Produce Crops
The first British Columbia cherries should hit the market by the end of June, says Richard Isaacs, commercial director of Global Fruit, Creston, B.C.
The early signs point to a healthy crop of cherries in the Northwest, says Tim Kovis, director of communications and events for the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, Yakima, Wash.
Weather challenges had an effect on some of the early spring/summer produce coming out of Georgia, but growers remain optimistic for a good season.
The signs of El Niño grew even stronger this month, and as the weather event looks to make its grand return, significant weather changes could be on deck for U.S. farmers this year.
This year’s Peruvian asparagus crop has faced challenges from weather, but rising consumption trends offer a bright spot for retailers.
The Summer Citrus from South Africa group has reflected on over two decades shipping citrus to the U.S. markets in the summer months and the key partnerships that have supported exports.
Strawberry grower-shippers say buyers can expect plenty of good-quality strawberries from California through summer and into fall despite an inauspicious start to the season.
“A very nice crop overall with good quality and sizing” is expected, said Joe Vargas, director of business intelligence for the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council.
Blackberries and raspberries may not top consumers’ shopping lists, but they are commodities that a good number of shoppers pick up at least occasionally.
Growers of Rave apples are readying for the upcoming season and encouraging retailers to do the same to take advantage of the apple’s flavors and campaign to aid students heading back to class.
Grown in Hatch, New Mexico, the smoky, versatile peppers are now available from fresh produce wholesaler, Frieda’s.
Sun World is launching a new red grape brand named Ruby Rush and reports growers from the U.S., Italy, Spain and Israel are harvesting the new variety this July.
Manual Michel is joining the Colombia Avocado Board, bringing legal expertise and produce leadership track record from his tenure at the National Mango Board.
The second half of summer seems promising for Ohio produce growers and distributors as nearly all the state’s seasonal fruits and vegetables come into production.
Some rainy weather disrupted the start of Maine’s fall potato harvest, but digging seemed to be progressing satisfactorily by late September.
The early numbers speak to a larger potato crop in Idaho for the 2023-24 season, and that means more affordable potatoes and greater promotion opportunities for retailers.
Representing a 7% decline from the October forecast, the Chilean Blueberry Committee of ASOEX now forecasts exports of 76,500 tons of fresh blueberries in the 2023-24 season.
A new Sweet Selections product line will feature strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry varieties bred for ‘exceptional flavor,’ says producer.
While greater amounts of rain were welcome in California citrus-growing regions in the past year, the downside has been exterior fruit damage caused by increased thrip populations.
California-based grower-packer-shipper Bako Sweet has reported a promising start to its sweetpotato season and anticipates a slightly higher yield than 2022.
Led by growth in shipments to Mexico, U.S. fresh potato exports for the year ending in August were up 18%.
In general, the supply outlook for Idaho potatoes is much improved, says Ryan Bybee, sales manager for GPOD of Idaho. “The volume of acreage rebounded considerably from a year ago.”
USDA data for the marketing year of September through August show total citrus exports of grapefruit, lemons and limes and oranges and tangerines totaled $751 million.
New crop Ambrosia Gold apples from CMI Orchards are marked by high flavor, vibrant color and a superb eating experience, the company reports.
A long, hot summer followed by an early fall freeze threw grower-shippers a curveball at the start of the fall season in southern Texas, but they’re hopeful things will straighten out by mid-December.
Compton, Calif.-based Berry Fresh is again bringing in Sweet Karoline blackberries from Mexico.
BDA/Dorot Farm, a grower group of fresh and sweet carrots is launching its new crop for the upcoming season in the North American region.
Immokalee, Fla.-based Ark Foods has announced a pilot project that will expand its activities into the fruit industry with a watermelon trial.
Zespri has released its November forecast for the 2023-24 season, with Green, Organic Green and RubyRed per tray returns forecast at record levels.
Dole Food Co. is now offering dragon fruit to consumers across the western U.S. and Canada.