Champagne brand mangoes from Chiapas, Mexico, the signature item for Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros., should peak during the second week of March, said partner Chris Ciruli.
Good news has been a rarity since the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic broke out early this year. But there appears to be a bright spot when it comes to U.S. citrus sales.
As of the first week of June, strawberry movement was on track to beat last year’s 202 million trays by a little over 16 million, according to the Watsonville-based California Strawberry Commission.
Blueberries continue to attract a strong following in the U.S. They’ve shown the third-highest rate of growth in the fruit category, after raspberries and blackberries.
Raspberries and blackberries were the fastest-growing fruit categories in the produce department during the period from 2006-08 to 2016-18, based on average annual per capita consumption.
What started out as a way to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and ensure a quality berry pack has resulted in a sustainable, environmentally friendly and profitable program for Oxnard, Calif.-based Bobalu Berries.
The West Mexico winter produce deal hasn’t gotten off to a stellar start, but distributors are hopeful that the picture will brighten as the season progresses.
More tomatoes crossed the border at Nogales, Ariz., during the 2019-20 season than any other commodity, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
