Honeydew

Morning Kiss kicks off its organic melon program

Tue, 13 May 2025 15:43:49 GMT

Morning Kiss Organic announced May 12 the return and expansion of its organic melon program, which includes mini seedless watermelons, cantaloupes and honeydews. The company said that — with its sourcing coming from Mexico, California and North Carolina — the program is designed to deliver melons throughout the summer and into early winter.

“Nothing captures the essence of summer like fresh organic melon,” Nelly Czajkowski, sales manager at Morning Kiss Organic, said in a news release. “These fruits are not only delicious and healthy but also a smart way for retailers to boost organic sales during the peak summer months.”

Morning Kiss Organic called the outlook for this summer’s melon crop very promising, saying it expects excellent volume out of California’s Central Valley. Such volume would support robust promotional activity throughout July and August, it added.

Morning Kiss Organic’s season will run from May through early December, with East Coast-grown mini seedless watermelons available from late June through early August. The company said it is looking forward to bringing in melons from a North Carolina grower.

Later start but good quality expected for California tree fruit, melons

Mon, 17 Apr 2023 12:26:10 GMT

Despite record rain, snow and some unusually cold weather this winter, California should have plenty of good-quality tree fruit, melons and other commodities this summer.

However, some items might get off to a later start than usual, and early volume on others may be off a bit.

“We had a lot of rain, but the rain really didn’t do any damage at all,” said Levon Ganajian, vice president of retail relations for Fresno, Calif.-based Trinity Fruit Sales Co. “We think the front end of the program is going to be light, but not very much.”

Early volume of peaches and nectarines will be off because rain prevented bees from pollinating the flowers, Ganajian said.

“Even when the flowers were out, the bees weren’t able to pollinate,” he said.

Ganajian was optimistic about the later part of the season.

“Once we get past the early part of the season in May and into the bulk of the season in June, July and August, we expect full crops and good volume on everything,” he said.

The combination of ample water, plenty of chill hours and little stress on the trees should result in good quality and good sizing.

An early freeze affected the apricot crop, so it will get a later start. Supplies during May will be lighter than usual.

“We’ll have promotable volume in June into the first part of September,” Ganajian said.

California’s melon crop escaped the wrath of the state’s cold, rainy winter, said Garrett Patricio, president of Firebaugh, Calif.-based Westside Produce . Patricio also is chairman of the California Cantaloupe Advisory Board and serves on the California Melon Research Board.

Though the California melon industry has had a reduction in acreage over the past 20 years, things seem to have stabilized during the past five years, he said. Volume has stayed the same, even as some acreage has fallen off.

“We’ve gotten much better with agronomy and farming practices,” he said. “While acres are decreasing, total volumes have managed to stay the same because yields are better.”

He said he expected to see as many cantaloupes, honeydews and mixed melons planted in 2022 as in 2023.

As with other commodities, the season may get a later start than usual for California’s Imperial Valley spring melon deal and the Westside summer program.

“We may not see an early May or a mid-May start,” Patricio said.

A late-May kickoff seemed more likely.

“I anticipate there will be some gaps throughout the spring, summer and fall based on the weather, water and environmental impacts we’ve seen,” he said.

Westside Produce recently joined with Fresno-based Classic Fruit Co. to offer melons year-round.

Fresno-based Crown Jewels Produce will start its melon program in late April, said salesman Stephen Thomason. The company offers cantaloupes, honeydews and watermelons as well as grapes, pears and pomegranates. All commodities will start 10-14 days later than usual because of rain and cold weather, he said, but size and quality should be good. Volume should be similar to last year.

Grapes will start middle to late May, pears will get underway the second week of July and pomegranates in September.

California melon marketer expands exports with AgroFresh

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:36:44 GMT

Blythe, Calif.-based Fisher Ranch has expanded melon exports by extending the commodity’s storage window with the use of SmartFresh.

Philadelphia-based AgroFresh Solutions Inc. partnered with Fisher Ranch to provide SmartFresh SmartTabs on cantaloupes and Golden Dewlicious honeydew melons, according to a news release. AgroFresh’s post-harvest solution enables the melons to ripen on the vine, allowing the fruit to retain firmness and sugar content despite longer transit time.

SmartFresh SmartTabs have been proven to help control skin disorders on melons for 26 days in cold storage, according to the release.

“After the successful completion of our commercial trials last year, SmartFresh enabled us to deliver great-tasting, aromatic, high quality melons to global markets, which was a new achievement for us,” Mike Farrage, sales manager at Fisher Ranch, said in the release. “With this success in mind, we’ve increased our export volume this year and we’ll now apply SmartFresh to our entire shipment of export melons.”

SmartFresh technology uses 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) to control the ripening process to improve freshness. SmartTabs are designed for use in transport containers or small storage rooms, according to the release.

“We’re excited to help our customers optimize the quality of their fresh produce and grow their business, at potentially higher margins, in distant markets that they otherwise could not access,” AgroFresh commercial development manager Fernando Edagi said in the release. “We’re thrilled to help growers such as Fisher Ranch deliver melons that provide a great eating experience with consistently high quality, flavor, sweetness and firmness.”

The Packer’s Coverage of Produce Tech

The Packer’s Melon Coverage

Brian Faseler returns to Legend Produce in sales

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:44:34 GMT

Melon grower and marketer Legend Produce , Scottsdale, Ariz., has hired Brian Faseler as a sales associate.

He previously worked at Custom Pak, a Lipman Family Farms division, where he specialized in its melon program for more than 12 years. He started his career at Legend Produce, according to a news release.

Faselar will support the company’s expansion plans, and will immediately be involved in the transition from Central California production to the desert for the fall domestic crop.

“He brings a wealth of experience in marketing melons and we couldn’t be more excited to have him back as part of the Legend family,” Barry Zwillinger, co-founder of Legend Produce, said in the release. “His experience and values align perfectly with our mission.”

Related story:

COVID upends equilibrium of produce sales in Southwest marketplace

COVID-19 pandemic continues to hurt Fresh Del Monte sales

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:06:06 GMT

Business conditions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic cost Coral Gables, Fla.-based Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. more than $70 million in net sales for the quarter ending Sept. 25.

Net sales for the third quarter of 2020 were $989.7 million, off 8% compared with $1,07 billion a year ago, according to a news release.

The decline in net sales of $80.5 million was tied to lower net sales in all business segments.

The COVID-19 pandemic hurt net sales during the third quarter by an estimated $73 million, according to the release, mainly in the fresh and value-added products and banana business segments.

The release said lower sales were linked to volatile supply and demand conditions resulting from the pandemic, as well as reduced demand in the company’s foodservice business and shifting demand at retail. Continued government-imposed mandatory restrictions and social distancing initiatives associated with the pandemic changed normal demand patterns, according to the release.

Gross profit for the third quarter was $67.3 million, off 12% compared with $76.2 million a year ago. The decrease in gross profit was mainly due to lower gross profit in the company’s banana and other products and services business segments, which the release said was partially offset by higher gross profit in fresh and value-added products.

Gross profit was hurt by incremental costs, according to the release, related to other product-related charges of $2.3 million.

The charges, the release said, primarily consist of inventory write-offs due to volatile supply and demand conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Another factor was costs related to cleaning and social distancing protocols.

