Posts Tagged “feature”
Imports of Chilean blueberries and stone fruit to the US are returning to seasonally normal volumes following a slow start.
Exports to the U.S. were close to their peak in the first half of February, with over 6,000 tons of Chilean blueberries shipped to the U.S. the last week of January. This was a new high. So the gap between this season’s volume and last year’s has rapidly diminished. Through early February, Chilean shipments to North America were down only 2 percent.
Chilean Stone Fruit
The Chilean stonefruit season also got off to a slow start, and the effects from that have rippled throughout the season due to weather issues. Fewer boats transporting Chilean nectarines and peaches have been arriving in the U.S., and their arrivals have been spaced out further than usual.
Now the challenges are more logistical than weather related as the volume of grapes is overtaking some of the stonefruit.
A couple of ships containing peaches and nectarines from Chile were supposed to arrive last week in Southern California. The second ship, scheduled to arrive at the end of the week, had its stonefruit cargo bumped to a later trip. So, instead of waiting three or four days between stonefruit arrivals, importers will have to wait about 10 days for the next shipment.
Port of Long Beach Chilean imports and Southern California citrus – grossing about $3500 to Dallas.
Nogales, Ariz. – For the 2014-15 shipping season, a produce association in Nogales has reported a total volume of 5.9 billion pounds of fresh produce crossed the border from Mexico. That is the equivalent of 147,500 truck loads weighing 40,000 pounds each.
Ten commodities made up 5.28 billion pounds of that total, with tomatoes and watermelon leading the way through Nogales in 2014-15. About 1.12 billion pounds of tomatoes came through Nogales last season, up from 1.19 billion pounds in 2013-14. Watermelon imports jumped from 1.03 billion to 1.11 billion pounds.
The next eight commodities, by volume, in 2014-15 were cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, grapes, mangoes, chili peppers, melons and eggplant.
Tomatoes, squash and eggplant were the only top ten commodities to see volume declines from 2013-14 to 2014-15.
More than 50 Mexican-grown fruits and vegetables are imported through Nogales.
By volume, tomatoes remain the number one produce item imported through Nogales, but watermelon imports have risen dramatically in recent years, and in the past season watermelon imports almost caught up to tomatoes, according to The Nogales Produce Import Report 2014-15.
The report offers an analysis and comparison of three seasons of fresh produce’s imports through Nogales in volume as well as value as reported to U.S. Customs.
“It is a tool we have developed to help our members understand the overall picture of fresh produce imports and see what their participation in the industry may be. It also may help them understand the tendencies and detect opportunities to explore,” said Lance Jungmeyer, president of Fresh Produce Association of the Americas in a press release.
FPAA created the report, which also includes data from 2012-13, to help its members understand the overall picture of fresh produce imports, Jungmeyer said in the release.
Mexican produce crossing at Nogales – grossing about $3400 to Chicago.
We have become a fiscally irresponsible country. It is immoral to mooch off of other people, let alone mooch off of future generations that have not even been born yet, through government handouts.
They are truly defenseless. These left wing idiots coupled with the new “mooching generation” of voters will soon destroy the country that our ancestors gave their lives to build, defend, and cherish.
And most of us that take personal responsibility for our lives can only sit back and watch. Why, because we are now the minority. Recently the top communist bozo running for office, Bernie Sanders, said that it would be cheaper to pay for college than put them in jail. So in his very small and little mind if you don’t go to college, then you end up in jail. I guess the effects of large marijuana consumption are finally taking a toll on him.
Maybe we should change The Pledge of Allegiance to…” I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United Moochers of America. And to the entitlements for which we stand, one nation under massive debt, divided by class and envy, with overburdening taxes for all.”
The sad part is that this country was founded by people trying to escape an overburdening government. They moved to a new land where they could live free and experience life by following their own pathway. I know there will not be many liberals who will read the words on this page, but for those who do, I beg you to stop and think about us all. In respect for them we should all consider this before casting our vote in November.
Larry Oscar is a graduate from the University of Tulsa and holds a degree in electrical engineering. He is retired and lives with his wife on a lake in Oklahoma where he brews his own beer, sails, and is a member of numerous clubs and organizations.
A very sophisticated crime ring or perhaps even several crime rings out of the Los Angeles area are stealing truckloads of California tree nuts, worth as much as $500,000, according to statements from the Agricultural Processors Association.
The Department of Transportation’s shipping database has been hacked by thieves, who obtain information from shipping and trucking companies’ Facebook pages so they can identify drivers, and they’re forging documents. This research makes them appear very legitimate when they come to pick up a load of almonds, pistachios, or walnuts.
Many times forged documents will include “burner” cell phone numbers. When a processor or shipper calls the number, they’re talking to one of the thieves posing as a legitimate driver, but by the time they realize the load has been stolen, that phone and number have been discarded without a trace.
