Posts Tagged “feature”
(The purveyor of this website has written off and on for decades about railroads hauling produce. More specifically, stories about how the rails often lacked an understanding of perishables transportation, as well as not making it a priority. If the following lawsuit has merit this could prove to be another example of the risks involved in transporting perishable fruits and vegetables by rail.)
A multi-million dollar federal lawsuit against BNSF Railway Co., blaming the railroad for the failure of the refrigerated rail service for fresh produce has been filed by Steven Lawson, former president and CEO of Cold Train, and Mike Lerner, former managing member of the company. Both claim they had to shut down their rail service for fresh produce because BNSF failed to meet its promise for 72-hour delivery times.
Seeking $1 million in damages, the case was filed in federal court in Spokane, WA recently.
The lawuit alleges that the 72-hour “on-time percentage” steadily dropped from 92% in August 2013 to 3% in April 2014 because BNSF was favoring oil and coal over fresh produce in its scheduling. This resulted in Cold Train losing most of its fresh produce business, including apples, onions, pears, potatoes, carrots and cherries, which was more than 70% of the company’s business, the complaint alleges.
“The shutdown of Cold Train was caused by a significant slowdown in BNSF’s service schedules on its northern corridor line beginning in the fall of 2013 because of increased rail congestion as a result of BNSF hauling larger volumes of oil and coal from the Northern Plains region,” according to the April 7 news release.
A spokeswoman for the railroad said as of April 8 BNSF had not been served with the complaint and therefore its officials could not comment on specific allegations.
“But any suggestion that BNSF would intentionally seek to cause harm to any customer runs completely contrary to how BNSF conducts business,” BNSF communications director Amy Casas said.
“BNSF did experience well documented service issues following unprecedented demand levels and historic winter weather events beginning late in 2013, but we worked to remedy those situations and regularly communicated with our customers throughout the period so that they could anticipate when service would improve and plan accordingly.”
Cold Train shipped approximately 300 containers a month in 2011, according to the release. By 2013 it was shipping 700 per month with a goal of 1,000 per month by the end of that year. BNSF required the Cold Train to acquire a minimum of 111 refrigerated containers.
“BNSF also required the Cold Train to ship a minimum of 95% of the Cold Train’s entire container movements with BNSF, effectively prohibiting the Cold Train from using other carriers,” according to the news release.
By May 2012, Cold Train had 175 containers in service with another 100 on order for delivery in January 2013. Cold Train continued to purchase and lease containers, and by September 2013, the company had over 400 refrigerated shipping containers in service.
“In March 2014, representatives of Cold Train and Federated Railways Inc. met with BNSF representatives in Fort Worth to discuss the Cold Train’s business and its future with BNSF. At the meeting, BNSF continued to encourage Cold Train and Federated to proceed with the sale. Immediately after the meeting, Federated provided Cold Train a $1.25 million capital infusion based solely on that meeting, and announced that it was acquiring Cold Train,” according to the news release.
Ultimately Federated withdrew its offer to buy Cold Train. Lerner and Lawson contend they had to “walk away with nothing” from a business that had been worth more than $30 million before April 2014.
Produce truckers should find good seasons ahead for two of Georgia most popular agricultural commodities – Vidalia sweet onions and peaches.
The largest amount of Vidalia onion shipments is expected since 2011. The industry may ship at least 5 million 40-pound equivalents this year, which would be close to its 10-year average. In other words, an average size crop is seen. The past three years have been rough on Vidalia onion shipments because of downy mildew, seed stems and freezing temperatures hitting shortly before harvest in 2012, 2013 and 2014. The reported total volumes shipped in the past three seasons were:
- 2012 — 4.4 million 40-pound equivalents;
- 2013 — 5.6 million 40-pound equivalents;
- 2014 — 4.7 million 40-pound equivalents.
Georgia Peach Shipments
Growers anticipate seeing the first shipments of fruit the week of May 18th. Varieties include the Flavorich, which will start around Memorial Day, all the way to the August Prince in late August. Weather has been on the side of Georgia peach growers so far this year. Each year, Georgia produces more than 80 million pounds of the fruit from mid-May to mid-August, and the vast majority of fruit is picked, packed and shipped the same day.
