Posts Tagged “feature”
During the winter months when U.S. domestic produce shipments are at their lowest, imports of fruits and vegetables from Southern hemisphere countries, which have opposite seasons from America, provide good loading opportunities at ports and border crossings. Here’s a look at Florida produce ports and South Texas.
South American Mangos
Mangos from Ecuador should be arriving at the South Florida port of Pompano Beach. However, Ecuador, as well as Brazil and Peru are all expected to be down in volume this season as a result of El Niño.
Kiwi Arriving at Port of Miami
Globally, Italy is the second-largest producer of kiwifruit….California production ramped up in early October and will continue through April. Most Italian kiwi imports will be through the Port of Miami.
California and Italy are both Northern Hemisphere producers, and Italian producers expect overall volume will be up approximately 15 percent this season.
Blueberry Imports
Blueberry imports from Argentina are arriving at the Port of Miami. While volume is still very light, it will be increasing soon.
Imports into South Texas
The new Baluarte Bridge in Mexico located between Sinaloa and Durango is changing a lot of things regardomg Lower Rio Grande Valley produce loads in Texas. The bridge, which is 3,000 feet long and soars 1,300 feet above the Baluarte River is resulting in a lot of winter West Mexican produce being shipped through south Texas, especially if the final destination is in the eastern half of the United States. 45 percent of all Mexican exports to the U.S. are now coming through Texas. Based on the past five years of trends, imports of Mexican fruits and vegetables through Texas will grow by an amazing 62 percent.
Mexican produce crossing at McAllen TX – grossing bout $2700 to Chicago; about $4400 to New York City.
Here’s a look at sweet potato shipments from the four leading states, plus potato shipments from Idaho and the Red River Valley.
Sweet Potato Shipments
Overall sweet potato shipments should be up significantly for the 2014-15 season, following an off season this past year.
North Carolina is the big volume state, although loadings are not particularly heavy yet cfor the early part of the season. Eastern North Carolina is only shipping about 250 truck loads per week at this point
In both Louisiana and Mississippi sweet potato volume remains light, but steady.
California sweet potato loadings originate out of the Atwater and Livingston areas. Volume is light, but steady.
North Carolina sweet potatoes – grossing about $2500 to Dallas.
Louisiana sweet potatoes – grossing about $1800 to Chicago.
Red River Valley Potato Shipments
Most spuds have been harvested in the Red River Valley of North Dakota and Minnesota. Some growers are reporting the best quality they have seen in six years. The valley could ship up to 4.3 million hundredweight this season, which would be up about 8 percent compared to last year. The Red River Valley fresh crop is about 91 percent reds, 9 percent yellows and a few whites. There is a truck shortage.
RRV potatoes – grossing about $3000 to Dallas.
Idaho Potato Shipments
Volume remains pretty steady for Idaho potato shipments at about 1600 truck load equivalents each week. Truck supplies remain in short supply.
Idaho potatoes – grossing about $4700 to Atlanta.
Here’s a round of produce loads originating out of the Northeastern United States.
Appalachian Apple Shipments
Pennsylvania apple shipments are above preseason estimates, while New York loadings are less than expected.
Shipments are running about 10-15 percent more than preseason estimates and last year’s numbers as of early October. If the shipments hold true for the rest of the season, Pennsylvania should have record apple shipments.
Other apple shipping states in the Appalachian region include Maryland, Virginia and West Virgina
New York Produce Shipments
As for New York, apple loadings probably will not reach pre-season estimates. Part of that can be traced to a typical decline following a huge year in 2013-14, when New York shipped about 33 million cartons. The other reason is blamed on extreme cold last winter, which caused bud damage.
The onion harvest out of New York’s Orange County is well under way, resulting in increased onion shipments. Over 125 loads per week are now being shipped….Long Island, NY is shipping potatoes in light volume.
However, it is cabbage providing as big a volume as any fresh produce right now. About 160 loads a week are coming from production areas in the Western and Central areas of New York.
New York apples – grossing about $3400 to Orlando.
Maine Potato Shipments
The potato harvest in Aroostock County, ME is wrapping up, and the focus will soon be with shipping spuds to Eastern markets.
