Posts Tagged “feature”
About 2 billion pounds of avocados will be imported from Mexico this season — an increase of about 6 percent over last year.
Though Mexico ships avocados year-round, particularly heavy volume comes from October through May.
McDaniel Fruit Co of Fallbrook, CA expects good volumes and quality coming from Mexico this season.
Calavo Growers Inc. of Santa Paula, CA expects peak volume to occur from January to April. The company expects some reduction in volume by the end of March or mid-April.
At Del Rey Avocado, Inc. of Fallbrook, CA plans on plenty of Mexican avocado imports through May.
During the past three years, an average of 80 percent of the avocados consumed in the U.S. were imported from Mexico..
While shipments from Mexico normally decline some during the summer, Mexican avocado imports dominates avocado volume in the U.S. every month of the year.
Volume has increased nearly 100 percent since 2010,
Avocados from Mexico were first allowed into the U.S. in 1997, but only to a limited number of Northeastern and Midwestern states and only during the winter.
Gradually, the number of states increased, and by 2007, the fruit was allowed in nationwide on a year-round basis.
McDaniel Fruit Co. of Fallbrook, CA was one of first companies to import when the U.S. market was opened to Mexican avocados and has seen significant growth in volume over the past two decades.
A modest decline in Chilean fruit exports for the 2019-20 season is forecast by the USDA primarily because of a drought and fewer plantings.
In its annual fruit report release recently Chilean table grape exports in 2019-20 will decline 3 percent, while apple exports will be off 7 percent and pear exports down 10 percent..
Grape Exports
Chile’s table grape planted area for exporting in 2019-20 is projected unchanged at about 118,000 acres. The USDA reports table grape production will drop due to droughts throughout the country and will have a pronounced effect in the central Chile regions of Valparaiso, Metropolitana, and O’Higgins. On the other hand, the northern regions of Atacama and Coquimbo have enough water reserves.
The USDA said traditional table grape varieties, including crimson seedless and thompson seedless, are declining in volume. Newer varieties, such as arra-15, timco, and sweet celebration continue to increase in production. Chile’s 2019-20 grape output is estimated at 805,000 metric tons, down 3 percent from a year ago.
Exports of table grapes will fall again in 2019-20 after an off year in 2018-19. Last season, Chile’s table grape exports decreased by 10.5 percent in volume compared with 2017-18, totaling 654,479 metric tons. Table grape exports to the U.S. and China fell by 10 percent while exports to South Korea grew by 27.7% last season. Even with the decline last year, the U.S. took 45 percent of Chile’s total exports in 201-8-19, with 295,149 metric tons shipped to the U.S.
Competition from Peru early in the season has pulled Chilean grape prices down and created a greater emphasis for late-season exportst.
The USDA projects Chilean grape exports to China will grow as exporters focus their promotion funds and marketing efforts in reaching that market. Chile’s total grape exports for 2019-20 are projected at 640,000 metric tons, down from 660,000 metric tons in 2018-19.
Apple Exports
Chile’s apple acreage this season is projected at near 80,000 acres, 6 percent less than 2018-19. Increased competition from Peru and low prices for traditional varieties contributed to the acreage decline.
Last season, Chile’s total fresh apple exports decreased by 10 percent in volume and 8.4 percdent in value compared with the 2017-18 season, with totals of 618,324 metric tons in volume and $557 million in value.
2018-19 exports of Chilean apples were diversified to customers in North America, Latin America, Europe and the Far East, but the U.S. was rated as the top buyer of Chilean apples.
For the upcoming season, apple exports to China, Taiwan, India, and Vietnam are expected to increase. Total Chilean apple exports for 2019-20 are projected at 656,500 metric tons, off 7 percent from 705,000 metric tons last season.
Pear Exports
Chilean pear acreage now is estimated at nearly 18,000 acres, about 11.5 percent fewer compared with 2018-19. Last season, Chile’s pear exports increased by 1.4 percent in volume over the previous year reaching 123,914 metric tons.
Top Chilean export markets for pears include Russia, Colombia, the Netherlands and Italyt.
Chilean pears also were exported to China starting in April with the opening of that market. For 2019-20, the USDA projects total Chilean pear exports at 117,000 metric tons, 10 percent lower compared with 130,000 metric tons in 2018-19.
There is a tendency to purchase more strawberries and mandarins in families with kids 17 and under than homes without kids.
“Although households without kids represent a larger buyer group, families are more likely to ‘overindex,’ or spend more dollars per category, in relation to other demographic groups,” the United Fresh Produce Association wrote in its latest FreshFacts on Retail report. “Families particularly overindex in fruit sales, which is supported by strawberries and mandarins ranking as the top two most popular items for families.”