90 percent of Georgia Peaches are grown in a 10,000-acre area known as the Fort Valley Plateau.
By TransFresh Corporation
TransFresh® Corporation of Salinas, CA has announced that usage has expanded for its high velocity Tectrol® application systems, recently placed in multiple cooler locations ahead of peak Strawberry production, increasing efficiency and throughput for berries bound for US and Canadian markets.
According to TransFresh, the specialized equipment systems facilitate the proficient application and sealing of poly sheeting in a seamless and reliable operation, meeting significantly higher demand for Tectrol. TransFresh and its Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging systems are best known industry-wide for adding a level of protection to help ensure the quality and marketability of fresh berry products throughout the supply chain.
Every step of the Tectrol process is happening simultaneously with the high velocity systems: gripping and lifting pallet cartons to apply bottom sheeting, installing and sealing bags and adding beneficial atmospheres to immediately trigger the slowing of senescence.
According to Rich Macleod, vice president, TransFresh, the high-performance method substantially increases the number of Tectrol pallets processed per hour, increasing the total volume of Tectrol strawberries that move through each cooler facility. “In sum,” he stated, “the TransFresh investment in research, equipment development and installation has resulted in greater efficiency and throughput as well as enhanced sealing efficacy.”
Macleod further stated that the continuing strong interest in Tectrol Modified Atmosphere Packaging systems was spurred by a comprehensive research initiative conducted by two leading academic postharvest departments under the US Department of Agriculture Specialty Crops Project with the mission to increase the consumption of specialty crops, such as strawberries, through enhanced quality and safety. Under the project, teams from the University of California at Davis and the University of Florida jointly evaluated the efficacy of pallet cover systems to maintain strawberry fruit quality during commercial shipment. Findings concluded that “transporting strawberries in the sealed TransFresh Tectrol pallet cover system in which CO2 concentrations were elevated at consistent levels was most effective in complementing low temperature management practices to reduce decay and maintain fruit quality.” The research, Comparison of Pallet Cover Systems to Maintain Strawberry Fruit Quality during Transit (HortTechnology, Aug. 2012), also concluded that after a two-day shelf life, fruit from the Tectrol pallets achieved “significantly less decay” than other systems evaluated.
Macleod concluded that the development and installation of the high performance equipment system at these multiple cooling locations is the result of TransFresh’s commitment to support the berry trade as a whole by fulfilling its fundamental mission to protect berry quality.
About TransFresh®
TransFresh is a pioneering and established global entity with nearly 50 years of experience in perishables transport. Tectrol® is the trademarked brand name for the TransFresh® family of proprietary modified and controlled atmosphere systems and processes developed and owned by TransFresh. The Tectrol Service Network™ services, markets and supports the Tectrol pallet systems operations and technologies. Since inception, TransFresh’s innovations in packaging, equipment and sealing processes have established Tectrol as an industry standard. For more information, visit www.transfresh.com.
Here’s a round up California produce loadings as Salinas Valley vegetable shipments are increasing.
Items such a broccoli, head lettuce and other lettuces are among many vegetables increasing in volume from the Salinas Valley as they head towards full stride in the next couple of weeks or so. Lettuce from the Huron district in the San Joaquin Valley is on the decline as volume is being replaced by product from Salinas. Overall Salinas shipments are only moderate at this time, although these shipments still exceed those from the Santa Maria district to the south.
Light to moderate spring shipments of broccoli, cauliflower and other vegetables are off to an early start from California’s Santa Maria district. Items ranging from anise, to cauliflower and broccoli are shipped year-round from Santa Maria. Mixed leaf kicked off in early March, iceberg started in late March, cilantro and spinach should start harvesting anytime and celery in May.
There also is a wide range of Santa Maria vegetable shipments, including mixed leaf, red, green, and romaine lettuce, romaine hearts, and celery, as well as mixed baby carrots, mixed beets and mixed radishes.
Concerning Ventura County produce shipments, there are loadings of strawberries, raspberries, celery, romaine and leaf lettuce, as well as cabbage.
Ventura County produce – grossing about $6800 to New York City.