In other instances, thieves pretend to be the nut processor and call the drivers who legitimately picked up loads. They tell the driver they discovered a problem with the load and ask him to drop it off at another facility for inspection. The driver does as he’s told, and three days later the company finds out the load never made it to its final destination.
In the rare instances where product has been found, it’s been in locations all across the country, and even in Eastern Europe. By then, it is too late to capture them.
Tree nut thefts have picked up in the last six months. Nuts have become very expensive, makng them a prime target. But a big part of the problem is that there’s little punishment for those responsible for committing crimes of this nature. In 2014, California passed Proposition 47, which classifies “non-serious, nonviolent crimes” as misdemeanors instead of felonies, as long as the defendant doesn’t have prior serious convictions.
Additionally, when an empty trailer is found in Los Angeles, the crime is considered to have taken place there. In Los Angeles, something like nut theft falls pretty low on the list of priorities when it comes to prosecuting criminals.
To make matter worse, insurance isn’t covering these thefts. Because the criminals are picking up the loads illegitimately but without any violence, it’s considered the processor’s negligence. Specific policies have to be purchased for this type of theft.
Although all California-grown tree nuts have been targeted, pistachios have taken the biggest hit. One truckload can be worth as much as $500,000. Even cashews imported to California and processed in the state have been stolen.
Mandarins lead all citrus categories in dollar sales at retail and are up 17.3 percent, representing almost 37 percent of all citrus sales for the last year, according to recent IRI Worldwide data. Mandarins also lead in pound sales, up just over 19 percent.
“The rise in popularity of mandarins follows along with consumer demand for healthy, convenient snacks,” Joan Wickham, manager of advertising and public relations for Sunkist, said in a press release. “Easy to peel and high in Vitamin C, mandarins fit the bill for healthy snacking and they are also juicy, sweet and delicious.”
Sunkist offers retailers multiple packaging and point-of-sale options to help retailers merchandise mandarins to continue driving sales and educate consumers about specialty mandarins varieties.
“Providing flavor profiles, nutrition information, recipes and usage tips encourages consumers to experiment and enjoy mandarins in multiple ways,” Julie DeWolf, director of retail marketing, said in the release.
Mandarins are also trending in foodservice channels, with operators showcasing the versatility of easy-peelers in applications such as adult beverages, salads, desserts and seafood appetizers. Clementines have shown a particularly strong increase on menus, with a nearly 40 percent spike over the past year, driven mainly by increased use in beverages.
“Mandarins are great for snacking, but they’re also wonderful as an ingredient — and increasing foodservice usage across meal parts demonstrates this,” added Wickham.
Sunkist offers Satsuma, Clementine, Royal, W. Murcott and Gold Nugget mandarin varieties from late October through June with multiple packaging options, including the beloved Sunkist Smiles brand.
We’re in the lightest time of the year for domestic produce shipments, so here’s a look at the Western USA where the heaviest volume loadings are taking place.
Washington Apple Shipments
While there is no record volume this season, it is still a good sized crop that is averaging around 3000 truck load equivalents weekly from the Yakima and Wenatchee valleys. There’s also pears available in much lighter volume.
Washington apples – grossing about $6100 to New York City.
Yuma Arizona Vegetables
Head lettuce and romaine easily lead the lettuce family in volume with the two items averaging about 1875 trucks per week from the Yuma district. There’s also lettuce, in much in lighter volume, coming out of California’s nearby Imperial Valley. Other veggies also are available to help fill out loads.
Desert vegetables – grossing about $4700 to Atlanta.
Nogales Produce Shipments
Dozens of different Mexican vegetables are crossing the border here, although it sure seems volume is lighter than usual, in what is normally the peak season for volume. Tomatoes (vine ripe, cherry and grape) lead the pack with about 1500 truckloads per week. Bell peppers are shipping about one-half this amount in volume.
Idaho Potato Shipments
Spuds are available for the nation’s leading shipper. About 1750 truckload equivalents are shipping each week, with rail handling a much higher percentage than with produce items from most other shipping areas.
Idaho potatoes – grossing about $3000 to Chicago.
Idaho / Oregon Onion Shipments
It seems all onion shipping areas from around the country have lighter volume this season. Heaviest volume is coming from Western Idaho and Malhuer County, Oregon, averaging about 750 truck loads per week.
The US population continues to consume more and more avocados. Consumption is driven by increased media attention as well as in-store promotions. “This year, a record-shipment of 139 million lbs. is expected to come in from Mexico to be consumed in the run up to and on the day of the Big Game,” said Maggie Bezart Hall with Avocados from Mexico. “This would be a 13 percent increase compared to last year,” she added.