By National Mango Board
ORLANDO, Fla. — Research published in the journal Nutrition and Metabolic Insights found that regular consumption of mango by obese adults may lower blood sugar levels and does not negatively impact body weight. These are important findings considering that approximately 34 percent of U.S. adults have been classified as obese and given the health concerns related to obesity, such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and metabolic syndrome.1,2,3.
“We are excited about these promising findings for mangos, which contain many bioactive compounds, including mangiferin, an antioxidant that may contribute to the beneficial effects of mango on blood glucose. In addition, mangos contain fiber, which can help lower glucose absorption into the blood stream,” said Edralin Lucas, Ph.D., associate professor of nutritional sciences at Oklahoma State University, College of Human Sciences and lead study author. “Our results indicate that daily consumption of 10 grams of freeze-dried mango, which is equivalent to about one-half of a fresh mango (about 100 grams), may help lower blood sugar in obese individuals.”
This pilot study was designed to investigate the effects of mango consumption on anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters, and body composition in obese adults. Participants completing the 12-week study included 20 adults (11 males and 9 females) ages 20 to 50 years old with a Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 to 45 kg/m2. The study subjects were asked to maintain their usual diet, exercise habits, and regimen of regularly prescribed medications.
Each day during the study period, participants consumed 10 grams of freeze-dried mango, and dietary intake was monitored via 3-day food records assessed at baseline and after 6- and 12- weeks of mango supplementation. Anthropometric measurements (height, weight, and circumference of waist and hip) were measured at baseline and after 6- and 12- weeks of mango supplementation. Body composition and blood analyses of fasting blood triglyceride, HDL-cholesterol, glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and plasma insulin concentration were evaluated at baseline and at the end of 12 weeks of mango supplementation.
The researchers found that after 12 weeks, participants had reduced blood glucose (-4.41 mg/dL, P<0.001), and this glucose lowering effect was seen in both males (-4.5 mg/dL, P=0.018) and females (-3.6 mg/dL, P=0.003). No changes were observed in overall body weight, hip or waist circumference, waist to hip ratio, percent fat mass, and lean mass. However, hip circumference was significantly lower in males (-3.3 cm, P=0.048) but not females. BMI tended to be higher in females (+0.9 kg/m2, P=0.062) but not males after mango supplementation, although these results were not statistically significant. Overall and by gender, there were no significant changes in triglycerides, HDL-cholesterol, or blood pressure. The blood sugar findings of this study are in agreement with Lucas’ previous animal research, which was published in the British Journal of Nutrition.4
A nutrient rich fruit, mangos contain over 20 different vitamins and minerals, supporting optimal function of processes throughout the body. Mangos are an excellent source of the antioxidant vitamins C and A as well as folate. They are also a good source of fiber, copper, and vitamin B6.
About National Mango Board
The National Mango Board is an agriculture promotion group, which is supported by assessments from both domestic and imported mangos. The board was designed to drive awareness and consumption of fresh mangos in the U.S. The superfruit mango contains 100 calories, and is an excellent source of vitamins A and C, a good source of fiber, and an amazing source of tropical flavor.
Mango availability per capita has increased 53 percent since 2005 to an estimated 2.87 pounds per year in 2013. Mango import volume for 2013 was 935 million pounds. Learn more at www.mango.org.
Cargo Data Corp., is promoting temperature recorders approved by Wal-Mart. The recorder has been approved for temperature controlled shipments to all U.S. distribution centers of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., in Bentonville, Ark., according to a news release from the Ventura, Calif.-based Cargo Data.
The recorders can be used in produce, meat, poultry, seafood and floral, according to the release. The automated temperature monitoring system saves users time and money and helps reduce risk of hidden shrink, according to the release. Through the express data retrieval system, the recorders store up to 100 shipments of temperature data which can be downloaded to a computer for automatic archiving, according to the release.
The Cargo Data Corporation office is located in Ventura, CA. Its management team has been in place since 1974 and continues to focus on providing industry-leading cold chain monitoring solutions for firms involved in the perishable food, chemical, pharmaceutical, and floral industries.
It goal is to provide innovative cold chain monitoring products that are simple to use.
Cargo Data encourages the recycling of it digital temperature recorders in an effort to keep tons of circuit boards, batteries and other pollutants out of landfills.