“We were especially pleased to see an improvement in our fresh and value-added products business segment, through rapid adjustments to all aspects of our business, from farm to customer to meet the challenges caused by the pandemic disruption, particularly to adapt to the restaurant and foodservice markets during the third quarter,” Mohammad Abu-Ghazaleh, chairman and CEO, said in the release. “Swift implementation of working capital measures led to improved cash flow and our ability to reduce our debt.”

During an earnings call with analysts Oct. 28, Abu-Ghazaleh said 2020 is shaping up to be one of the most challenging periods ever for Fresh Del Monte.

“The difficulties we experienced in the third quarter of 2020 were driven by the continuing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which continued to hinder our performance with decreased demand as a result of mandatory government shutdowns, including schools, restaurants, foodservice and business closures being our biggest headwind,” he said in the call. “These challenges continued to hamper our ability to achieve our financial targets for the third quarter.”

Abu-Ghazaleh said the company’s three Mann Packing facilities and Fresno, Calif., fresh-cut facility are now operating under one roof, which he said will enable the company to improve gross profit in fresh and value-added by about $10 million a year.

Diversifying its product range, he said Fresh Del Monte recently launched Pinkglow Del Monte Pineapple, a variety grown in Cost Rica.

The company has identified assets that it plans to sell over the next 12-18 months. Abu-Ghazaleh said the total anticipated cash proceeds from the sales should be approximately $100 million. The company will double its dividends in the fourth quarter, according to the release.

“I’m confident that the decisions made in 2020 will be a driving force behind our future performance,” Abu-Ghazaleh said in the earnings call. “In the third quarter, we demonstrated the value of our business model and generated improved cash flow and continue to reduce our debt in order to better position us to weather this pandemic and emerge stronger.”

He said the company added new containerized vessels to its fleet that will reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Fresh Del Monte also published an update to its 2019-20 corporate social responsibility report.

Related stories:

Pinkglow pineapple makes its debut

Del Monte Fresh Produce opens facility in Mexico

COVID-19 pandemic cuts profits for Fresh Del Monte

Salt on the watermelon

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:05:02 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, somebody in a Facebook group I’m part of shared an article on the proper (and Southern) way to eat watermelon — with salt. The post garnered 50+ comments from folks all around the country, many of whom loved salting their watermelon ... and many who said they “couldn’t stand it.”

As someone who perks up at any sign of a produce controversy, I was intrigued.

I knew that salting certain fruits was a norm for some people in my family — as kids my mom and her siblings salted luscious wedges of black diamond watermelon and put salt and pepper on cantaloupe , and my grandma has been known to salt grapefruit — but the salt shaker never comes out when it’s watermelon time at our house, so I’d never had this taste experience myself.

But, I thought, maybe my family and Facebook friends are the weird outliers on this issue and other people don’t eat their watermelon this way. So I posed the question to my LinkedIn followers: Do you salt your melon? Watermelon, cantaloupe, honeydew , or any other variety? Do any of your family or friends?

I was surprised at the number of responses that quickly rolled in.

“Grew up eating watermelon with salt thanks to my Grandpa!” one produce industry member said. “My mom and dad sprinkle salt on their watermelon too ... isn’t that normal?!?”

Well, I guess it is.

“My wife and boys are from Colombia; they salt much of their fruit. Mangoes, watermelons for sure,” someone else said.

“Always salt my melons and oranges,” another replied.

“I had a co-worker who was from Georgia and she salted EVERY piece of fruit,” a former colleague shared. “Peaches, plums ... would even salt lemons and eat them whole (without the peels).”

OK, produce industry folks must know what they’re doing, right? I decided to try this taste sensation for myself ... and I roped Produce Retailer editor Ashley Nickle into trying it with me for an episode of Millennials Eat.

You can watch our reactions for yourself on video here , but I have to say that salted watermelon was a lot more delicious than I’d expected, and it didn’t really even taste salty, as I’d feared it might. The important point, of course, is to not go overboard with the salt — it’s just meant to enhance the flavor and bring out the juicyness of the fruit.

The next day I had two slices of cantaloupe with breakfast — I salted one and put salt and pepper on the other, like my mom did. Again, the salt seemed to heighten the natural sweetness of the melon. The pepper, though, didn’t add much. Maybe I’ll try a little more next time.

Another way many of my LinkedIn commenters said they ate their fruit was with chili-lime seasoning. Ashley and I wanted to compare this topping to the plain salt version, but as I wasn’t able to find any in my store, I guess we’ll save that for another episode.

Until then, I might be the newest convert to melon salting.

Amelia Freidline is The Packer’s designer and copy chief. E-mail her at afreidline@farmjournal.com .

Related content:
Millennials Eat — Watermelon!
Tomatoes: Fruit or vegetable?
A yam by any other name (is still not a sweet potato)
Behold, the beloved cranberry

Ayco Farms prepares for offshore melon season

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:32 GMT

Ayco Farms Inc. , Pompano Beach, Fla., is starting its 15th offshore melon season in November.

The company imports large seedless watermelons , MiniMe branded personal-sized seedless watermelon, cantaloupe , honeydews and two specialty melons that it had discontinued growing, galia and juan canary .

“With overwhelming positive feedback and demand from our customers, we have decided to integrate these flavorful varieties into our production again,” Ben Nir, who is on the sales team, said in a news release.

“Within these 15 years of growing, shipping and packing, Ayco has faced many challenges that as a team they have overcome, but none have been as challenging as the ongoing and unpredictable effects of COVID-19,” according to a news release from the company.

Ayco Farms has implemented changes in packinghouses to ensure employees maintain safe distances, with increased sanitation at both facilities.

“I am so proud of my team on how they are handling things at our farms post-COVID,” President Avi Nir said in the release. “Our managers and our employees have worked hard to make our farms as safe as possible.”

Related story:

Ayco Farms introduce asparagus bag as pandemic changes norms

Grower Alliance uses Hazel Tech on Mexican melons

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:56 GMT

Hazel Technologies Inc. , Chicago, has a partnership with Mexican melon importer Grower Alliance, Rio Rico, Ariz.

Grower Alliance will be packing melons for export, placing Hazel for Melon sachets in each box to help extend the fruits’ shelf life, according to a news release.

The sachets reduce the respiration of melons after harvest, resulting in a longer shelf life.

“In our extensive testing, we found that the Hazel for melon technology resulted in a 45% longer shelf life with our honeydew melons and a vastly improved eating experience 21 days after harvest,” Luis Caballero, a managing member at Grower Alliance.

“Melons were one of the first crops that we saw a huge potential in for Hazel’s technologies and they are still a major focus area for us,” Aidan Mouat, Hazel Technologies CEO, said in release.

Caballero and Jorge Quintero Jr. started Grower Alliance in 2007 along with Jorge Quintero Sr. The business supplies more than 100 retailers and distributors, according to the release.

Related stories:

Apple shipper feedback on Hazel Tech storage results positive

Hazel Tech invites high school student to HQ for Ag Academy

Hazel Tech kiwifruit trials at UC-Davis, Oppy give positive results

Honeydew exporter reports success with Hazel Tech product

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:44:54 GMT

Dan Andrews Farms , a Bakersfield, Calif., melon grower, has completed a program testing Hazel Technologies’ shelf life extending product on exported honeydew melons.

