Posts Tagged “feature”

Citrus Shipping Forecast is Lowered by USDA Estimate

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The USDA July 12 crop production report showed reductions in 2022-23 estimates for oranges, grapefruit and lemons but an increase for tangerines.

The July report said the U.S. all-orange forecast for the 2022-23 season is 2.52 million tons, down 1% from the previous forecast and down 26% from the 2021-22 final utilization. The Florida all-orange forecast, at 15.9 million boxes (714,000 tons), is up 1% from the previous forecast but down 62% from last season’s final utilization.

In Florida, early, midseason and navel varieties are forecast at 6.15 million boxes (277,000 tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but down 66% from last season’s final utilization. The Florida valencia orange forecast, at 9.70 million boxes (437,000 tons), is up 1% from the previous forecast but down 58% from last season’s final utilization.

The California all-orange forecast is 44 million boxes (1.76 million tons), down 2% from the previous forecast but up 13% from last season’s utilization, the report said. The California navel orange forecast is 37 million boxes (1.48 million tons), unchanged from the previous forecast but up 17% from last season’s utilization. The USDA said the California valencia orange forecast is 7 million boxes (280,000 tons), down 14% from the previous forecast and down 8% from last season’s utilization.

The Texas all-orange forecast, at 1.13 million boxes (48,000 tons), is up 8% from the previous forecast and “up significantly from last season’s utilization,” the report said.

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Raspberry Consumption Continues to Make Impressive Gains

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The USDA reports that raspberry retail per capita consumption rose from 0.2 pounds in 2010 to 0.8 pounds in 2021.

The total domestic and imported raspberry supply increased from just 111 million pounds in 2010 to 352 million pounds in 2021.

The share of supply provided by imports also has increased sharply in the past decade. Imports only accounted for 29% of total supply in 2010 but increased to 68% in 2021, according to the USDA.

California was the only source of domestic raspberry truck shipments reported by the USDA. California raspberry shipments are most active from May through October.

The USDA reported raspberry imports in 2022 from Canada, Guatemala and Mexico — with Mexico accounting for more than 99% of total imports.

Percent of raspberries accounted by imports:

  • 2010: 29%
  • 2011: 29%
  • 2012: 38%
  • 2013: 40%
  • 2014: 32%
  • 2015: 45%
  • 2016: 45%
  • 2017: 46%
  • 2018: 59%
  • 2019: 57%
  • 2020: 60%
  • 2021: 64%

Source: USDA

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California Strawberry Loadings on Track after Slow Start to Season

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Good quality and volume are being predicted by California strawberry grower-shippers through summer and into fall despite an unfavorable start to the season.

The California Strawberry Commission  of Watsonville, CA reported as of the week ending July 8, the state’s growers had produced about 109 million trays of strawberries this season, down from last year’s 128 million trays to date because of a slow start caused by cool weather and an unusually wet winter and spring.

In fact, Bobalu Berries of Oxnard, CA has called it one of the worst starts in a long time.

However, conditions have improved significantly as the season progressed.

Bobalu reports it has been able to harvest much longer than usual in Oxnard. Historically, the Oxnard strawberry harvest is over by Mother’s Day. This year, the company was able to ship fresh fruit all the way through Memorial Day.

By July, weekly strawberry shipments were comparable to last year’s volume at Bobalu. However, it is unlikely total volume for the season will equal last year.

Seven Seas, of Visalia, CA is part of the Tom Lange Co. Inc., of St. Louis, which believes its volume should be up slightly this summer,

The company produces late-summer and early-fall strawberry crops in Santa Maria, Calif., and Lompoc, Calif., and transitions to Mexico in November for year-round production.

Gem-Pack Berries LLC, of Irvine, CA, which recently partnered withWell-Pict Berries, of Watsonville, CA grows most of its late-summer strawberries in Watsonville, with some fruit coming from Santa Maria. A fall crop is scheduled for the Oxnard district.

Gem-Pack ships strawberries year-round, with volume tapering off in late fall in the northern district just as Oxnard and central Mexico start to increase. Strawberry seasons in Florida and Irvine come into play in early winter.

Naturipe Farms LLC of Salinas, CA will have summer strawberries from the Watsonville/Salinas area and will transition in the fall to its Santa Maria and Oxnard operations.

