is the manager of ALC Madison and has been with the Allen Lund Company for eight years. He worked for three years as the assistant manager, before being promoted to his current role. Comber brought with him over 20 years of management and customer service experience within the transportation industry from Northern Freight Service, Inc. and Schneider National, Inc. Comber attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI and earned a B.A. in Liberal Arts with a Major in History.
Salinas, CA – Naturipe’s California strawberries are in peak production with the high-quality and flavorful berries consumers expect from Naturipe. Peak volumes are starting now and expected to last through June.
This season, Naturipe Farms is set to have its highest volumes of strawberries, as all California regions are in full production. Oxnard, Santa Maria, and Watsonville-Salinas are producing at peak volumes with great quality and supplies. We have a mix of proprietary and U.C. varieties to bring our customers the best of both worlds!
“This year’s California strawberry crop is peaking just in time for National Strawberry Month. We are seeing great quality and delicious flavor on these sweet and juicy berries. We are thrilled to be offering strong promotable volumes heading into May,” said Jerry Moran, Vice President of Sales for Naturipe.
About Naturipe:
Naturipe is a farmer-owned producer and marketer of nutritious, best tasting, premium berries and avocados that has been an industry leader for more than 100 years
Avocado shipments to U.S. markets have been anything but normal this season for a number of reasons. And the bottom line there have been fewer of them.
You may have noticed significantly higher retail prices for avocados and there are reasons why, even though there has been around 63 million pounds being shipping weekly in the U.S.
During the week of April 25, distributors were quoting $75 for a carton of 48-size avocados from Mexico FOB Laredo, TX, which is the crossing point for most of Mexico’s production.
During the week ending April 24, the 62.9 million pounds packed and shipped during the week was the second-largest week of the calendar year, only exceeded by the first week of March when 63.8 million pounds were moved. Looking at total volume for the year compared to 2021 shows through April in 2021, U.S. shipments of avocados topped 967 million pounds. This year, only a little more than 800 million pounds have made it to market in that time frame, a 17 percent drop in volume.
The market price for avocados has been very strong since January, but it received an unintended bump from the USDA in mid-February and has been steadily climbing ever since. During Super Bowl weekend (Feb. 12-13), shipments from Mexico were suspended because of a threat to a USDA inspector who was conducting inspections in a Michoacan packingshed. The week-long suspension impacted shipments for two weeks with Mexico only sending about 40 million pounds to the U.S. market during that period, which was only about 40 percent of what typically would have been shipped.
The high volume 63.8-million-pound week occurred after shipments were once again allowed, but the shortage created heavy demand and prices started rising. In March, it was mostly in the $50s for the largest size while in early April, the FOB was in the $60s. Easter week always results in a significant drop in supplies from Mexico as that heavily Catholic country observes several holy days with no work. During the week ending April 17, Mexico only sent 21.7 million pounds to the United States, its lowest week of the year except for the suspension week.
Projections on volume reveal the market may stay right where it is through May and possibly well into June. This is when Peru starts to move into volume shipments to the U.S. market. The Hass Avocado Board projects, U.S. weekly volume of 50-55 million pounds in each week of May.
In May, Mexico’s volume is expected to decline from about 40 million pounds the first week of the month to about a 30-million-pound pace by the end of the month. California’s volume is expected to increase from an average of less than 9 million pounds per week in April to 13 million pounds a week in May. The current projection calls for Peru’s volume to hit close to 5 million pounds per week at the end of May before ascending to double-digit weekly volumes in June and reaching for 18-19 million pounds on a weekly basis in mid- to late July.
Peruvian avocado exporters are predicting more than 230 million pounds will come to the U.S. market this season, mostly from mid-June through August, but continuing into October.
Del Rey Packing Co. of Fallbrook, CA, is anticipating Peru might get started earlier with volume shipments to the United States because of the very strong market.
In 2021 U.S. import values for fresh produce commodities from Mexico exceeded double-digit gains for a long list of fruits and vegetables compared with 2020 data, according to USDA trade statistics.
The top U.S. import of fresh produce commodity from Mexico in 2021 was avocados, with trade valued at $2.78 billion, up 25% from 2021 and up 57% from 2016.
The second leading Mexican produce item imported by the U.S. in 2021 was fresh tomatoes, valued at $2.38 billion, unchanged from 2020 but up 22% from 2016.
U.S. imports of Mexican berries (excluding strawberries) totaled $2.17 billion in 2021, up 17% from 2020 and 123% higher than 2016.
U.S. imports of Mexican fresh peppers totaled $1.51 billion in 2021, up 16% from 2020 and up 41% from 2016.