139 million lbs. of avocados equals 278 million individual avocados. This is just for Super Bowl Sunday and the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl. “US avocado consumption during the Big Game is enough to fill a football field end zone to end zone more than 53 ft. deep,” shared Bezart Hall. On Super Bowl Sunday, look for the avocado commercial during the first commercial break segment.The majority of avocados being consumed in the US end up in guacamole. Eating avocados on a sandwich is second most popular, followed by salads and avocados consumed by themselves.
Meanwhile, it’s the Denver Broncos vs. the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50!
By Allen Lund Company
La Cañada Flintridge Calif. – The Allen Lund Company (ALC) is proud to announce its 40th anniversary. In 1976, the Allen Lund Company opened its doors with a handful of employees. Now, the company boasts over 400 employees which span across the country. The company has always maintained an exceptional reputation amongst shippers and carriers, and consistently earns a Four-X rating with Blue Book and a Four-Star rating with Red Book Credit Services. Throughout the years, ALC has started and maintained key relationships with top customers like: Costco, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, and Ahold USA to name a few, which are still going strong to this day.
Allen Lund, President and CEO, stated “Like I’ve always said, I have had the privilege of living the American dream. Celebrating 40 years is a dream come true to me which has been made possible by the hard working people in this industry. Being a part of this industry which thrives on trust has been amazing. I don’t know how anyone could have lived a better life. Working with my family and wonderful employees has been a dream. I’m so proud of this company, its carriers, shippers, and employees.”
Steve Doerfler, Vice President Chief Financial Officer, added “It is remarkable to celebrate the 40 year anniversary of Allen Lund Company. This is a testament to the principles of honesty and integrity that Allen founded the company on and are lived out daily by its employees. We are blessed to have the best employees in the industry supported by a true family environment.”
About Allen Lund Company:
Specializing as a national third-party transportation broker with nationwide offices and over 400 employees, the Allen Lund Company works with shippers and carriers across the nation to transport dry, refrigerated (specializing in produce), and flatbed freight; additionally, the Allen Lund Company has a logistics and software division, ALC Logistics, and an International Division licensed by the FMC as an OTI-NVOCC #019872NF..
Established in 1976, the Allen Lund Company was selected as a 2015 Top Private Company by Los Angeles Business Journal, a 2015 Top 100 Logistics IT Provider by Inbound Logistics, a 2014 Supply & Demand Chain Executive 100, a 2014 Great Supply Chain Partner, and was placed in Transport Topics’ “2014 Top 25 Freight Brokerage Firms.” The company managed over 300,000 shipments in 2014, and received the 2013 “Best in Cargo Security Award.” In 2011 the company received the TIA 3PL Samaritan Award, and the NASTC (National Association of Small Trucking Companies) named Allen Lund Company the 2010 Best Broker of the Year. More information is available at www.allenlund.com.
The Port of Savannah, Georgia continues to play a larger role with imports of fresh produce.
Peruvian grapes arrived in Savannah this season, marking the first time the port has received this commodity from Peru. The grapes, which began arriving in November, are part of a string of commodities that are quickly making the port a major gateway in the Southeast for fresh produce and other perishables. The port already is receiving avocados, citrus and a large share of Peruvian sweet onions in the fall.
Savannah is the fourth-largest container port behind Los Angeles, Long Beach and New York and it’s location cuts transportation costs for receivers, who historically paid for freight arriving at ports in the Northeast. The savings per container are $1,000, if not more.
A large perishable facility will soon open 15 miles from the port offering various services for shippers, including refrigerated warehouses where re-packaging, fumigation and de-consolidation of perishable cargo can take place.
For now, the amount of grapes making the 17-day journey from Peru to Savannah is relatively small. But the volume of grapes, as well as other fresh produce items, will only increase as the benefits of the port become more apparent. Additionally, some observers believe Chilean and Central American commodities will more frequently come through the port.
Normally light Florida produce shipments are much lighter this season due to excessive rains. If the weather trend continues it soon will be threatening the Florida spring shipping season that typically peaks in April and May.
Up to 8 inches of rain last week soaked fields of sweet corn, green beans, celery, radishes, leafy greens and other vegetables and flooded some areas, leaving crops underwater. Damage to crops is estimated to be 25 to 50 percent. Losses of crops and even lighter than normal shipments is a given. Now it’s a wait to see how bad the situation is.
The heavy rains mean vegetable shipments in general will probably be much lighter than usual through February and March. Belle Glade is the hub of Florida sweet corn and green bean shipments.
It’s been a crazy winter for produce shipments, not only in Florida, but elsewhere.
Mexican volume of bell peppers, strawberries and other items have been lowered by cold weather. California strawberry volume is down due to weather factors.
Meanwhile, Florida strawberry volume have suffered from heat; Florida avocado loadings are down due to a fruit fly quarantine; Florida tomatoes are off due to rains; Florida cabbage shipments are down as much as 40 percent from weather; Florida citrus volume is drastically off due to citrus greening disease.