Produce Crops
The 2023 Michigan apple crop is coming on, and the Michigan Apple Committee will be ready with a range of promotions, says Diane Smith, executive director.
Santa Paula, Calif.-based Limoneira Co. has reported that total net revenue for the quarter ending April 30 was $48.1 million, up $46.8 million for the same quarter a year ago.
With expectations of a “fantastic” crop, Naturipe Farms is expecting a peak supply of Michigan blueberries from mid-July through mid-August.
The USDA’s annual report on Mexican tomatoes forecasts Mexico’s 2023 fresh tomato production at 3.87 million metric tons, a 2% increase compared with 2022.
Michigan apples experienced a slight dip in volume in the calendar year 2022, but the 2022-23 marketing year promises big gains, shipment data shows.
“Nature really dealt us a tough hand and we are navigating through it the best way possible. Despite the rocky start, prices will adjust to comfortable levels over the next days or so,” says Carlos Bon.
Stemilt Growers will have its prized high-elevation cherries into the last week of August, says Brianna Shales, marketing director for the Wenatchee, Wash.-based marketer.
The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is seeking input on how the agency should handle the Tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV) in fresh tomatoes and peppers.
The rainy season in Mexico has not allowed for larger avocado sizing this summer, but volume from Peru will run into the early fall, says Kirk Marquardt.
The USDA has released Version 3.0 of its free USDA Market News mobile app.
Michigan’s 2023 apple crop may not be as big as last year’s record, but it should be close.
Retailers and apple growers increasingly are turning to branded apples — also known as managed or club varieties — to offer consumers what they consider to be a superior eating experience.
South Texas growers have planted 40% more Texas 1015 sweet onions in 2023 to keep up with increasing demand, says a Texas onion association.
Save room in the shopping cart for more Washington apples.
Oppy’s avocado supply is expected to remain consistent through the late summer and fall, says said Rodrigo Lopez, category director of citrus and avocados for the marketer.
Wenatchee, Wash.-based CMI Orchards is highlighting Kanzi apples as a top choice for food enthusiasts in baked desserts and holiday treats.
A new report from the Mushroom Council reveals long-term shifts in consumer preferences for fresh mushrooms.
New Zealand apple planted area will drop substantially because of damage from cyclone Gabrielle in February, according to a news USDA report.
When snow blankets much of the country’s farmland and temperatures drop to single digits, growers in California’s desert regions shift into high gear with their winter vegetable crops.
“While the season got off to a late start, the overall quality and flavor of our fruit has been nothing short of excellent,” said Bee Sweet Citrus sales representative Jason Sadoian.
U.S. imports of Mexican fresh vegetables enjoyed a strong year in 2022-23, however, USDA numbers say the value of U.S. imports of Mexican fresh fruit was flat compared with 2021-22.
Grower-shippers say onion volume has inched upward this season, and plenty of good-quality onions should be available for the holidays and beyond.
In mid-November, Nogales, Ariz.-based EarthBlend was receiving a steady supply of Sonoran soft squash and cucumbers, and Sinaloa volume was about to kick in, says Steve Spence, director of sales.
The Mexican produce season started a little earlier than usual for Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Rich River Produce, says founder Edgar Duarte.
Year-round programs, snacking commodities, organics and flavor are all trends for Mexican produce — and all are important to the Divine Flavor brand, says Michael DuPuis, quality assurance manager.
Farmer’s Best LLC will increase its acreage in seedless cucumbers, elongated red peppers, and eggplant programs, says Sasha Lewton, sales manager.
Volume of Mexican produce items was expected to increase for PennRose Farms LLC after Thanksgiving, says spokesperson Christopher Ciruli.
It’s not easy being a tomato farmer in Florida, but even as their numbers dwindle, enough die-hard farmers remain to earn Florida the No. 1 ranking for the value of fresh-market tomatoes in the U.S.
With the 2023-24 Chilean table grape season starting in November, Chilean grape importers from across the U.S. are urgently requesting the U.S. authorities to accelerate the authorization of a systems approach.
Florida citrus volume will be up this year, and industry leaders were pleased with the outlook in mid-November.