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New York State Ag is Reporting Excellent Outlook for Veggie, Apple Shipments

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Shipments are expected to be good for apples, sweet corn, squash, onions, snap beans and many other items from New York state this summer, according to grower-shippers.

The New York State Vegetables Growers Association reports has production for the fresh market and the processors. Vegetables for processing are grown by operations with thousands of acres , but also includes small organic, niche growers, plus everything in between.

Most of the state’s farms are within four hours of many major metropolitan areas and distribute produce to a number of East Coast cities.

Eden Valley Growers Inc., Eden, N.Y., began harvesting green squash, cabbage and cucumbers in June, and corn by the second week of July. It had variety peppers by the end of July.

Reeves Farms of Baldwinville, NY reports good quality on its conventional sweet corn, tomatoes, peppers, winter squashes, zucchini, summer squash, cucumbers, cabbage, pumpkins, peas and eggplant.

About 15% of the company’s production is organic grape tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes, blueberries, zucchini, yellow squash and winter squash.

When it comes to fruit, the New York Apple Association notes apple harvesting typically begins in mid-August with Paula Red and ginger gold apple varieties. The Paula Red is a tart tasting apple and is one of the earliest varieties to be harvested.

The fresh-picked ginger gold is considered a great snacking apple in late summer.

The state produces over 250 apple varieties, 30 of which are available in commercial volumes.

Other favorites include jonamac, SweeTango, mcintosh, gala, Honeycrisp, SnapDragon, cortland, macoun, empire, red delicious, fuji, RubyFrost, Crispin, golden delicious and EverCrisp.

The state produced 32.2 million bushels of apples last season.

Eden Valley Growers plans to expand its value-added product offerings by increasing its production of packaged corn this summer, Walczak said.

Overall, volume for the 10-member co-op, many of whom are fifth- or sixth-generation growers, should be about the same as last year or possibly up slightly.

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Automation and Freight Brokerage: Artificial Efficiency Versus Human Vigilance

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By Jake Diana, ALC San Francisco

When it comes to the rapid advancement of AI and automated technology, there are few topics more controversial than autonomous vehicles. Many states are not only utilizing, but actively encouraging the implementation of autonomous trucking technologies. From Elon Musk’s Tesla line featuring autopilot mode to the seemingly endless supply of Waymo driverless vehicles throughout major California cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, it seems that autonomous transportation is becoming less and less avoidable in today’s society.

For some folks, it is evidence of the state’s willingness to change with the times and adapt in ways that allow for a more streamlined future. For others, autonomous vehicles represent a threat to the economy, potentially taking the livelihoods of thousands of hard-working industry veterans by eliminating the need for truck drivers. 

On May 31, 2023, the California State Assembly voted to ban driverless trucks from operating within state lines, mandating the presence of a safety driver within these vehicles. Should this bill (AB 316) pass in the California State Senate, California would fall further behind in terms of implementing autonomous technology into the trucking logistics industry. Jeff Farrah, executive director of the AVIA (Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association), stated directly after that “AB 316 undermines California’s law enforcement and safety officials as they seek to regulate and conduct oversight over life-saving autonomous trucks” in reference to the often utilized argument that the use of self-driving vehicles actually increases road safety and causes a regression in transportation-related deaths. Industry veterans strongly refute this argument, believing that their experience and human characteristics allow for better results.

Fernando Reyes, Teamster Local 350 member, advocated for trucks needing drivers, stating: “…the thought of it barreling down the highway with no driver is a terrifying thought and it isn’t safe…”. He goes on to elaborate further into the safety risks posed by a lack of drivers, saying, “…I know to look out for people texting while driving, potholes in the middle of the road and folks on the side of the highway…”. Clearly, this is a divisive issue featuring some strong points on both sides, yet how does it affect freight brokerage companies? 

The answer is that a potential monopoly on trucking due to utilizing autonomous trucks could be just as devastating for brokerages as the carriers themselves. Automated transportation would have a cascading effect on the industry as a whole, as the need for drivers would be eliminated. If there were no drivers involved, there would be no dispatchers. Therefore, shippers would likely come to the conclusion that they would be better served purchasing automated trucks and their accompanying tracking/logistical management systems. Most, if not all, brokerages would be forced to end operation given that much of the moment-to-moment load management would become obsolete as driver error would be eliminated. Rate negotiations would cease, as shippers would own their own fleets in entirety and therefore have no reason to seek outside guidance or management.