The grower used Hazel for Melon, a small biodegradable packet placed in boxes before they were shipped. The product improves product quality upon arrival at export market, according to a news release.

Melons are traditionally field-packed, which makes post-harvest treatments challenging. Dan Andrews Farms received consistently positive feedback from companies importing the honeydew melons.

“Exporting melons is a high-risk business,” owner Dan Andrews said in the release. “Without employing the latest technologies to ensure quality during long transit times that can exceed 28 days, it’s difficult to be consistently successful.

Using the Haze Tech inserts allows the company to export higher volumes with confidence, according to the release.

Related stories:

Hazel Tech trials on tropical fruit successful

Hazel Tech product designed for apple storage

Mission, Hazel increase ripeness window for avocados with AvoLast

Salmonella outbreak from Tailor Cut Produce fruit over

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:31:22 GMT

An outbreak of Salmonella Javiana traced to a fresh-cut fruit salad from Tailor Cut Produce is over, according to agencies investigating the outbreak.

Although the illnesses were found to have originated in the salad from Tailor Cut Produce, the source of the contamination was not identified.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said there were 165 cases confirmed in the outbreak through whole genome sequencing, according to a mid-February news release from the Food and Drug Administration. The cases were in 14 states, with Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania each having about 50 illnesses.

The North Brunswick, N.J.-based Tailor Cut Produce recalled the salad, called Fruit Luau, on Dec. 7. The salad contained fresh-cut honeydew , cantaloupe and pineapples , and grapes .

The salad went to foodservice operators, including long-term care facilities, hospitals, hotels and schools. Some people interviewed by health authorities also reported buying the salad at a retailer, and a review of records showed that company received the salad from Tailor Cut Produce, according to the FDA release.

The FDA did find “general deficiencies” at Tailor Cut Produce:

A hazard analysis did not identify a known or reasonably foreseeable hazard that required a preventive control;
The firm did not identify a preventive control for a hazard when one was needed; and
The firm did not maintain the plant in a clean and sanitary condition and keep the plant in repair.

Tailor Cut Produce is working with the FDA to address the deficiencies, according to the release.

Related stories:

Salmonella cases in Tailor Cut Produce fruit mix recall rise

Tailor Cut recalls fresh-cut fruit linked to salmonella

FDA updates outbreak investigation of salmonella in Pennsylvania

Salmonella cases in Tailor Cut Produce fruit mix recall rise

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:31:27 GMT

The number of illnesses linked to a salmonella outbreak traced to fresh-cut fruit from Tailor Cut Produce has almost tripled in less than a month.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, illnesses in the outbreak caused by Salmonella Javiana have grown from 33 on Dec. 9 to 96 on Dec. 30. The cases have been confirmed through whole genome sequencing.

The fruit mix, called Fruit Luau by Tailor Cut Produce, North Brunswick, N.J., contains honeydew , cantaloupe and pineapple , according to the Food and Drug Administration. The company recalled the fresh-cut mix and other products containing the cut fruit.

The company distributes the products to restaurants, hotels, schools, institutional food operators and other foodservice companies in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania, according to the FDA.

Illnesses were reported in those states, as well others who traveled there from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Minnesota, Virginia and Washington.

Health authorities in the 11 states with cases involved in the outbreak might report higher numbers of cases, but the CDC reports only those cases confirmed through whole genome sequencing, according to the FDA update on Jan. 2.

The FDA is collecting records to support a traceback investigation, according to the recall update.

Related stories:

Tailor Cut recalls fresh-cut fruit linked to salmonella

FDA updates outbreak investigation of salmonella in Pennsylvania

Cantaloupes, honeydews plentiful this spring, summer

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:17:44 GMT

Cantaloupes and honeydews may not rank as high on the popularity list as watermelons, but they are consumer favorites, and grower-shippers say there should be plenty of them available this spring and summer.

Los Angeles-based Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC will starting shipping its Dulcinea brand Tuscan Style Extra Sweet Cantaloupes from Yuma, Ariz., in mid-May, said Josh Leichter, general manager.

The proprietary variety will available through August, said Vivianna Greene, marketing manager.

They’re sold mostly in 8- and 9-count cartons with special packs available upon request.

Tuscan Style Extra Sweet Cantaloupes offer a consistent eating experience, Leichter said.

“The market is looking for better and more consistent-eating fruit, across the board but in the cantaloupe category specifically,” he said.

“That’s where we see the Tuscan Style really standing out.”

Quality should be good this season, Greene said.

“Weather forecasts are good, and we haven’t experienced too many issues with plantings for the spring and summer.”

All Dulcinea melons are harvested at the peak of ripeness, she said.

“This gives us an advantage in ensuring unique, amazing flavor and characteristics.”

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Grower Alliance LLC planned to kick off its spring cantaloupe season the first week of April in Guaymas, Mexico, followed by fields in Hermosillo in mid-April, said Jorge Quintero Jr., partner/managing member.

The program will continue into May or June.

Quintero expected good yields and was hoping for good markets following a “horrible fall” marred by weather issues caused by a late-summer hurricane.

“If there’s progress (against the coronavirus), and people start going out again, it will be a nice little boom to the economy,” he said.

“We’re playing a waiting game.”

Rio Rico-based MAS Melons & Grapes LLC anticipates its usual cantaloupe start date in Hermosillo of around April 20, said Miguel Suarez Jr., sales representative.

“Fields are looking great,” he said in late March. “Plants are vigorous and looking strong.”

Weather has been good, Suarez added, with “a few rains here and there, but nothing alarming.”

The company will ship honeydews until the end of June or into July if supplies last and the market allows, he said.

The deal should start off with sizes 5-6 and some 4s then 5s, 6s and 8s for the majority of the season.

The company was experiencing “steady movement” until panic buying erupted around early March as a result of the COVID-19 scare, he said.

“It’s slowly starting to feel like business as usual this week,” he said the last week of March.

“The most important thing for us in the produce industry is to keep the produce moving and to keep the supply chain flowing,” Suarez said.

Carrizo Springs-based Dixondale Farms Inc. is the only cantaloupe grower in Texas from May to the Fourth of July, said president Bruce Frasier.

The company gets strong support from Texas retailers for a couple of reasons, he said.

Dixondale Farms grows the Navigator variety — a netted, full-slip cantaloupe that “smells and tastes like a cantaloupe is supposed to,” he said. And the company offers overnight delivery.

Dixondale Farms will have about 450 acres of cantaloupes this season, a bit more than last year.

“We don’t overdo it,” Frasier said.

About 75% of the cantaloupes will be 9 count with the remainder 12 count.

The company will ship about 250 loads, almost all of which will stay in Texas.

Dixondale Farms also ships some honeydews at the same time to provide a one-stop shop for cantaloupe and honeydew customers.

Frasier expects good size and quality on honeydews this season with a slight increase in volume compared to last year.

The melons are yellow on the outside with a green interior.

Related content:
Good crop expected for domestic watermelons
Melons Marketing Business Updates
Melon marketing news

Tailor Cut recalls fresh-cut fruit linked to salmonella

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:31:27 GMT

Tailor Cut Produce has recalled its fresh-cut Fruit Luau, a mix of honeydew , cantaloupe and pineapple , after the Food and Drug Administration linked it to a salmonella outbreak.

