Tom Karst

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In November, all food prices were measured 2.9% higher than a year ago, according to the latest Consumer Price Index. The USDA has also provided an outlook for food prices in 2024.
The new report projects that Chilean lemon exports will rise 8.8%, with mandarin exports growing by 7.3%.
The Packer’s Organic Fresh Trends 2024 survey found that 17% of consumers said they shopped for organic carrots exclusively.
Freight costs for produce shippers declined during 2023, but the rate dip may be setting up a return to firmer pricing in 2024, some experts say.
After tight supplies of elevated pricing for 2022 apple and potato crops, the 2023 season is bringing price relief and promotion opportunities to consumers.
Organic blueberry sales and volume were both up in 2022, according to retail numbers from Circana.
Data from Circana shows retail organic avocado sales topped $162.4 million in 2022, up 2.8% from 2021.
A contentious issue for decades, the terms of the U.S. tomato trade with Mexico again hung in the balance in 2023.
Take a look at the fresh produce industry stories and topics that topped The Packer’s coverage during the year.
More than ever, fresh produce growers needed guest workers to harvest their crops in 2023. At the same time, the escalating wage costs of the H-2A program — up nearly 20% since 2020 — have many desperate for relief.