However, the need for truck drivers for produce and perishable products is an entirely different conversation. Most of these loads are multi-pick, where a human is needed, so they will probably not see driverless vehicles in the future. As of now, it seems that fully autonomous freight transportation is still decades away from being viable – seemingly in step with the gradual implementation of autonomous technology across all sectors of the world.

*****

Jake Diana graduated in 2020 from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Social Sciences. Diana joined the ALC San Francisco office in August 2022 as a broker’s assistant, before being promoted to carrier sales representative, and most recently to carrier sales manager. He is a high-energy individual with a passion for competition, teamwork, and tech.

jake.diana@allenlund.com

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Carrier Expands Line of Solar Charging Systems for Transport Refrigeration

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Athens, GA – Carrier Transicold has enhanced its platform of solar charging systems for transport refrigeration unit (TRU) batteries with a wider array of choices and greater power delivery for faster charging.

“Rapid gains in solar panel technology have enabled us to make significant improvements to our solar charging systems, making this a great time to take advantage of our technology,” said Jason Forman, Director, Aftermarket Parts Sales and Marketing, Carrier Transicold.

The company’s current solar charging system platform for trailer and intermodal units includes:

  • TRU-Mount Solar Charging System – Has an innovative design that provides a custom fit on the narrow, curved top surface of Carrier Transicold trailer refrigeration units. This system now delivers 2.25 amps of power, a 12.5% boost over the original model.
  • 50-watt Trailer Rooftop-Mount System – This system now provides 4.2 amps of power delivery, which is about 2.5 times greater than Carrier Transicold’s original rooftop system, delivering significant amps per watt for TRU applications.
  • New 20 Series 50-watt Rooftop-Mount System – Part of Carrier Transicold’s 20 Series line of aftermarket products for competitive trailer units, this system delivers greater efficiency and power than standard 30-watt panels provided by the original TRU equipment manufacturer.
  • 50-watt Rail-Optimized Door-Mount System – This system is designed for domestic intermodal containers that are often double-stacked on flatbed railcars, which limits the application of rooftop mounted systems.
  • Charging System for Solara™ Heating Unit – The newest system designed for a Carrier Transicold unit, this 2.25-amp top-mount system is the first for the Solara unit, which heats trailers used in cold climates.

Carrier Transicold’s tri-layer solar panel technology maximizes strength and efficiency. Uncut monocrystalline cells maximize output and minimize power loss from intermittent shading, and the charge controller uniquely matches the fixed output of the panel to the voltage required by the battery for faster charging.

Refrigerated haulers use solar panels to help offset refrigeration system battery draws from ancillary devices, such as fuel-level sensors, interior trailer lighting and telematics systems during dwell periods. This saves fuel by reducing the need to run the TRU for battery charging and helps to avoid depleting the battery, requiring a service callout to start the TRU engine and possibly replace the battery.

Eligible businesses may be able to claim a Solar Investment Tax Credit for their solar charging systems. For more information about the credit and Carrier Transicold solar charging systems for trailer applications, turn to the experts in Carrier Transicold’s North America dealer network or visit www.carrier.com/tru-solar.

About Carrier Transicold

Carrier Transicold helps improve transport and shipping of temperature-controlled cargoes with a complete line of equipment and services for refrigerated transport and cold chain visibility. For more than 50 years, Carrier Transicold has been an industry leader, providing customers around the world with advanced, energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable container refrigeration systems and generator sets, direct-drive and diesel truck units, and trailer refrigeration systems. Carrier Transicold is a part of Carrier Global Corporation, global leader in intelligent climate and energy solutions that matter for people and our planet for generations to come. For more information, visit Carrier Transicold online at www.trucktrailer.carrier.com. Follow Carrier on Twitter: @SmartColdChain, on Facebook at Carrier Transicold Truck/Trailer Americas and on LinkedIn at Carrier Transicold Truck Trailer Refrigeration.

Caption for Carrier Transicold Solar Panels.jpg

Carrier Transicold has enhanced its platform of solar charging systems for transport refrigeration unit (TRU) batteries with a wider array of choices and greater power delivery for faster charging.