On Dec. 6, the Food and Drug Administration and the Pennsylvania Department of Health advised that the foodservice companies who received the fruit salad to not sell or serve it. The company recalled the product on Dec. 7, and the FDA posted it on its website on Dec. 8, according to the FDA.

As of Dec. 9, there were 33 cases of Salmonella Javiana traced to the fruit product from Tailor Cut Produce, North Brunswick, N.J., according to the FDA.

The fresh-cut fruit was distributed to foodservice operators, including restaurants, hotels and hospitals in Delaware, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania from Nov. 15-Dec. 1. The fruit is packed in 2/1 gallon cases.

The company has halted production of the product while it and the FDA investigate the source of the salmonella, according to the FDA.

Related story:

FDA updates outbreak investigation of salmonella in Pennsylvania

Mexican papaya importer highlights food safety at Fresh Summit

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:13:46 GMT

Mexican papaya grower-shipper Super Starr International , Colima, is promoting its food safety programs and track record.

The company has been growing in the U.S. and Mexico for three generations, according to a news release, packing papayas and honeydew , controlling the process from seed to store shelf.

“We are proud of the commitment to quality and food safety standards upheld by Super Starr,” Super Starr President Lance Peterson said in the release. “By owning each part of the supply chain, we have complete control of our safety standards and are in strict compliance to assure our customers receive both safe and excellent tasting fruit.”

When the Food and Drug Administration placed in import alert on Mexican papayas due to salmonella traced to the fruit, Super Starr was the first company approved by FDA’s “green list,” according to the company.

Super Starr markets Royal Star, maradol and Hybrid Papayas, according to the release.

The company will be talking about the proprietary Royal Star papaya and other varieties at its Produce Marketing Association Fresh Summit booth, No. 2248, on Oct. 18-19.

Related stories:

Royal Star papaya gets brand refresh

Super Starr honeydew season begins

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of May 11

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:34:02 GMT

What the numbers mean

This information, provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service, shows week-by-week shipments and f.o.b.s for commodities from shipments for the fresh market. Protective services are extra unless otherwise stated. Shipments, in 1,000 cwt., are for weeks ending: 1st no. = April 25; 2nd no. = May 2; 3rd no. = May 9. Expected movement is for May 10-23. F.o.b. prices are as of May 11.

Apples

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2019 CROP — Shipments (1,133-1,147-1,127, Includes exports 256-279-269) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Gala 64-125s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. Washington Extra Fancy Carton tray pack Red Delicious 72-88s mostly 14.00-16.00, 100-113s mostly 13.00-15.00; Golden Delicious fine appearance 72s mostly 25.00-28.00, 80s mostly 24.00-26.00, 88s mostly 22.00-26.00, 100s mostly 18.00-22.00; Fuji 64-88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00-18.00, 113s mostly 14.00-17.00; Granny Smith 64s mostly 18.00-20.00, 72-80s mostly 18.00-22.00, 88s 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 17.00-19.00, 113-125s mostly 16.00-18.00; Gala 64-72s mostly 23.00-24.00, 80s 21.00-24.00, 88s mostly 19.00-20.00, 100s mostly 16.00-17.00, 113s mostly 14.00-16.00, 125s mostly 14.00-15.00; Honeycrisp 56s mostly 28.00-34.90, 64s mostly 32.00-38.90, 72- 80s 34.00-40.90, 88s mostly 32.00-38.90, 100s mostly 30.00-36.90. Cartons 12 3-pound film bags Red Delicious Washington Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum mostly 15.95-17.95; Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-18.95; Granny Smith 1/2" minimum mostly 18.95-20.95; Honeycrisp 2 1/2" minimum mostly 30.95-34.95. ORGANIC cartons tray pack Gala Washington Extra Fancy 64s mostly 22.00-26.00, 72-80s mostly 20.00-26.00, 88s mostly 18.00-24.00, 100s mostly 18.00-20.00; cartons 12 3-pound film bags Gala 2 1/2" minimum mostly 16.95-20.95.

NEW YORK 2019 CROP — Shipments (72-69-56) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Fuji Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-27.00; Gala Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 26.00-30.00; McIntosh Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 27.00-28.00; Empire Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 23.50-26.00; Cartons 12 3-pound Film Bags Red Delicious U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 16.00-19.00; Fuji U.S. Extra Fancy mostly 20.00- 22.00; McIntosh U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00; Empire U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00- 22.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (68-51-43) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. cartons 12 3-pound film bags U.S. Extra Fancy Gala and McIntosh mostly 18.00-20.00, Red Delicious mostly 17.00-19.00, Jonagold mostly 17.00-18.00, Fuji and Golden Delicious mostly 19.00-21.00, Tray pack 88s Gala and Fuji 24.00-28.00, Red Delicious mostly 20.00-22.00, Golden Delicious 21.00-24.00. Supplies of Golden Delicious and McIntosh light and in few hands, Fuji fairly light.

APPALACHIAN DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (19-20-22) — Movement expected to slightly decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Supplies in few hands. Cartons traypack U.S. Extra Fancy Red Delicious 72s-88s $20.00-21.00, 100s $19.00-20.00; Golden Delicious 72s-88s $25.00-26.00; Fuji 80s-88s $27.00-28.00; and McIntosh 80s-88s $26.00-28.00 cartons 12-3 pound filmbags U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2" minimum Red Delicious mostly $18.00-19.00, Golden Delicious $20.00-22.00, Fuji $21.00-23.00, and McIntosh $19.00- 21.00.

NEW ENGLAND 2019 CROP — Shipments (2-3-2) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Apricots

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Carton 2 layer Various Varieties 64s mostly 30.95-32.95, 72s mostly 28.95-30.95, 84s mostly 24.95 Carton 3 layer 162s mostly 22.95. Primary variety Kylese. Extra services included. (U = unavailable)

Avocados

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS 2019 CROP — Crossings (543-269*-476) — Movement expected to remain increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices 60-84s lower, others generally unchanged. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 38.25-40.25, 40-48s mostly 38.25-40.25, 60s mostly 33.25-34.25, 70s mostly 24.25-26.25, 84s mostly 18.25-20.25. Extra services included. (* revised)

SOUTH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (140-161-U) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Conventional 40-84s lower, others generally unchanged. Carton 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 44.25-46.25, 40-48s mostly 40.25- 42.25, 60s mostly 37.25-39.25, 70s mostly 26.25-28.25, 84s mostly 18.25-20.25. Carton 2 layer Hass ORGANIC 48s mostly 58.25-60.25, 60s mostly 56.25-58.25, 70s mostly 42.25-45.25. Extra services included. (U = unavailable)

Blueberries

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (38-52-46) — Movement expected to remain about the same current week, increase the following week. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 20.00-22.00, ORGANIC 12 1-pint cups with lids medium large 24.00-28.00, 6 ounce cups with lids medium-large mostly 16.00-18.50. Quality variable.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (18-27-44) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early slow, late moderate. Prices Slightly Lower. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids mostly 22.00. Flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 12.00. Cartons 8 18- ounce containers with lids mostly 24.00-26.00. ORGANIC flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids mostly 14.00.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS — Crossings (53-51*-23) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-oz cups with lids mostly 10.00. Quality and condition variable. (* revised)

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (0-0-4) — Movement expected to increase as more growers begin to harvest. Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued.