Cargo Data markets its products in several channels. If you are a distributor or broker interested in in handling Cargo Data produce, contact the company at: info@cargodatacorp.com
Florida navel shipments will be down significantly this season, while other citrus items should show gains.
Florida citrus shipments will show small declines with navel oranges, grapefruit and tangerines, but valencias loadings are expected to increase, according to the first official USDA forecast.
Growers in Florida expect to ship 1.5 million cartons of navels, down 22 percent from 1.9 million cartons a year ago. If the forecast holds, it will be the lowest since the USDA began forecasting navels as a separate variety.
Shipments of valencias, of which 97 percent go to the processors, is up 9 percent. Overall Florida citrus volume should rise 3 percent from the 2013-14 season’s 104.8 million cartons to 108 this season. Grapefruit shipments are predicted at 15 million cartons, down 4 percent from 15.7 million cartons last year.
Both white and red grapefruit varieties saw 4 percent declines from the previous season. Total Florida tangerine production is seen being off 3 percent. Total Florida citrus shipments are pegged at 126.7 million cartons, down from last season’s 123.9 million cartons, but considerably lower than the 2009-13 average of 169 million cartons. Though a majority of the state’s oranges ship to processed plants, about 70 percent of its navels, half of its grapefruit and two-thirds of its tangerines ship fresh.
Overall, Florida is deader-than-a-door-nail this year. Citrus hasn’t really taken off, and there’s only moderate arrivals of imports at various Florida ports.
Southern and central Georgia vegetable shipments are modest, but ranging from green beans to peppers, cukes and squash.
Georgia vegetables – grossing about $2600 to New York City.
From Wisconsin to Michigan and Nebraska; and for good measure we’ve thrown in Colorado; for a look at produce loads.
Wisconsin Produce Shipments
Central Wisconsin potato shipments have leveled off to about 500 truckloads per week.
Wisconsin potatoes – grossing about $1000 to Chicago.
About the only other produced items being shipped from the Badger state are cranberries from such as areas as Tunnel City and Toma, or Babcock. There’s also some cabbage coming out of Southeastern Wisconsin.
Nebraska Potato Shipments
Nebraska potato shipments are averaging about 200 truckloads weekly. The Cornhusker state has two primary potato shipping areas. One is at O’Neill in the Northeastern part of the state, while the other is at Imperial, in the Southwestern are of the state.
Nebraska potatoes grossing about $2125 to Dallas.
Michigan Produce Shipments
Michigan potato shipments remain light, but continue to gradually increase.
Michigan also has increasing volume with apples, and onions, although all these items are modest in comparison to the leading states of Washington (apples) and Idaho (potatoes and onions). There are about 300 truckloads of apples being shipped weekly, while potatoes are less than half of this volume.
Michigan apples – grossing about $1000 to Chicago, while onions are grossing about 20 percent less.
Colorado Potato Shipments
The San Luis Valley will become more volume as the harvest has pretty much been completed. Volume is gradually increasing and currently averaging over 600 truckloads per week.
Colorado potatoes shipments – grossing about $2300 to Houston,.
The end a three-year U.S. pilot program allowing Mexican trucks full access to U.S. highways expires tomorrow and the U.S. Department of Transportation must decide what it is going to do.
The DOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are required by U.S. law to collect a statistically valid sample before the agency decides whether to permanently open up the U.S. market. More than 5,000 truck and driver inspections are being reviewed by the FMCSA.
The pilot program was launched by the federal government in 2011, at which time Mexico removed retaliatory tariffs it had placed on certain U.S. fruits, vegetables and nuts shipped to Mexico. The tariffs, imposed in 2009 and lifted in October 2011, ranged from 10 to 45 percent, on items including apples, grapes, pears, lettuce and other U.S. agricultural commodities exported to Mexico.
Those retaliatory tariffs could be re-imposed by Mexico if the U.S. fails to live up to its North American Free Trade Agreement obligations to provide full access to Mexican carriers. So American roads could be opened up permanently to Mexican trucking companies, denied access, or a decision could be delayed.
The trucking industry is divided on the issue, with large fleets tending to support the move, while owner operators, small fleets and the Teamsters tending to opposed the idea, based primarily on safety issues and concerns over rate slashing by Mexican truckers. The produce industry generally supports Mexican trucker access for fear of the tariffs previously mentioned.