 

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New Season for Wisconsin Potato Shipments are Underway

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The Wisconsin potato season is getting started and in what seems to be a pattern over the past number of years, acreage and volume remain fairly stable.

The Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Association of Antigo, WI reports

growers are looking at average yields of about 420 cwt per acre. The potato harvest typically runs from late July into October. 

Wisconsin shippers move potatoes every month of the year by supplying product from other areas in Badge State supplies run out. In the calendar year 2022, Wisconsin shippers moved 7.14 million cwt of Wisconsin potatoes, with peak shipments in November.

Potato acreage is also expected to be flat compared with last year’s 66,500 acres, with some shifts between red and yellow varieties.

Roughly 38% of Wisconsin’s 2022 crop went to the fresh market. Only a small percentage of the state’s potato volume is grown organically.

Wisconsin yellow potato shipments are ready at Alsum Farms in Arena, WI with the first potato loads being washed, graded and packed for fresh market delivery to distribution centers and retail grocers the first full week of August.

“The first harvest of yellow potatoes at Alsum Farm looks promising,” says Larry Alsum, President & CEO of Alsum Farms & Produce in Friesland, WI.

Red potato loadings started July 31st.

Alsum Farms russet potato harvest will begin on August 11th with the Russet Caribou and Goldrush varieties. Both early season varieties will be the first of new crop russets to be harvested off the field and freshly washed, packed and delivered to retail grocers in the Midwest and beyond. In addition, new crop Wisconsin organic russet, red and yellow potatoes will be available for shipping starting August 14th.

For 50 years, Alsum Farms & Produce has been a leading grower and shipper of locally grown potatoes and onions and provider of fresh, quality produce. Join us for the Alsum Farms & Produce 50th Anniversary Community Celebration, Tater Trot 5k/2-mile walk, plant and farm tours on August 11 & 12!

About Alsum Farms & Produce

Alsum Farms & Produce Inc. is a leading fresh market grower, packer and shipper of Wisconsin grown potatoes, onions, and provider of fresh, quality produce. Established five decades ago and headquartered in Friesland, Wis., Alsum Farms & Produce is a vertically integrated family-owned farm, packing facility and logistics company providing quality produce. Committed to sustainability and stewardship of the soil, Alsum Farms grows 3,000 acres of Wisconsin Healthy Grown Certified Alsum Potatoes along with pumpkins.

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Ontario Vegetable Shipments are Underway with Good, Quality Crops

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The Scotlynn Group of Vittoria, Ontario has 5,000 acres of sweet corn, watermelon, asparagus, pumpkins and ginseng in Ontario. Volume is expected to be similar to last year.

The company launched its asparagus program the first week of May. Pumpkins will start the last week of August and continue until the end of October.

Welsh Bros.’ of Scotland, Ontario started its sweet corn loadings the week of July 10 with volume similar to a year ago. The company ships primarily independent supermarkets within Ontario, though the operation is looking to expand its distribution area.

Ontario Potato Distributors Inc. of Alliston, Ontario started its early white potato harvest in mid July as usual. Later potato crops will follow in mid-August, September and October. The company also has russet, red and yellow potatoes.

OPDI ships year-round, and volume should be up slightly on all varieties compared to last year. The firm packs its potatoes under the Champion brand and also distributes private-label tubers for chain stores throughout Canada.

August’s Harvest Inc. of Gads Hill, Ontario began harvesting seven varieties of garlic in July, but it already was shipping garlic scapes — the flower bud of the garlic plant — in June. The product is available in June, July and August. The company’s fresh garlic should be shipping until April.

Procyk Farms 1994 Ltd. of Wilsonville, Ontario began shipping numerous vegetables in mid July and has tomatoes, grape tomatoes, roma tomatoes, sauce tomatoes, red and savoy cabbage, sweet corn, zucchini and red, yellow and green bell peppers.

Quality is good this season, and volume is similar to last year.

The fourth-generation, family-owned company ships to customers on the Ontario Food Terminal as well as retail chains and foodservice operators.

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Food Inflation is the Highest Since 1978: Rabobank BBQ Index Rates for Last 4 Years

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Celebrating summer with a barbeque event will be costlier this year, a new economic analysis from Rabobank shows.

The 2023 Rabobank BBQ Index reveals a 10-person barbecue will cost nearly $100 this year, according to a news release. In fact, food items listed on the barbecue menu have jumped 31% since 2018, according to Rabobank.