Cantaloupes

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-84) — Expect sufficient volume and number of shippers for first F.O.B. report by week of May 10.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Shipments (11-39-71) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading 12s fairly active, others moderate. Prices 12s slightly higher, others slightly lower. 1/2 cartons 9s mostly 11.95-12.95, 12s mostly 9.95-10.95, 15s mostly 4.00. Quality variable.

CENTRAL AMERICA IMPORTS - PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA — Imports via Boat (28-138*-37) — Movement expected to decrease as some shippers finish harvest. Trading Active. Prices Higher. From Guatemala and Honduras. Prices 1/2 cartons 9s mostly 12.95, 12-15s supply in too few hands to establish a market. Oversized 1/2 cartons 9s (6 size) mostly 12.95-13.95. Supply light. (* revised)

CENTRAL AMERICA IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA — Imports via Boat (U-U-U) — Movement expected to end as most shippers finish for the season. Trading Very Active. From Guatemala and Honduras. Prices 1/2 cartons 9-12s and Oversized 1/2 cartons 9s (6 size) uncommitted supply in too few hands to establish a market. Lighter supply expected to continue next 7-10 days. LAST REPORT. (U = unavailable)

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Shipments (0-0-#) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by May 15. (# less than 50,000 lbs)

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 10. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 17.

Cherries

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-47-161) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading active at lower prices. Prices Lower. 16 pound containers/bagged various red sweet varieties; 9 1/2 row size mostly 53.00-55.00, 10 row size mostly 48.00-50.00, 10 ½ row size mostly 45.00-48.00, 11 row size mostly 45.00-46.00, 11 1/2 row size mostly 34.00-36.00, 12 row size mostly 25.00-28.00. Extra services included. Wide range in quality.

Grapes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (13-39*-73) — Movement from Jalisco expected to increase slightly. Movement of White, Red and Black varieties from Hermosillo is expected to increase seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. The Hermosillo Grape Growers Association estimates the 2020 crop at 19.7 million 18-pound cartons, down 20 percent from 23.6 million in 2019. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issued the week of May 17, when most shippers expect to be fully underway. (* revised)

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat (205-38-45) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices White Seedless Type Slightly Lower, others Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge 16.00-18.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med 11.00-14.00 Black Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00-16.00, med-lge mostly 12.00 -14.00 Red Globe jbo mostly 16.00, exlge 14.00-16.00, lge 12.00-14.00 SPECIAL STORAGE White Seedless Type exlge mostly 34.00 lge mostly 30.00-32.00, med-lge mostly 30.00.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY LOS ANGELES AREA 2020 CROP — Imports via Boat (29-23-7) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices White Seedless Type Slightly Lower, others Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med-lge 12.00-14.00 Black Seedless exlge mostly 16.00, lge mostly 14.00, med-lge mostly 12.00-14.00 Red Globe jbo mostly 16.00, exlge 14.00-16.00, lge 12.00-14.00 SPECIAL STORAGE White Seedless Type exlge mostly 34.00, lge mostly 30.00-32.00, med-lge mostly 28.00-30.00.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-0) — Movement expected to increase. Light harvesting is expected to get underway the week of May 11th. F.O.B. expected to begin on or around May 18th.

Honeydews

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (35-43*-32) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading early moderate, late fairly active. Prices Higher. 2/3 cartons 5s mostly 7.50-8.95, 6s mostly 6.35-7.35, 8s mostly 4.00-4.95. Quality variable. (* revised)

CENTRAL AMERICA IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA — Imports (11-14*-30) — Movement expected to decrease as most shippers finish for the season. Trading Moderate. Prices Last F.O.B. report was issued 5/11/20. From Guatemala and Honduras. 2/3 cartons and Over-sized cartons supply in too few hands to establish a market. Lighter supply expected to continue 7-10 days. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Harvest expected to begin in Western Arizona the week of May 10, followed by Central Arizona the week of May 17. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 24.

IMPERIAL AND PALO VERDE VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin in Imperial Valley the week of May 10, followed by Palo Verde Valley the week of May 17. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 17.

Lemons

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Shippers First Grade 95-140s higher, Choice 75-95s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 24.18-27.20, 95-115s mostly 27.18-29.20, 140s mostly 26.18-29.20, 165s mostly 24.18-26.20, 200s mostly 23.18-26.20, 235s mostly 19.18-22.20; Shippers Choice 75s mostly 17.18-19.20, 95-115s 140s mostly 19.18-23.20, 165s mostly 21.18-24.20, 200s mostly 20.10-24.20, 235s mostly 18.18-21.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 28.18-32.20, 95-115s mostly 37.18-42.20, 140s mostly 37.18-41.20; Shippers Choice 95-115s mostly 22.18-26.20, 140s mostly 24.18-30.20.

Nectarines

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Light and sporadic harvesting. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. Supplies in too few hands to establish market. First F.O.B. expected week of May 18, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Oranges

FLORIDA — Shipments (96-84-88, Includes exports 3-2-3)— Prices not reported. — Shipments are for weeks ending April 11, April 18 and April 25 in that order.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (15-17-18) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. 7/10 bushel cartons Valencia supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable. Light and sporadic crossings expected to continue through May 30. LAST REPORT

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments fairly heavy — Movement expected about the same. Supplies 113-138s light. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Shippers First Grade 40-138s and Choice 113-138s higher, Choice 48-56s and 88s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 40s 18.18-20.20, 48s 20.18-21.20, 56s mostly 19.18-21.20, 72s mostly 19.18-22.20, 88s mostly 18.18-21.20, 113-138s mostly 19.18-20.20; Shippers Choice 40s mostly 13.20-14.20, 48-56s mostly 15.18 -16.20, 72s mostly 14.18-16.20, 88s 16.18-17.20, 113-138s mostly 17.18-18.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 48-72s mostly 26.18-32.20, 88s mostly 24.18-28.20, 113s 24.18-28.20; Shippers Choice 56s mostly 18.18-22.20, 72-88s mostly 16.18- 22.20.

Peaches

Strawberries

SANTA MARIA DISTRICT — Shipments (286-352-377) — Movement expected to increase slightly. Trading Moderate. Prices Organic slightly higher, Conventional slightly lower. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 8.00-9.00. ORGANIC Flats 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 12.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (82-168-235) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Organic slightly higher, Conventional slightly lower. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids large-extra large 8.00-10.00. Quality variable. ORGANIC flats 8 1- pound containers with lids large extra large mostly 12.00.

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (240-198-125) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids small-medium mostly 8.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (6-7*-5) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Higher. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large 13.75-14.00. Includes palletizing and cooling. Some growers experiencing a production gap due to unseasonably low temperatures. (* revised)

Watermelons

FLORIDA SOUTH DISTRICT — Shipments (537-733-1,253, Seeded 54-56-69; Seedless 483-677-1184) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Red Flesh Seeded 35s Generally Unchanged, Others Higher. 24 inch bins. Red Flesh Seeded type 35s mostly 105.00; Seedless type 36s 133.00-140.00, 45s 147.00-154.00, 60s mostly 154.00. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (414-558-748) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices approximately 35-60 counts slightly higher, others generally unchanged. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins approximately 35-45 counts mostly 154.00, approximately 60 count mostly 140.00-147.00, approximately 80 count mostly 105.00-112.00; Miniature (supplies light) cartons 6s 10.95-12.95, 8s mostly 13.95, 9s mostly 12.95-13.95, 11s 8.95-9.95. ORGANIC Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins approximately 35-45 counts mostly 175.00; Miniature cartons 6s 13.95-14.95, 8s 15.95-16.95, 9s 14.95-16.95. Quality variable.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (13*-8-123) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly .24. Quality generally good. (* revised)

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (100-43-32) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices much higher. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly .21-.22. Quality variable.