Santa Maria vegetable shipments – grossing about $4400 to Chicago.
There is strong demand for refrigerated trucks for Florida produce shipments, although there appears to be no shortages.
Florida tomatoes are providing the heaviest volume averaging about 750 truck loads weekly. There also is good, but increasing volume with sweet corn, cucumbers, bell peppers and potatoes. A number of other mixed vegetables also are being shipped.
Spring growing conditions in Florida is resulting in mostly good quality product for hauling for items originating out of central and southern areas of the state.
Blueberries shipments have become a big item in Florida and growers expect to harvest between to 21 million-22 million pounds, up from the 17 million shipped last year. Volume will be increasing through mid-April. Steady shipments are now expected through May, overlapping an expected later than normal start in Georgia.
Growers in northern Florida began harvesting the week of April 6th with much higher shipments seen this week. Florida typically finishes blueberry shipments by Mid May, but due to excellent growing weather, loadings are expected to continue further into May.
Because of February freezes, Georgia is expected to increase harvests in early May, later than the typical mid- to late-April start.
Central Florida blueberries – grossing about $2800 to Chicago.
Southern and Central tomatoes and vegetables – grossing about $3200 to New York City.
The latest Kitchen Audit survey by The NPD Group indicates consumers are showing reinvigorated interested in fresh, more healthful options, based upon the appliances, cookware, utensils and food ingredients they have on hand in their kitchens.
by The Georgia Pecan Growers Association
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Pecan Growers Association is partnering with Schwinn Bicycles, a brand of Dorel Industries, for the biggest cross-promotional partnership in the history of Georgia Pecans. This alliance begins April 1, 2015 and runs through September 30, 2015 with monthly giveaways of Schwinn bicycles, helmets, locks and Georgia pecans.
The Georgia Pecans/Schwinn promotion kicks off in April, also known as National Pecan Month, and it will continue into May, which is also National Bike Month. Monthly prize drawings will occur all summer long and into September as well.
In addition, the partners will be represented together at the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) Convention in October 2015.
Consumers can enter the Georgia Pecans/Schwinn Sweepstakes by visiting www.georgiapecan.org beginning April 1, 2015.
“Pecans are one of the healthiest products at the grocery store today,” said Brad Ellis, president of the Georgia Pecan Growers Association. “Pecans are high in antioxidants and are heart healthy. We promote a healthy lifestyle, and that’s why aligning Georgia Pecans with Schwinn is a fantastic fit. With Georgia being the #1 pecan state in the U.S. and Schwinn being the #1 bike brand, this partnership couples two tremendous brands.”
“Good health is all about exercise and nutrition, and Schwinn bicycles provide the exercise, while Georgia Pecans provide the good-for-you nutrition solution,” said Milissa Rick, Global Director of Consumer Activation, Schwinn. “Bicycling is a sport for people of all ages – young, old, male, female, serious athletes, and weekend warriors.”
The Georgia Pecans/Schwinn Sweepstakes will be promoted in a variety of ways, including on video screens in New York’s Times Square. Support will include print advertising, on-pack stickers on pecan packages, social media and Schwinn cross-promotional support. The promotion will also be heavily supported by the Georgia Grown campaign, which represents the statewide interests of Georgia agriculture.
ABOUT THE GEORGIA PECAN GROWERS ASSOCIATION The Georgia Pecan Growers Association represents hundreds of pecan growers in the top pecan state in the U.S. Previous marketing initiatives from the Association have focused on research and recipe development, among other areas.
ABOUT SCHWINN Founded in 1895, Schwinn is an American icon, building some of the best-known and best-loved bicycles of all time. With a continued dedication to quality, forever synonymous with the Schwinn name, America’s most famous bicycle brand looks forward to providing another century of innovation and performance to people of all ages. Information about Schwinn bicycles is available at www.SchwinnBikes.com. Be sure to follow Schwinn on Twitter at @RideSchwinn and like Schwinn on Facebook at Ride Schwinn
California grape shipments get underway later in April, plus we’ll take a look at Washington cherry shipments, starting in May.
The 2015 season for California grapes is expected to mirror 2014 in timing, beginning with late April in the Coachella Valley and running through January in the San Joaquin Valley.