Along with strawberries and mandarins, raspberries, apples and bell peppers resonated with households with kids of all ages. Grapes, avocados and carrots were more popular for families with children under 12, while families with kids 13-17 had potatoes, cooking greens and lettuce in their top 10 list.
United Fresh noted that digging more deeply into the numbers is worthwhile because doing so provides understanding of how households are using those items.
“For example, bell peppers overindex more strongly than carrots across all family groups; however, bell peppers are almost exclusively consumed by the adults while carrots have a higher consumption rate among children,” United Fresh wrote. “Knowing not only what products families buy but who and how they consume it can influence your marketing strategy and even package design.”
JACKSONVILLE, Fla – Crowley Logistics has added 300 new refrigerated (reefer) cargo containers to its industry-leading equipment fleet just in time for the peak perishables shipping season.
The additional units, which are all 40-foot-long, high cubes built to Crowley’s exacting standards, further demonstrates the company’s focus on offering customers the most reliable and efficient equipment in the market. These units have wireless asset monitoring technology, which will provide continuous monitoring as the reefers transit from origin to destination, both at sea and over land, to ensure the cold chain is maintained the entire time goods are moving.
“The acquisition of these containers is part of our continued commitment to maintain the best conditioned equipment for our customers and in the right quantities to meet their needs during peak season and throughout the rest of the year,” said Steve Collar, senior vice president and general manager, Crowley Logistics. “We have a staff of experts that continuously evaluates our fleet and its ability to meet customer needs. If we see there is opportunity for enhancements, we make investments to ensure we have the right equipment available at the right time.”
Crowley’s industry-leading equipment, combined with grower and farm services such as load planning and equipment sanitation, make Crowley a trusted partner for refrigerated shippers. Crowley provides in-transit services including location and temperature monitoring. The company ensures quality and dependable arrival through services like customs clearance, fumigation options, refrigerated storage and last-mile deliveries.
The reefer containers will be received in Santo Tomas, Guatemala, to accommodate Central America’s heavy northbound reefer season, which runs through May 2020. The new containers are equipped with Carrier’s high efficiency PrimeLINE® refrigeration units, incorporating several changes to further boost efficiency and reliability.
Since 2014, Crowley has invested over $150 million in new cargo equipment for its fleet. Today, the company operates more than 51,500 pieces of owned and leased intermodal equipment. The equipment’s diverse sizes and strategic locations throughout the U.S, Central America and the Caribbean provide customers a variety of solutions to meet demands.
About Crowley
Jacksonville-based Crowley Holdings Inc., a holding company of the 127-year-old Crowley Maritime Corporation, is a privately held family- and employee-owned company that provides marine solutions, energy and logistics services in domestic and international markets. Crowley operates under four business units: Crowley Logistics, a logistics supply chain division that includes ocean liner services; Crowley Shipping, which encompasses ownership, operations and management of conventional and dual fuel (LNG) vessels, including tankers, container ships, multipurpose, tugboats and barges; engineering; project management; and naval architecture through its subsidiary Jensen Maritime; Crowley Fuels, a fuel transportation, distribution and sales division that also provides liquefied natural gas (LNG) and related services; and Crowley Solutions, which focuses on government services and program management, government ship management, expeditionary logistics and government-oriented freight transportation services, as well as marine salvage and emergency response through its 50 percent ownership in Ardent Global.
Export volumes have broken a historic record as the Chilean lemon season comes to a close.
The Chilean Citrus Committee reports the South American country exported 90,500 metric tons (MT), a growth of 2.5 percent over last season.
The U.S. remains the primary market for exports, accounting for 62 percent of the volume. Japan is second with 22 percent, followed by Europe with 8 percent.
While we may be five months or so away from a new season of California avocado shipments, shippers already are talking about a big increase in volume compared to last season.
The previous season, which ended only about three months ago, had shipments limited mostly to California and other western states. Whle there is no official estimate, industry expectations point to volume reaching 350 to 370 million pounds for the 2020 season, up from about 215 million pounds in 2019.
The California Avocado Commission, which represents growers and shippers, believe the bigger crop will extend the season compared with this year, with shipments expanding well beyond the western states.
The California avocado shipping season typically runs from early spring through late summer, but in 2020 it should start earlier and go longer because of the larger crop.
Two typical New Year’s resolutions are eating healthier and being a bit more adventurous. But why wait till the New Year? Start your adventure before or during the holidays with this Garlic Roasted Spicy Green Beans with Almonds recipe!