CENTRAL AND WESTERN ARIZONA — Harvest expected to begin in Western Arizona the week of May 10, followed by Central Arizona the week of May 17. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 17.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 10 in Coachella Valley followed by Imperial Valley the week of May 17. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 17.

Garlic and grapes make a comeback in PMG top 20

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:34:31 GMT

Pummelos , oranges and strawberries maintained the top three spots on PMG the week of Jan. 11, but mandarins rose from No. 11 the previous week to No. 4, and cabbage , previously No. 12, moved up to the No. 5 spot.

Jan. 4: Strawberries catch eyes on PMG

The PMG platform connects produce buyers and sellers. Below, find the top 20 searched commodities on PMG during the week of Jan. 11.

Cucumbers gained a couple of spots to land at No. 6, while lettuce moved up from No. 10 to No. 7. Carrots rejoined the list at No. 8, and apples fell five spots to No. 9. Specialty burro bananas rejoined the list to round out the top 10.

Navel oranges fell to No. 11 from No. 5 the week before, while bell peppers rose a couple of spots to No. 12. Lemons rejoined the list at No. 13. Specialty manzano bananas slipped to No. 14 from No. 9 the previous week, and specialty Seville oranges fell a couple of places, to No. 15.

Dec. 28: Citrus rules PMG’s top 20

Mushrooms fell to No. 16 from No. 6 the previous week, and honeydew melons reappeared on the list at No. 17. Limes moved up two spots, to No. 18, and garlic came back to the list at No. 19. Grapes also rejoined, at No. 20.

California melon shipments under pressure but new year brings new expectations

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:41:11 GMT

California melon shipments have come under pressure in recent years, with lower trending volume reported in the past five years.

However, Garrett Patricio, president of Firebaugh, Calif.-based Westside Produce , said it is hard to precisely say how production of Central Valley melons will settle out in 2021.

Even if acreage is down, yield per acre may be up, he said.

“Total production out of the California Arizona area has been down just about every year for the last five years,” he said. “Whether that trend continues, I don’t know.”

Other factors could be the productivity of local deals in Michigan, Georgia, and other states, he said.

Prices were strong for California melons supplies last year, and Patricio expects strong demand again this year.

Higher costs for transportation and pallets complicate this season’s deal, he said.

Truck rates topping $10,000 to the East Coast were common in May, considerably above the same time a year ago.

Pallet costs also are way up.

“If you’re buying new pallets, new pallets last year cost you $12 to $14; today they are $35 to $40.”

Cantaloupes

Truck shipments of California’s Central Valley cantaloupe totaled 405.1 million pounds in 2020, down 28% from 2019 and off 36% from 2015, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Meanwhile, the USDA said cantaloupe shipments from California’s Imperial Valley totaled 47.5 million pounds in 2020, down 22% from 2019 and 63% lower than 2015.

Southern California cantaloupe truck shipments in 2020 totaled 8.8 million pounds, off 56% from 2019 and but up big from just 200,000 pounds in 2015.

Honeydew melon

The USDA said 2020 Central California honeydew melon shipments totaled 149 million pounds in 2020, down 19% from 2019 and off 36% from 2015.

California’s Imperial Valley honeydew truck shipments totaled 10.1 million pounds in 2020, off 36% from 2019 and down 29% from 2015.

2020 Southern California honeydew truck shipments totaled 15.3 million pounds, down 4% from 2019 but up 86% from 2015.

Watermelon

Seedless watermelon shipments from Central California totaled 366.1 million pounds in 2020, up 9% from 2019 but down 2% from 2015.

From California’s Imperial Valley, 2020 truck shipments of seedless watermelon were 23.9 million pounds, down 42% from 2019 and down 54% compared with 2015.

From the Southern California district, the USDA said 2020 truck shipments were 13.8 million pounds, up 62% from 2019 and down 55% from 2015, according to USDA.

Unpredictable weather adds to challenges but good volume reported for MAS Melons & Grapes

Wed, 23 Nov 2022 17:00:00 GMT

Colder than normal weather in Sonora during periods in October and November could hold back produce availability in December and influence the transition between regions, says Miguel A. Suarez, CEO of MAS Melons & Grapes LLC, Rio Rico, Ariz.

The main products for the company include melons, watermelons, hard squashes and grapes.

“We are also looking to get back to the asparagus business, which we have done in past years,” Suarez said. Handling of citrus varieties is a consideration in the near future, he said.

Suarez said the fall–winter season starts in the northern Mexican state of Sonora, mainly from the growing areas in the Caborca, Hermosillo and Guaymas areas at the beginning of October and ends mid-December. This year, he said that the region was affected by rain and colder weather than normal. “More than likely, during the month of December there will be less product than normal at this time of the year.”

The firm has some availability of organic honeydews and mini watermelons for about a month starting around Nov. 20.

Even with the challenge of weather and high production costs, Suarez said the company has been able to have good volumes and good quality for its commodities.

MAS Melons & Grapes considers its winter season to include the products the firm handles from the Central West Mexican states of Nayarit, Colima and Jalisco.

“This season usually starts the last week in the month of December, and the products are honeydew melons, Orange Candy melons, seedless watermelons and mini watermelons as the main products,” Suarez said.

Depending on market conditions, the company may also handle broccoli and avocados, mainly to Japanese customers.

Changing weather

Compared with a year ago, Suarez said the biggest changes for the company have been caused by adjustments to weather in various growing regions.

“Depending [on] what happens with the weather, seasons can be delayed, moved ahead earlier or just ruined, and that changes greatly what happens to your season and with demand and supply of products,” he said.

In the months ahead, the company will focus on programs with its customers and seek to fulfill them in the best way possible. The company also continues international sales to Japan, New Zealand and some of the Caribbean Islands, he said.

Other than the weather, big challenges for growers include the spike in production costs of all commodities and concerns about the availability of irrigation water in the near future. That will drive the industry to be more efficient, which will be for the benefit of growers, retailers and consumers, he said.

Carolina growers expecting a good deal this year

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:42:43 GMT

Spring typically brings a cornucopia of fruits and vegetables from the Carolinas, and this year is no exception, suppliers and marketers say.

Autryville, N.C.-based Jackson Farming Co. was harvesting strawberries in North Carolina, with “good quantities coming off,” said Matt Solana, vice president of operations/supply chain.

Jackson anticipated a start to its spring broccoli harvest around May 20, and fields were “looking good” for that to occur, Solana said.

The company also started to transplant seedless watermelons April 29, with a first harvest in North Carolina set for June 30, Solana said. He noted that honeydew transplanting began May 5-6, for a first harvest planned for July 7.

There have been few weather issues, he said.

“Most of them were on the front side prior to planting, and the strawberries went through a tough new year with weather and covers,” he said.

“(We’re) just working out of that and should start to get to the best of the berry season if the rain will spare us.”

