Posts Tagged “feature”
By Bailey Farms
OXFORD, NC. – Due to positive consumer reception of its DulceFina peppers, Bailey Farms, the leading shipper of specialty peppers in the country, announces expanded acreage for its premium sweet pepper line.
Since 1989, Bailey Farms Incorporated has been growing peppers. Beginning as a father and son duo, Bailey Farms now has family farms in North Carolina, Florida and Mexico offering a wide variety of chile, BellaFina and mini-sweet peppers.
A crave-able mini-pepper, the new DulceFina is sweet-tasting, crispy and deliciously snackable. Additionally, DulceFina boasts an exceptional flavor and a distinctively crunchy texture.
Rolled out in 2018, DulceFina is brightly colored, filled with flavor and is crispier and sweeter than other peppers.
“Our research and retail partner feedback has revealed a growing trend within the pepper category of consumers looking for a premium tasting snacking pepper that stands apart on the shelf” said Randy Bailey, president of Bailey Farms, Inc. “Last year was our initial rollout pilot to validate this and 2019 will be the year where we expand acreage to meet the consumer demand.”
In consumer taste tests against current yellow and orange mini sweet peppers, DulceFina was preferred 3 to 1. It’s no surprise consumers most often used the word “sweet” to describe their flavor—DulceFina peppers have an average higher Brix than retail yellow and orange mini sweets. One sweet, crispy bite will have everyone coming back for more!
DulceFina is available year-round and is packed loose and in 12 oz bags.
Mexican avocado exports to American companies will hit 78,000 tons in preparation for Cinco de Mayo, the biggest Mexican celebration in the U.S.
The event is a commemoration of Mexico’s victory over France at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862.
The Mexican avocado imports this year is a 25 percent increase over this time in 2018 when 58,730 tons of the fruit was imported. The big boost is being attributed primarily to greater promotions by retailers.
Mexican exports over 80 percent of their avocados to the U.S. each year.
The Mexican state of Michoacán exported 121,0908 tons of avocado to the U.S. for the Super Bowl LIII.
In the U.S., this celebration has become a time where Mexican people celebrate their heritage. It is so big and important that it gets confused with the celebration of Mexico’s Independence.
Mexican avocado, other produce through South Texas – grossing about $4900 to New York City.
Mexican producers are growing an increasing amount of product in greenhouses each year.
In 2017, there were 9,083 acres of greenhouse production in Mexico. In 2018, there were 57,454 acres of Mexican produce grown under protected agriculture, such as shade houses.
Greenhouses can increase yields and allow growers to control variables such as heating, cooling, humidity and irrigation as well as provide a barrier against pests.
At Chamberlain Distributing Inc. in Nogales, AZ, all of its cucumbers, vine-ripe tomatoes and bell peppers are grown under protected agriculture, while 80 percent of its roma tomatoes grown under protection. Overall, it is estimate 60 percent of the firm’s volume is grown under protected agriculture. This is up from about 10 percent a decade ago.
Greenhouses and shade houses are credited with allowing shippers to provide customers with consistent, high quality perishable items in a reliable manner. It also allows seasons to start earlier and for harvests to be extended.
At Ciruli Bros. LLC in Rio Rico, AZ, its Mexican grown cucumbers, bell peppers and other vegetable are all grown under protection. It is cited as being more cost effective and growing in open fields, allowing more control, better harvests and better crops.
In the U.S. the trend toward growing more profitable cannabis has contributed to the growth of greenhouses and shade houses in Mexico, where Mexican operations are replacing or complementing greenhouse vegetables in the U.S. and Canada.
Los Angeles, California – Pacific Trellis Fruit is bringing back JAM GRAPES, the new black seedless grape variety from Brazil it introduced late last year. During its initial launch, the premium grape variety had only been available from October through January.
“We saw good interest when we started talking to retailers late last fall. In order to ensure a good balance between quality and supply, we closely monitored availability – to confirm everything is exactly where we wanted it to be,” explains Josh Leichter, General Manager of Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms and added: “Very quickly, we were able to confirm that this grape fulfilled our expectations – and those of our retail partners – so we decided to bring them back as soon as possible.” Positive feedback from retailers was echoed by consumers and JAM GRAPES will be back on supermarket shelves in May and June, taking advantage of Brazil’s first semester harvest.
“For the current season we are adding a 1 pound clamshell as an option. It is the preferred pack style for high-margin grape varieties,” Leichter explained. The fruit will continue to be available in 2 pound clamshells as well as random weight bags.
About Pacific Trellis Fruit / Dulcinea Farms:
Established in 1999, Pacific Trellis Fruit and is one of North America’s top year-round growers, packers and marketers of premium fresh fruit, including grapes, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and citrus as well as pears, apples, kiwis and mangos. With the acquisition of Dulcinea Farms in 2014, Pacific Trellis Fruit added PureHeart® mini seedless watermelons, Tuscan Style™ Cantaloupe and SunnyGold® yellow mini seedless watermelon amongst other premium melons to its portfolio. Pacific Trellis Fruit is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA – with sales offices in Fresno, CA, Gloucester, NJ and Nogales, AZ.