Green beans are a classic, especially at this time of the year, but bring something new to the table by adding red pepper flakes and almonds! It takes essentially no extra time but adds a whole new dimension to the flavor and a slight crunch to the texture that will keep you coming back to this recipe. Of course, the main ingredient that will determine the flavor and taste of this dish is the green beans themselves. That’s why we want to bring your attention to Harvest Sensations. Buying produce from Harvest Sensations isn’t a mere transaction, they pride themselves in delivering the produce you deserve.
They focus entirely on sourcing and importing quality, organic ingredients in order to make the globe their local backyard. Your produce comes right from a farmer out of the U.S., Mexico, or Central and South America. And if you want assurance that you’re getting the best, Harvest Sensations is proud to be globally certified through multiple organizations including Global Food Safety Initiative and National Organic Standards.
They’re dedicated to their customers and the environment equally, committed to great service and products while also maintaining an active commitment to the environment. They have a sustainability plan based on viability, accountability, responsibility, and investment.
That’s how you know you’ll be receiving top of the line green beans! Which means a magnificent source for vitamins A, C, and K along with folic acid and fiber for you and everyone else at your table. This translates directly into your health, promoting a good mood, bone health, and even clocking carcinogenic effects.
Best of all, this recipe is easy! Check out the three steps to your adventure below:
Ingredients:
- 12 oz raw Harvest Sensations green beans, ends trimmed
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tablespoons sliced almonds
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.
- Place the green beans in a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil and then season with red pepper flakes, sea salt, and fresh cracked pepper and toss.
- On a parchment lined baking sheet, spread the green beans in a single layer. Roast for 15 minutes before removing beans from the oven to add minced garlic and sliced almonds. Mix all together and spread into a single layer again and roast for an additional 5 minutes until green beans are cooked through and the garlic and almonds are lightly golden.
By IGM Citrus
IMG Citrus, a family-owned, vertically-integrated citrus grower, packer, and shipper in Vero Beach, FL, is reintroducing white grapefruit to the U.S. market. Most white grapefruit is exported directly from the U.S. to its primary market in Japan where it maintains consistently high popularity; however, IMG Citrus will be expanding its white grapefruit consumer base to the U.S. market, reintroducing the original, heirloom Florida grapefruit to its homeland.
All white grapefruit is grown in the Indian River region, the best region for growing grapefruit.
More commonly known to the American consumer is red grapefruit, a mutation of white and a staple in the citrus aisle. While grapefruit in the U.S. is primarily grown in Florida, Texas, and California, Florida is the only state in the country where white grapefruit is grown. While citrus farmers in Florida have continued to replant an abundance of red grapefruit after the impact of yearly hurricanes, over the course of the past 30 to 40 years, growers have not replanted a significant amount of white grapefruit.
However, with IMG Citrus’ recent acquisition of Emerald Grove in St. Lucie County, renamed the Happy Food Grove after their consumer brand, IMG Citrus is now one of the largest growers and suppliers of Florida red and white grapefruit, producing approximately 50% of all white grapefruit in Florida. Along with their 4,000 acre investment, IMG Citrus will begin selling white grapefruit in the U.S., where the company has been selling citrus domestically for decades.
About IMG Citrus:
IMG Citrus is a second-generation citrus grower, packer, marketer, and shipper in Vero Beach, Florida, with over 9,000 acres of productive land. Family owned and operated for 40 years, IMG Citrus was founded by Michel and Veronique Sallin. Born and raised on a French farm, Michel has a genuine love for sustainable agriculture, and an entrepreneurial spirit that fuels a passion for using the most innovative processes and technologies. Today, a second generation of family-operators is involved and working alongside the most professional industry leaders that make up the IMG Citrus team.
About IMG Enterprises:
IMG Enterprises, the holding company for IMG Citrus, is a Florida owned and operated family enterprise with business in citrus, ornamental tree nursery, real estate, mitigation banking, and landscape construction and maintenance.
By Almond Board of California
MODESTO, Calif. — Anti-aging regimens abound but emerging research, that one delicious addition to your skincare routine may be in your pantry instead of your makeup kit: almonds.
A new pilot study by researchers at the University of California, Davis1 found that a daily snack of almonds in place of other nut-free snacks improved measures of wrinkle width and severity in postmenopausal women. The study was funded by the Almond Board of California and is the first of its kind to examine almonds’ effects on skin health. A larger and longer-term follow-up study is underway.