Few hurricane woes

Marketers reported no carryover issues from last summer’s big hurricanes, Michael and Florence.

“We had a lot of (hurricane) damage as a state, but the peach industry fared much better than some other industries and crops,” said Kyle Tisdale, marketing specialist with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture.

“The (peach) crop this year looks good. There will be good volume throughout the summer and we’re expecting a high-quality crop.”

Fairfax, S.C.-based Coosaw Farms (Coosaw Ag LLC) is optimistic about its blueberries, Asian vegetables and watermelon, said Bradley O’Neal, owner.

Seeded and seedless watermelon should be underway around June 1, O’Neal said.

“The melon crop is going to be a little bit ahead of schedule,” he said, crediting “It just looks like a good year fixing to shape up.”

Organic and conventional blueberry harvest started in mid-April, O’Neal said.

“That’s coming along real nicely,” he said. “Both look like a good, solid yield; the quality looks great. Everything seems to moving pretty good on those.”

Harvest on napa and Asian green cabbage began in late April, and the quality looks good, although the Asian green cabbage looks a little “rounder” on top than it should, O’Neal said.

“It tastes just as good round as flat but they like that head flat,” he said. “Evidently, some weather phenomenon during the season caused it to stay not flat on the top.”

Spuds looking good

North Carolina’s potato crop appeared to be “in excellent condition” for a mid- to late June start, said Tommy Fleetwood, a marketing specialist with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and advisor to the North Carolina Potato Association.

North Carolina produces round whites, reds, and yellows for the table market.

“The market season fills the niche window of market opportunity when storage states crops are winding down and going out of condition and before these late summer-fall areas begin harvest,” Fleetwood said.

North Carolina potatoes are shipped throughout the eastern U.S. and eastern Canadian markets, Fleetwood said.

Plenty of leafy greens and squash will be available from Pelion, S.C.-based WP Rawl, said Ashley Rawl, sales director.

“Right now, everything looks really good and seems to be on schedule,” he said.

“Praise the Lord, there’s nothing negative from the last hurricane season. We’ve finally made our way past that. It really took into March and April. We’re finally out of that.”

WP Rawl grows collards, kale, mustard greens, turnips, cilantro, beets, leeks and green onions. In late May, the company will start with zucchini and yellow squash, with sweet corn starting around June 10, Rawl said.

Markets appeared to be “steady” in early May, Rawl said.

“Now, I’d say they’re mostly steady compared to where we’d been the last six months,” he said.

“There was a lot of volatility with the hurricanes that came through the Southeast, but steady and stable right now, for the most part.”

Crops catching up

Good weather has helped crops doing some catching up, said Jon Shriver, vegetable sales manager with Raleigh, N.C.-based grower-shipper L&M Cos.

“Although the fairly wet weather experienced throughout the state in the early spring months pushed back planting dates for broccoli, potatoes, and onions, and is expected to bring somewhat smaller than usual cabbage yields, a recent spate of good weather has helped the crops to catch up,” Shriver said.

“L&M’s partner farms will be harvesting cabbage, broccoli, cucumbers, squash, bell peppers, potatoes, and onions throughout the spring and summer.”

“Solid” markets are expected for potatoes and onions during the summer, said Derek Ennis, L&M’s director of potatoes and onions.

“The demand for our North Carolina potato crop has been increasing each year, and we have solid local partners for our programs which helps ease some of the market volatility,” he said.

The Northwest is quickly finishing up their storage onion crop, Texas has a smaller crop than normal, and North Dakota has fewer potatoes in storage, Ennis said.

Ennis said L&M is already seeing good demand for its Florida potatoes and the colored potato crop is progressing nicely. Harvesting is expected in mid-June.

Shriver noted that the market for cabbage should be good and that broccoli markets, which are “typically very volatile from Georgia to Maine, are hard to predict, with a large factor dependent on whether temperatures remain below 85 degrees.”

As long as weather stays cool enough, the crops should be good quality, he said.

Cucumbers, squash, and bell pepper markets are dependent on Georgia and how quickly the northern regions begin production, Shriver said.

“Quality is coming along well, and the crops look good,” he said.

Related articles:

South Carolina officials call for supplier, buyer cooperation

New National Watermelon Queen hails from North Carolina

South Carolina growers give crop updates at EPC meeting

MAS to add new grape varieties

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 05:49:22 GMT

MAS Melons & Grapes LLC, Rio Rico, Ariz., was in the middle of its Colima, Mexico, deal offering mini watermelons, seedless watermelons and honeydews in late February, said salesman Mikee Suarez.

That program will wind down at the end of March.

The firm has added the ivory grape variety to its extensive line of table grapes this season and plans to add more new varieties next year, Suarez said.

Vandervoet sees boost in volume

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:49:38 GMT

Vandervoet & Associates Inc., Rico Rico, Ariz., will have a slightly larger valencia orange deal out of Sonora, Mexico, this year than last and an increase of honeydew melons from Colima, said salesman Scott Vandervoet.

Valencias will be available until May, and honeydews will ship out of Colima until April, when they will transition to Sonora.

Sol Group offers summer supply with Kiss melons

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:43:06 GMT

Melon grower and importer Sol Group , Pompano Beach Fla., will be shipping honeydews and cantaloupes this summer, and a full line of Kiss brand melons.

Sol Group’s joint venture with Milas and Diana Russell, who ship the Kiss brand melons under the Savor Fresh label, allows the Sol Group to market the Kiss brand fruit, including Sugar Kiss, Summer Kiss, Hone Kiss and Golden Kiss, according to a news release.

The Sol Group is a key offshore melon grower-importer, and with the summer availability, becomes a year-round supplier of melons, according to the release.

“We’re excited to offer retailers our first summer melon program with the same quality and dependability Sol Group provides during the winter season,” Juan Carlo Blanco, Sol’s head of operations, said in the release. “Our customers have been asking us for a full year supply for some years now and we’re happy to respond to their request. They no longer need to switch to a different supplier during the summer months.”

The summer melons are grown in Yuma, Ariz., and Southern California, and will be available in mid-May, according to the release.

Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh-cut melons over

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:45:05 GMT

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported an outbreak of Salmonella Adelaide linked to fresh-cut melons distributed by Caito Foods LLC is over, but health officials were unable to find a common source.

The CDC, Food and Drug Administration and state and local health officials in the nine states where the 77 salmonella cases found no link to Caito Foods. The company recalled fresh-cut watermelon, honeydews and cantaloupes (and medleys containing a mix of the melons) from hundreds of retailers in 22 states .

According to the CDC’s July 26 update on the investigation, of the 70 people with information available to health officials, half (36) were hospitalized. No deaths have been reported in connection with the outbreak, according to the CDC. The first reported illness was on April 30, and the CDC reported it was unlikely the outbreak was still active because the last illness was reported July 2.

“Epidemiologic and preliminary traceback evidence indicated that pre-cut melon distributed by Caito Foods LLC was a likely source of this outbreak,” according to the CDC release.

The FDA worked with state partners on the traceback to identify the source of the salmonella, determine the full distribution of the pre-cut melons, and to learn more about how the contamination occurred, according to the release.

The Salmonella Adelaide outbreak was discovered through analysis of reports from state health departments, according to Caito’s June 9 notice on the recall .