The Russia-Ukraine war, severe drought, higher wages and rising costs of farm inputs, transportation and energy have combined to fuel broad-based inflation throughout the supply chain.

COUNTING THE COST

The 2023 Rabobank BBQ Index, which measures the cost of staple ingredients for a 10-person barbecue, shows that it will cost $97 to host a cookout on Independence Day this year, up from $73 in 2018.

Food prices have shot up 31% in the last four years, the biggest four-year gain since the late 1970s oil crisis, according to Rabobank.

Here are price increases over the last four years, according to Rabobank:

  • Soda: 53%.
  • White bread: 51%.
  • Potato chips: 46%.
  • Chicken: 37%.
  • Lettuce: 29%.
  • Ground beef: 25%.
  • Beer: 22%.

Despite the elevated food costs, Rabobank analysts said many consumers — particularly those under 40 — are now prioritizing experiences over goods and are willing to splurge for a special occasion.

“Consumers have taken some heavy punches but they’re still standing,” Tom Bailey, senior consumer foods analyst at Rabobank, said in the report. “They’re being shrewd in areas that don’t enrich experiences, while giving in to the urge to splurge where it matters most. With that mindset, look for spending to heat up this summer on quality meats and drinks — the recipe for a memorable barbecue.”

The trend to value “experience over things” was emerging before COVID-19, but Rabobank analysts said the shift has accelerated, especially for millennials and Generation Z. For baby boomers, spending on travel and food has increased, in part thanks to an 8.7% cost-of-living adjustment to their Social Security benefits this year, according to Rabobank.

A healthy labor market is also keeping consumers willing to spend their money. The May jobs report showed that unemployment sits at 3.7%, down from its pandemic peak of 14.7% just three years ago, Rabobank economists said.

“Steady work makes it easier to justify increased spending when budgets are tight,” Bailey said in the report. “Rather than trading down to soften the blow of stubbornly high inflation, we may see consumers trading up to more premium products.”  

The Rabobank BBQ Index, according to the report, assumes an average American barbecue event on the Fourth of July with 10 adults, with each consuming the same amount of food and beverages.

The index assumes each person will consume one cheeseburger with lettuce and tomato, one chicken sandwich with lettuce, tomato and a slice of cheese, two handfuls of chips, a beer, a soda and a few scoops of ice cream.

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Ohio Vegetable Loadings Moving into Peak Volume

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Despite some extremely dry growing conditions this spring and early summer, Ohio vegetable growers say it helps grow the best quality vegetables.

Buurma Farms Inc. of Willard, OH has a selection of over two dozen vegetables, most of which became available in late June.

Two items introduced about three seasons ago were napa cabbage and bok choy. Both continue to experience an increase in volume.

During June Buurma Farms was introducing items ranging from radishes to dill, cilantro, lettuces, green onions, parsleys, zucchini, cabbage yellow squash and cucumbers.

The last volume item was sweet corn, which started the third week of July.

The 127-year-old family-owned company serves retail, foodservice and wholesale customers primarily east of the Mississippi and has a priority to make fast, overnight deliveries.

Family owned Holthouse Farms of Ohio Inc., base in Willard has a full line of vegetables year-round.

The company’s lead items include dry vegetables such as bell peppers, cucumbers, squashes, eggplant and green beans, and a full line of chili peppers.

The company has been expanding its organic vegetables over the past five years including cucumbers, bell peppers, zucchini squash and yellow squash, which are available from May into fall.

In the late 1980s the company began offering vegetables year-round from Mexico, Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey and Michigan, as well as Ohio.

Wiers Farm Inc. of Willard has a diverse lineup of products grown, packed and shipped in Ohio.

Dry vegetables include bell peppers, slicer cucumbers, pickles, summer squashes, eggplant, specialty and hot peppers, and sweet corn. Wet vegetables include lettuces, greens and herbs.

The operation harvests over 30 different vegetable commodities.

The firm’s Ohio location acts as a consolidation and cross-dock facility for its other growing locations in Georgia, Florida and Mexico.

It is now shipping a full lineup of dry vegetables and a limited lineup of wet vegetables 52 weeks a year, to customers across the Midwest and East Coast.

The fifth-generation family-owned company was established in 1896 and serves retail, foodservice and wholesale customers.

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