California’s table grape growers shipped their second-largest crop ever last season, sending 110 million 19-pound boxes of grapes to consumers worldwide.
The top volume export markets included Canada at 11.4 million 19-pound boxes, followed by Mexico at 5.7 million and China/Hong Kong at 5.5 million. Just over 40 percent of the total crop volume was exported.
Salinas Valley vegetable shipments are increasing – grossing about $5300 to Cleveland.
Washington Cherry Shipments
Cherry pickings should begin picking around May 20th, with the first bing peak shipping period to start about June 8-10, while the rainier peak is seen around June 15-30.
At this point the season appears it will start about five to 10 days ahead of normal, making it the earliest Washington cherry crop in six years.
Assuming the early cherry crop makes it through frost season unscathed, it could mean even greater loading opportunities leading up to the Fourth of July.
Peak Washington cherry shipments should occur between the first week of June and to the first week of July. However, keep in mind there is still a lot of weather to get through in the next month or so.
Washington apple shipments, Yakima Valley – grossing about $6600 to New York City.
California cherries should provide much better loading opportunities than a year ago.
In 2014 only 3 million 18-pound boxes were shipped. However, this season volumes could reach 6 million to 7 million boxes. Compared to the near crop failure a year ago, 2015 looks a lot better, but cherry shipments will not be huge.
South of Stockton, cherry shipments should start in Bakersfield, Arvin and Shafter with the brooks variety around April 25th. The main variety, bings, should hit peak loadings May 24th to June 4th.
Barring hail damage and other adverse weather, California cherry shipment could hit 7 million packages with a stretched out season from April 20th to June 10th.
Mainly because of another warm winter and lack of chill hours, Kern County has some orchards that are very challenged to set a crop. Particularly the tulare variety looks very light in tonnage just out of the Bakersfield area. Brooks and coral champagne look better for tonnage, but there are a fair amount of doubles and spurs based on last summer’s excessive heat.
Last year’s bloom was bizarre, especially in Stockton. The pollinization timing was off, the top of the tree bloomed after the bottom. It was completely out of whack, but this year’s bloom is much more compact and uniform.
While waiting on cherry shipments to begin, here’s a couple of other more active areas for California produce shipments.
Huron head lettuce, romaine and leaf – grossing about $7200 to New York City.
Ventura County berries and vegetables – grossing about $4500 Chicago.
The first domestic sweet onion shipments in the U.S. should get underway this week from South Texas, with product from Georgia shortly afterwards.
Texas Onion Shipments
The Lower Rio Grande Valley is just starting to dig sweet onions, with shipments of this product from South Texas to get underway within days. This is taking place the same week that onions crossing the border from Mexico are expected to end. Likewise, storage onions from Idaho, Oregon and Washington are also finishing up.
The Lone Star States is expected to have about 3,500 acres of its well-known spring onions, which are usually shipped for about six weeks from early April to mid-May. The 3,500 acres represents about a 2,000-acre decrease in plantings from a year ago.
South Texas produce shipments (grapefruit, oranges, cabbage) and Mexican produce shipments (tomatoes, watermelons, tropical fruit, vegetables) – grossing about $2800 to Chicago; about $4800 New York City.
Vidalia Onion Shipments
Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black has set April 27 as the official shipping start date for Vidalia onions, although growers can ship before April 27 if their onions meet federal inspection requirements and are under “positive lot identification” as approved by the Federal State Inspection Service. This means Vidalias shipped before 4/27 cannot be sold as Vidalias.
Bland Farms, Glennville, Ga., has challenged the 4/27 start date in court and a judge in Atlanta ruled in favor of Bland Farms. However, the state has appealed the ruling.
A panel of three judges of the Georgia Appeals Court heard arguments Jan. 14 and have taken the case under advisement. They did not indicate when they may issue a decision.
Bland Farms, contends Black violated state law by trying to impose a new rule instead of going through the state’s legislature. The growing/shipping operation has some of the southern most fields in the Vidalia onion growing districts and believes its onions mature earlier, and should be allowed to ship under the Vidalia name prior to 4/27.