U.S. onion shipments are expected to be down significantly in the coming months as weather issues and global supplies are less. The situation is seen as continuing through June.
April onion shipments are off 30 percent from the same time last season. As of April 1st, there were 6 million 50-pound units of onions, an astounding 61 percent plunge from March 1st shipments.
The National Onion Association of Greely, CO report fewer onion exports from Europe, combined with less supplies from Mexico and Canada, plus fewer acres planted and increased demand in the United States are resulting in tighter supplies.
“Our nation’s growers will be working around the clock to continue to meet consumer demand. This could take another few months to balance out,” the NOA said in a press release
Nearly 75 percent of onions imported into the U.S. are from Mexico, but weather this season has decreased production, particularly of white onions. The U.S. had imported 2.94 million 40-pound units of dry/storage onions from Mexico in early April, compared to 5.9 million 40-pound units at the same time last year.
Domestic shipments of spring and summer crop onions is expected to be lower, as well, according to the onion association. The spring crop in California is down 25 to 30 percent in acreage, and Texas sweet onions not only have a drop in planted acreage, but wet weather has slowed the harvest.
Georgia’s Vidalia crop is down about 20 percent as well. The official Vidalia official shipping date was April 22nd.
By Pacific Trellis Fruit/Dulcinea Farms
Los Angeles, California – For the 2019 season, Mexican grape exports are estimated to be up 34 pecent over 2018. “Pacific Trellis Fruit has been among the Top 5 importers from the Latin American region for several years now and we are well-positioned to leverage that improved outlook for our retail partners,” comments General Manager Josh Leichter, and explains: “We are the grower and shipper for the majority of our conventional grape volume. The remainder is sourced from partners we have worked with for 10 or more years – so we are well-positioned to service our customers during the Mexico import season.”
While conventionally grown grapes still make up the majority of sales, organic varieties continue to gain sales and market share. Several years ago, Pacific Trellis Fruit started developing their own organic program. In 2019 this program will yield 200,000 boxes of organic red, green and black grapes.
To ensure premium quality and steady supplies, dedicated Pacific Trellis staff is on the ground the entire time. Explains Earl McMenamin, Mexico Program Manager at Pacific Trellis Fruit: “We own the value chain end-to-end, from sourcing and growing to quality assurance and shipping. We can offer maximum control – and, with it, the ability to design custom programs that make sense for any customer. Customer service is essential for our success, and the success of our partners.”
Leichter added: “It’s fair to say we know the ins and outs of the import grape business. Simply put, we have deep expertise and long-standing relationships in Mexico and other regions. That experience allows us to build strong programs around guaranteed volumes – for conventional and organic grapes.”
About Pacific Trellis Fruit / Dulcinea Farms:
Established in 1999, Pacific Trellis Fruit is one of North America’s top year-round growers, packers and marketers of premium fresh fruit, including grapes, peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, pears, and citrus. With the acquisition of Dulcinea Farms in 2014, Pacific Trellis Fruit added PureHeart® mini seedless watermelons, Tuscan Style™ Cantaloupe and SunnyGold® yellow mini seedless watermelon amongst other premium melons to its portfolio. Pacific Trellis Fruit is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA – with sales offices in Fresno, CA, Gloucester, NJ and Nogales, AZ
Increased California cherry shipments are expected, especially compared to the 2018 season.
In 2018, cherry volume statewide totaled only 3.96 million cartons, thanks primarily to lousy weather conditions, compared to 9.56 million cartons in 2017. This year’s total volume may end between 10 and 11 million cartons. If so, that would be a new record for shipments.
2018 was highlighted by an early freeze, followed by heat later in the year.
Grower Direct Marketing LLC in Stockton, CA has noted an excellent bloom on cherry trees, preceded by chill hours and plenty of moisture, leading to plenty of optimism in 2019. Harvest and shipments started a week ago.
Loadings will continue well into June. About 60 percent of the volume will occur in May, with the balance taking place the first half of June. Heaviest shipments are not expected to occur until around May 20th.
At this moment, the cherry crop seems to have plenty of potential to be large, if not very large, in volume,” he said.
“The winter seemed to have brought enough chilling hours for early varieties grown at the southern end of the San Joaquin Valley — varieties such as royal tioga, brooks, tulare and coral. However, lingering rainy and colder-than-normal weather is pushing most varieties to start the harvest about a week to 10 days later than normal.”
Bing cherries in the northern region looked “very good,” Ilic said.
“However, not exactly knowing what the weather will be for the next 60 or so days, will always make it a difficult thing to predict a cherry crop,” he said.
Rich Sambado, sales manager at Linden, Calif.-based Primavera Marketing, voiced optimism about the crop.
“As far as potential cropload, the industry will not have much of a feel until early April. At this point, there is concern about crop set, but all the while there is optimism in the air,” he said.