The full list of 2021 U.S. imports of Mexican fresh produce, compared with 2020 and 2016 were:
- Avocados: $2.78 billion, up 25% from 2020 and up 57% from 2016;
- Tomatoes: $2.38 billion, no change from 2020 and up 22% from 2016;
- Berries (excluding strawberries): $2.17 billion, up 17% from 2020 and up 123% from 2016;
- Bell peppers: $1.51 billion, up 16% from 2020 and up 41% from 2016;
- Strawberries (fresh or frozen): $1.26 billion, up 27% from 2020 and up 84% from 2016;
- Citrus: $686 million, up 32% from 2020 and up 58% from 2016;
- Cucumbers: $640.3 million, up 7% from2020 and up 33% from 2016;
- Grapes: $568.5 million, up 10% from 2020 and up 43% from 2016;
- Mangoes: $424 million, up 12% from 2020 and up 30% from 2016;
- Lettuce: $410 million, up 14% from 2020 and up 88% from 2016;
- Asparagus: $407.2 million, up 6% from 2020 and up 16% from 2016;
- Onions: $382.7 million, up 11% from 2020 and up 12% from 2016;
- Melons: $366.8 million, up 8% from 2020 and up 5% from 2016;
- Squash: $351.3 million, down 23% from 2020 and up 1% from 2016;
- Cauliflower and broccoli: $349.5 million, no change from 2020 and up 51% from 2016;
- Bananas/plantain (frozen/fresh): $214.2 million, up 3% from 2020 and up 65% in 2016;
- Beans: $99.45 million, up 4% from 2020 and up 46% from 2016;
- Celery: $71.9 million, up 8% from 2020 and up 178% from 2016;
- Eggplant: $62.2 million, down 7% from 2020 and up 17% from 2016;
- Cabbage: $59.8 million, up 9% from 2020 and up 174% from 2016;
- Carrots: $51.4 million, up 25% from 2020 and up 28 from 2016;
- Pineapples: $41.5 million, up 16% from 2020 and up 18% from 2016;
- Fresh peas: $35.9 million, up 3% from 2020 and up 5% from 2016;
- Garlic: $30.8 million, up 28% from 2020 and up from 102% from 2016;
- Radishes: $24.7 million, up 13% from 2020 and up 36% from 2016; and
- Okra: $12.9 million, up 2% from 2020 and up 49% from 2016.
The Chilean Citrus Season kicked off in the last week of April as the first shipment of clementines set sail for the U.S. market. As the largest citrus exporter in the Southern Hemisphere, Chile will be supplying clementines, mandarins, navels, and lemons to the U.S. market, with heaviest volume starting in June and continuing through October.
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. 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.
Retail promotions will be the key focus for the Committee. According to Karen Brux, Managing Director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association, “This season, perhaps more than ever, it’s crucial that we work closely with the trade on flexible, targeted programs to drive sales. Having encountered numerous logistical issues over the past year, we’ve learned how to implement flexible programs that can be turned on and off quickly. The ability to be fast, nimble and creative will continue to be important during the citrus season.”
To this effect, the Citrus Committee is developing a new branded campaign that will include digital ads, influencer posts and virtual demos, as well as programs with shopping apps like Shopkick. With the return of more and more in-store merchandising opportunities, the Committee will also implement in-store programs that highlight the superior taste, nutrition, and convenience of Chilean Citrus.
Washington State asparagus shipments start this week launching the 2022 season with fresh asparagus available. Primary customers are regional supermarkets, farmers markets and restaurants this week. Shipments will extend into June.
In 2021, about 15 million pounds of asparagus were harvested, with an economic impact of $30 million for growers and packers. Washington State is one of the nation’s leading producers of domestic asparagus.
The Washington Asparagus Commission believes it grower members will produce over 20 million pounds this season. Last season was the first time Washington failed to harvest at least 20 million pounds in more than 50 years. Factors related to import competition and unseasonable weather.
Washington’s organic production of fresh asparagus accounts for approximately eight percent annually.
The health benefits of asparagus are bountiful. Research has found it can protect the body from chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. It’s fat-free, cholesterol-free, and its amino acid helps cleanse the body of toxins. It’s rich in fiber, Vitamins A, C, K, E, folate, and glutathione (anti-carcinogen and antioxidant).
Washington Asparagus Commission
Established in 1991, The Washington Asparagus Commission promotes Washington asparagus domestically, monitors and addresses trade issues, and advances environmentally sound production practices through research. The Washington Asparagus Commission represents the growers’ interest in areas and issues relating to the asparagus industry. waasparagus.com.
A recent report from RaboResearch found that despite being a mature market, U.S. strawberry consumption continues to grow, both in terms of household penetration and volume, and driving an increase in imports as well as planted crops in California.
The report was authored by Senior Analyst, Produce, David Magaña; Fresh Produce Analyst Almuhanad Melhim; and Senior Analyst, Farm inputs Samuel Taylor. It found that even though the U.S. market is considered mature, it still shows growth patterns uncanny for a mature market, and will continue to lead the “berry patch” in the near future.
Growth in demand is estimated at around 3% CAGR annually, the report found.
This growth has helped drive an increased level of imports, and also driven multi-year high acreage in the state of California. Together, these trends are expected to improve availability of the fruit for 2022, with prices remaining steady.
This is not to say there is no uncertainty facing the crop, with high input costs the biggest contributing factor in the short term.
This demand also has made the fruit the golden child, at least for fruits, of the Controlled Agricultural Environment (CEA) industry, with vertical strawberry farms being a growing source of interest.
Just recently, Bowery Farming launched a new “discovery” pack that features two vertically grown strawberry cultivars in side-by-side compartments, the first commercial offer of vertically grown fruit. Driscoll’s and Plenty have also committed to controlled, vertical production as well, expanding on an initial test agreement.
The California strawberry harvest is currently hitting its peak season, as California growers have increased the share of early season fruit.
Florida mature green tomato volume is surging, while vine-ripes and romas from Mexico on in a seasonal decline.
Good growing weather in Florida is resulting in shipments of good volume for tomatoes from the Ruskin/Palmetto, FL region. About 400 truckloads per week are being shipped.
Meanwhile, vine ripe tomatoes will continue to decline this month. Just under 500 truckloads crossed the Mexican border into the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas last week. About 250 truckloads of Mexican tomatoes crossed through Nogales, AZ.
In Western Mexico there is a mixture of a new crop coming on with an existing crop. Grape tomato shipments with transition to Baja California during the next month crossing into San Diego.
The California desert region will start limited shipments of round tomatoes in mid-May, with the bulk of the California summer season beginning in mid-June.