By Produce for Better Health Foundation
Hockessin, Del. – Produce for Better Health conducts an annual survey of moms with children 10 years of age and under to assess fruit and vegetable consumption, barriers to increased consumption, and awareness of the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters brand. Key findings over time indicate that moms continue to strongly believe in the benefits of fruits and vegetables and continue to be concerned that their families are not consuming enough of them. The 2008-2009 recession had a significant negative impact on moms’ attitude and behavior regarding fruits and vegetables. In addition, while the Internet remains the top preferred source of information regarding fruits and vegetables, family members were becoming more influential, while other sources were becoming less so.
Providing moms with practical information to increase their family’s consumption of fruits and vegetables, especially while on a budget, will help them follow through with their intentions. PBH’s consumer website, MoreMatters.org, developed specifically with moms in mind, continues to be a growing, reliable source of information for this audience. Insight gleaned from the annual surveys, outlined in PBH’s PBH’s Moms’ Attitudes and Beliefs Related to Fruit & Vegetable Consumption, 2007-2014 report, assist PBH in our continued effort to reach moms.
To make it easy to identify relevant findings, PBH developed an infograph visually highlighting key results of the 2014 annual mom survey. PBH donors and supporters are able and encouraged to reproduce and utilize the infograph as needed. PBH is pleased to recognize the sponsors of the 2007-2014 research report: Bayer CropScience, Del Monte Fresh Produce, Monsanto, and Produce Marketing Association.
About Produce for Better Health Foundation
Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH) is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) fruit and vegetable education foundation. Since 1991, PBH works to motivate people to eat more fruits and vegetables to improve public health. PBH achieves success through industry and government collaboration, first with the 5 A Day program and now with the Fruits & Veggies—More Matters public health initiative. Fruits & Veggies—More Matters is the nation’s largest public-private, fruit and vegetable nutrition education initiative. To learn more, visit www.PBHFoundation.org and www.FruitsandVeggiesMoreMatters.org. Follow Fruits & Veggies—More Matters on Facebook or Twitter.
PBH is also a member and co-chair with Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) of the National Fruit & Vegetable Alliance (NFVA), consisting of government agencies, non-profit organizations, and industry working to collaboratively and synergistically achieve increased nationwide access and demand for all forms of fruits and vegetables for improved public health. To learn more, visit www.NFVA.org.
by United Fresh Produce Association
WASHINGTON, DC – United Fresh President & CEO Tom Stenzel issued this statement in response to a national poll of parents’ opinions of school lunch standards released today by The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Heart Association.
Parents nationwide want their children to have healthier meals and snacks at school, according to the poll. An overwhelming 91 percent of parents support requiring schools to include a serving of fruits and vegetables with every meal and more than 72 percent of parents support national nutrition standards for school meals and snacks sold in schools.
This new national poll underscores the strong support by parents for the new healthier school meal standards that require more fresh fruits and vegetables. Their voice joins public health authorities, the National PTA, teachers and others in their steadfast support for healthier school foods.
The childhood obesity crisis is real – with early onset of diabetes and the enormous burden of healthcare costs on society. Moms and dads know the challenge of helping our kids’ make healthier choices – but we don’t opt out of trying. We put our kids’ health first and Congress must continue to do the same. There can be no going back to water down the modest requirement that children take at least one-half cup of fruit or vegetable at breakfast and lunch. Instead, we should be looking for ways to reach our public health goal of half the plate being fruits and vegetables, not just half a cup.
The national poll was commissioned by The Pew Charitable Trusts, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and the American Heart Association and was conducted by Hart Research Associates and Ferguson Research between June 19 and 28, 2014 among registered voters who are parents of public school children.
Founded in 1904, the United Fresh Produce Association brings together companies across every segment of the fresh produce supply chain, including growers, shippers, fresh-cut processors, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, foodservice operators, industry suppliers and allied associations. We empower industry leaders to shape sound government policy. We deliver the resources and expertise companies need to succeed in managing complex business and technical issues. We provide the training and development individuals need to advance their careers in produce. And, through these endeavors, we unite our industry with a common purpose – to build long-term value for our members and grow produce consumption. For more information, visit www.unitedfresh.org or call 202-303-3400.