In this 16-week randomized controlled trial, 28 healthy postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 or 2 (characterized by increased tendency to burn with sun exposure) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the intervention group, women ate almonds as a snack, which accounted for 20% of their total daily calorie intake, or 340 calories per day on average (about 2 one-ounce servings). The control group ate a nut-free snack that also accounted for 20% of calories: a cereal bar, granola bar or pretzels. Aside from these snacks, study participants ate their regular diets and did not eat any nuts or nut-containing products.
Skin assessments were made at the start of the study, and again at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks. At each visit, facial wrinkles were assessed using high-resolution facial imaging and validated 3-D facial modeling and measurement. “These high resolution cameras allow for 3-D reconstruction of any wrinkles so that they can be mapped for their key characteristics of width and severity. The severity score is a calculation of the depth and length of a wrinkle,” explains Raja Sivamani, MD MS AP, integrative dermatologist and lead researcher on the study. Skin barrier function was also assessed, by measuring sebum production and transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Skin barrier function examines the strength of the skin barrier and how well it protects skin from moisture loss (TEWL) and from harmful irritants coming from the environment.
By the end of the study at 16 weeks, photographic image analysis showed statistically significant improvements for participants in the almond snack group compared to the control group (P<0.02):
- Wrinkle width decreased by 10%
- Wrinkle severity decreased by 9%
There were no significant changes in skin barrier function between groups.
“Food as a means of promoting skin health – the “health from the inside out” idea – is of growing interest to those looking for options for healthy aging,” says Dr. Sivamani. “It’s also a growing area of scientific research. Almonds are a rich source of antioxidant vitamin E and deliver essential fatty acids and polyphenols. They’re a smart choice for overall good nutrition. And, as seen in this study, almonds may hold promise as a food to include as part of a healthy aging diet, especially for post-menopausal women.”
Study at a Glance:
The Study: 28 healthy, postmenopausal women with Fitzpatrick skin type 1 (always burns, never tans) or 2 (usually burns, tans minimally) were randomly assigned to either an intervention or a control group. Almonds were provided as 20% of total daily calorie intake for the intervention group (340 calories/day on average), about 2 one-ounce servings. The control group consumed a calorie-matched nut-free snack in place of almonds daily: cereal bar, energy bar or pretzels. All participants were advised not to consume any nuts or nut-containing products over the course of the study (except for the almond snack for the intervention group). They otherwise were advised to continue their usual daily energy intake.
After a four-week dietary wash-out period, participants were randomized to one of the two study groups detailed above. Study visits occurred at baseline, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 16 weeks.
Facial wrinkles were assessed using high-resolution facial photography and validated 3-D facial modeling and measurement at baseline, 8 weeks and 16 weeks. Skin barrier function was assessed by measurement of sebum production and transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Results:
- Photographic image analysis showed that the almond group had significant reductions in wrinkle width and severity, by 10 and 9%, respectively, compared to the control group at the 16-week time point (P<0.02).
- There were no significant differences in sebum production between groups after 8 and 16 weeks.
- There were no significant differences between groups in transepidermal water loss (TEWL) from baseline after 8 and 16 weeks.
- There were no significant changes from baseline in the skin barrier function (P=0.65) between the almond and control groups relative to baseline after 16 weeks.
Study Limitations: Aging is a long-lasting process so the findings from this 16-week study may be difficult to reproduce and generalize to extended periods of time. Skin-aging is also multi-factorial in nature and although certain groups were excluded (i.e., those with a smoking history), there is variance in aging confounders, such as frequency of UV light exposure and emotional stress, which were outside the scope of the study. This study was limited to cosmetic evaluation, as no measurements were made regarding collagen production. Study did not evaluate disease or younger subjects, so results are limited to otherwise healthy post-menopausal females. In addition, this was a pilot study with a limited number of participants. Future studies should expand to a larger recruitment pool.
Conclusion: Results of this pilot study suggest that daily consumption of almonds may play a role in reducing wrinkle severity in post-menopausal women. The outcomes warrant future studies with expanded population groups and additional evaluations for signs of skin aging.
ABOUT THE ALMOND BOARD OF CALIFORNIA
California almonds make life better by what we grow and how we grow. The Almond Board of California promotes natural, wholesome and quality almonds through leadership in strategic market development, innovative research, and accelerated adoption of industry best practices on behalf of the more than 7,600 almond farmers and processors in California, most of whom are multi-generational family operations. Established in 1950 and based in Modesto, California, the Almond Board of California is a non-profit organization that administers a grower-enacted Federal Marketing Order under the supervision of the United States Department of Agriculture.