FDA seeking source of imported melons in salmonella outbreak

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:42:47 GMT

The number of people with salmonella linked to fresh-cut melons shipped by Caito Foods has increased, and the Food and Drug Administration has released a list of hundreds of retail outlets that received the products.

The exact source of the imported melons, however, has not been released, and the FDA continues its traceback investigation.

The FDA expanded the list of private-label brands in the outbreak, which was first reported by the FDA on April 12. In its first update on the outbreak, the FDA on April 24 posted the locations of almost 1,500 retail locations that received the fresh-cut cantaloupe , honeydew and watermelon products from Caito Foods, Indianapolis.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also reported April 24 that the number of people who have become ill has risen from 93 to 117 in 10 states. PulseNet, a national network that allows health and regulatory agencies to identify outbreaks, first alerted the CDC about the outbreak on April 2.

The CDC reported illness onset dates range from March 4 to April 8. No deaths have been reported; 32 people have been hospitalized, according to the CDC.

The type of salmonella in the outbreak, Salmonella Carrau, is rare, historically seen in imported melons. Caito Foods told investigators the melons used in the products were imported, according to the FDA.

Retailers and associated labels in the recall, according to the FDA’s update, are:

Kroger, Renaissance Food Group label;
Kroger, Boar’s Head private label;
Target, Garden Highway label;
Trader Joe’s, Trader Joe’s label;
Walmart, Freshness Guaranteed label; and
Amazon/Whole Foods, Whole Foods Market label.

The FDA and Indiana authorities continue to inspect the Caito Foods facility where the melons were processed and packed. That includes collecting samples for analysis. The agency is also examining shipping records to pinpoint the source of the melons.

According to the CDC’s update on the outbreak, 46 of those who fell ill reported eating fresh-cut melons from grocery stores. Five also reported eating pre-cut melons “outside the home,” according to the CDC.

Retailers told investigators their supplier was Caito Foods, and the company recalled all melon products from the facility on April 12.

Caito Foods was linked to a similar outbreak in 2018 involving Salmonella Adelaide in fresh-cut melon products.

Related articles:

Salmonella outbreak linked to Caito Foods fresh-cut melons

UPDATED: Caito recalls fresh-cut melons in salmonella outbreak

Melon recall expands, hundreds of retailers pull products

Salmonella outbreak linked to Caito Foods fresh-cut melons

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:42:55 GMT

Federal health agencies are investigating a Salmonella Carrau outbreak involving 93 people, linked to fresh-cut cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon from Caito Foods, Indianapolis.

The company recalled all fresh-cut melon products from the Indianapolis processing facility April 12 and temporarily suspended production while the company and Food and Drug Administration investigate, according to a recall notice from Caito.

Retailers that received the products include Kroger Co., Target, Walmart and Amazon.com (under the Whole Foods label). Caito Foods and SpartanNash, which are also listed, distribute to independent retailers, according to the recall notice.

The products have best by/use by dates of April 18, and the recall extends to consumers who might have fresh-cut melon products from Caito. The products include fresh-cut cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon, and melon medleys and mixed fruit products. For a full list of products, brands, lot codes and Universal Product Codes, see the recall notice on the FDA’s recall website .

The products were packaged in clear, plastic clamshell containers and distributed in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, and Wisconsin, according to the recall notice.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA notified Caito Foods of the outbreak, according to the notice.

The FDA traced the melon products to Caito through patient interviews, according to the FDA.

Salmonella Carrau is a rare type of salmonella, but has been historically seen in imported melons, according to the FDA, and Caito reported imported melons were used in the products. The FDA is examining shipping records to determine a source, according to an FDA news release that accompanied the recall notice.

The investigation includes collecting samples at the Indianapolis facility where the products were processed and packed.

2018 Caito recall

Caito Foods was named in a Salmonella Adelaide outbreak linked to fresh-cut cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon in 2018. The company recalled hundred of similar products in that outbreak, which involved 70 people.

“Epidemiologic and preliminary traceback evidence indicated that pre-cut melon distributed by Caito Foods LLC was a likely source of this outbreak,” according to a CDC news release on the 2018 investigation.

Related articles:

UPDATED: Caito recalls fresh-cut melons in salmonella outbreak

Melon recall expands, hundreds of retailers pull products

Salmonella outbreak linked to fresh-cut melons over

Meth found in honeydew shipment at Texas border

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:14:36 GMT

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Pharr, Texas, seized more than $6 million worth of methamphetamine concealed in a shipment of fresh honeydew melons.

The April 12 seizure at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility included 304 pounds of the drug, valued at $6.09 million hidden in the trailer.

CPB officers signed to the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge cargo facility referred the commercial shipment for further inspection, according to a news release. Using non-intrusive imaging technology and other tools, officers discovered the methamphetamine.

“This was a great interception of hard narcotics that our officers accomplished this past weekend in another commercial shipment arriving from Mexico,” Port Director Sylvia Briones, Hidalgo/Pharr/Anzalduas Port of Entry, said in the release.

The CBP seized the tractor-trailer, and the case is under investigation by Homeland Security Investigation agents.

Melon shippers collaborating to offer year-round supplies

Wed, 29 Mar 2023 17:25:57 GMT

Two of the largest seasonal melon shippers will work together to provide cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon and mixed melons year-round to retail, foodservice and fresh-cut customers.

Firebaugh, Calif.-based Westside Produce is one of its state’s largest melon suppliers, with domestic operations in Arizona and California from May through November. Classic Fruit Co. , a leading importer of melons from Guatemala from November through May, has farming operations in Guatemala and sales offices in California and Florida.

“By joining forces, Classic Fruit and Westside Produce are formalizing a 20-year relationship that will offer our customers top quality melons 52 weeks of the year,” Westside Produce President Garrett Patricio said in a news release. “A steady and consistent, uninterrupted supply of melons is what most customers desire. This alliance allows both companies to better serve those looking for that option.”

The strategic marketing alliance will begin this spring with melons from Arizona, followed by production from California’s central valley from July through October. Production will return to Arizona in the fall months. Between November and May, Westside and Classic Fruit will have imported melons from Guatemala.

“What’s unique about Westside Produce and Classic Fruit is that both companies control every aspect and phase of their operation,” Classic Fruit President Paul Raggio said in the release. “This begins with proper ground preparation, planting decisions, variety choices, cultural practices including inputs, pollination, and pest control. Classic Fruit and Westside Produce also each own and control our harvest, packing, quality control, cooling, marketing and shipping operations.”

The two firms also offer comprehensive food safety and traceability management systems, while incorporating sustainable production practices and safe work environments that promote social and environmental responsibility throughout all their operations, according to the release.

The new alliance’s sales will be led by Tom Ferguson, Tom Conrado and Mark George; each has over 20 years of experience in melon sales and nearly as much experience working together on programs to service customers, the companies said.

“Westside Produce and Classic Fruit are respected, vertically integrated grower, packer, shippers and each offers marketing and customer distribution across North America,” Conrado said in the release.

“We’ve worked together for nearly 20 years; this alliance just formalizes what’s become a valuable resource in keeping our customers happy,” Ferguson said in the release.

“As our customers ask for more service and support year-round, having a stable and consistent supply of fruit becomes ever more important. The shared values and unique similarities between Westside Produce and Classic Fruit will make delivering on our promises much easier,” George said in the release.