Posts Tagged “South Florida ports”
Here’s an update on imported items arriving at ports on both the East Coast and West Coast of the United States.
Chilean avocado production this season is expected to increase a whopping 45 percent, estimated at 390 million pounds. Of this total, it’s estimate 100 million pounds will be exported to the United States, a significant increase over a year ago. For the 2014-15 marketing season, Chile had a total volume of 260 million pounds. Chilean avocados should start arriving at U.S. ports by September, with the best volume coming in by early October and continuing through March.
Chilean avocado imports have always had a strong following on the West Coast so volumes to this region are typically higher, although arrivals will occur at ports on both coasts.
Port of Long Beach imports, plus Southern California citrus, avocados, tomatoes – grossing about $4600 to Chicago.
South African Imports
Citrus imports from South Africa, as well as from Peru, are arriving in light to moderate volume, primarily at the Port of Philadelphia. Items range from clementines to oranges, tangelos and tangerines.
Avocado Imports
There is good volume with Chilean avocado imports arriving on both coasts, such as the Port of Long Beach and Port of Philadelphia.
South Florida Imports
There’s a lot of different imported produce items arriving at South Florida ports. However it is pretty light with commodities ranging from ginger to chayote, malanga blanca (yam) and clabaza (a large winter squash), among others.
Everyone from produce truckers, to produce shippers and consumers a like can’t wait for spring given the wicked winter it’s been for much of the country. The further into March we get the more volume and available loading opportunities will be, particularly with Southeastern produce shipments.
For example, Nicaraguan mangoes will be arriving in heaviest volume at South Florida ports, although some will be delivered to ports int he Northeast.
Florida blueberry shipments are just starting and will work their way northward in the state, before giving away to south Georgia blueberries in late April. Strong volume is expected in part because of a late Easter (April 20) that is closer to Mother’s Day (May 11). Florida expects to ship 25 million pounds of “blues” this season, a 14 percent increase over a year ago. Florida should peak the second and third weeks of April.
Georgia blueberry volume is also showing significant increases each year.
However, the big push comes in Florida in April with a host of mixed vegetable items reaching peak volume, particularly from southern and central parts of Florida. Good volume should continue into May.
In Georgia, Vidalia sweet onion shipments will begin in light volume in late April. Vidalia onion shipments could be down about 20 percent this year. Central and southern Georgia are currently shipping moderate amounts of greens ranging from kale to collard. Cucumbers, squash and other veggies will start maturing in April.
Florida mixed veggies, tomatoes and blueberries – grossing about $3100 to New York City.