An increase in fruit imports of South America fruit is expected by The Port of Virginia due to the recent completion of the USDA’s Southeast In-Transit Cold Treatment Pilot program.
“We’re the U.S. East Coast’s leading vegetable exporter, and this designation positions us to achieve the same success with imported fruit,” John Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority, said in a news release. “This is important for logistics and supply chain managers importing agricultural products because it means this cargo will get to its market more quickly.”
Through the USDA program, which the port joined in October 2017, refrigerated fruit from South America can enter the port. The program includes containers of blueberries, citrus and grapes from Peru; blueberries and grapes from Uruguay; and apples, blueberries and pears from Argentina, according to the release.
The program allows South American fruit to enter more ports in the U.S., following a two-week cold treatment process to guard against pests. Before the program started in 2013, fruit from certain export markets were limited to Northeast ports, according to the release. From there, they were distributed to southern states.
The new port of entry will cut transportation costs and increase fruit shelf life, according to the release.
Other participants in the USDA program include ports in Wilmington, N.C.; Charleston, S.C.; Port Everglades, Fla.; Palmetto, Fla., Jacksonville, Fla.; Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and Savannah, Ga.
Florida’s biggest shipping season of the year is springtime and 2019 apparently is shaping up as a good one. Produce shipments appear on track for a good volume year, rebounding somewhat since the Sunshine State felt the wrath of Hurricane Irma in September 2017.
Meanwhile Florida produce rates are showing a significant increase, ranging from a 19 percent increase to Baltimore to a 34 percent increase to Philadelphia.
During this period of around 6 to 8 weeks Florida spring shipments provide important volume for domestic volume with items ranging from blueberries, to potatoes, cabbage, squash, peaches and watermelon before the summer shipping season gets underway in northern and Midwestern states.
The spring of 2019 in Florida indicates the 2019 season should see higher volume than a year ago. However, this spring is not expected to achieve the shipping volumes of seasons prior to Hurricane Irma. At the same time fall and winter crops in Florida will continue through May. Among these commodities are tomatoes, sweet corn, bell peppers and citrus.
Florida weather has been mostly good for growing produce this year. Meanwhile Florida farmers have 5,200 acres to blueberries; 8,600 acres with cabbage; 12,000 acres with peppers; 28,700 acres with potatoes; 39,000 acres with sweet corn; 22,000 acres with watermelon, and 28,000 acres with tomatoes, making it one of the top 5 produce shipping states.
Florida is about even with California concerning fresh tomato shipments, with both two states combined providing nearly two-thirds of the nation’s shipments.
Although no serious truck shortages have been reported, the increasing vegetable volume is contributing is rate increases that are up around 25 percent in the past week or so.
Florida vegetables – grossing about $3300 to New York City.
Irvington, NY – BrightFarms, the No. 1 brand of locally grown packaged salads, has announced plans for national expansion with new sustainable greenhouse farms in New England (Central MA), New York (Hudson Valley) and North Carolina. The new greenhouses will each be 280,000 square feet and sit on 20 acres of land. Each greenhouse is expected to create around 55 full-time “green-collar” jobs for residents, offering competitive wages and benefits.
The three new greenhouses will further the brand’s presence and add to BrightFarm’s network of local and sustainable farms across the Mid-Atlantic and into the South. The company currently operates greenhouses in Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia, supplying major retailers in a dozen major metro markets.
In order to more rapidly meet retailer demands for locally grown produce, BrightFarms will also explore acquisitions and partnerships with existing greenhouse growers in each of the new markets.
“We are committed to transforming the produce category to provide the freshest, tastiest and most responsibly grown produce,” said Paul Lightfoot, CEO of BrightFarms. “Consumers are placing high demand for locally grown, fresh salads. With local greenhouses across the Mid-Atlantic and growing, BrightFarms is well positioned to meet these demands for national retailers.”
BrightFarms plans to break ground on the new greenhouses by year’s end, with production starting in the spring of 2020. The greenhouses will each produce more than 2 million pounds of fresh, leafy salad greens and herbs per year while using an estimated 80 percent less water, 90 percent less land and 95 percent less shipping fuel than West Coast farms.
BrightFarms’ national expansion follows the announcement of its successful Series D financing, where the company raised $55 million, and the addition its new CFO, Steve Campione. Campione’s substantial experience in raising capital and making strategic acquisitions will support the company’s aggressive expansion.
About BrightFarms
BrightFarms grows local produce, nationwide. BrightFarms finances, builds, and operates local greenhouse farms in partnership with supermarkets, cities, capital sources, and vendors, enabling it to quickly and efficiently eliminate time, distance, and costs from the food supply chain. BrightFarms’ growing methods, a model for the future of scalable, sustainable local farming, uses far less energy, land and water than long distance, centralized and field grown agriculture. Fast Company recognizes BrightFarms as “One of World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies” and one of the “Top 10 Most Innovative Companies in Food” in the world.