Peppers Bell

After Florida Freezes, West Mexico Shippers Eye Robust Spring Amid High Prices

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 21:41:33 GMT

A pair of damaging freezes in Florida this winter caused more than $3 billion in agricultural losses in that state and put a squeeze on supplies out of west Mexico. As a result, prices of Mexican produce were sent skyrocketing. Here’s a look at how some distributors near the Nogales, Ariz., port of entry are dealing with conditions this spring.

Ciruli Bros.

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. has a substantial mango program and ships vegetables like cucumbers, squash and eggplant.

“We’ve had some of the highest prices I’ve seen in the past 30 years I’ve been doing this,” says partner Chris Ciruli.

Prices should settle down when the U.S. starts producing again in late March, he says.

The company also has experienced growth in demand for organic items including squash, peppers, cucumbers and cabbage.

Ciruli Bros.’ mango deal kicked off the last week of February with the “first-flower” harvest. Second flower was expected to begin around March 23.

That will lead into Easter business, Ciruli says, with clear sailing for harvesting and preparing for Cinco de Mayo.

“We’re trending ahead of where Mexico was harvesting for 2025,” he said the first week of March.

The company was shipping 100% Champagne mangoes in March and will begin round varieties after Easter, April 5.

“Pricing has been challenging,” he says.

Freight costs have risen, and the U.S.-Mexico currency exchange rate is not favorable. Last year the rate was 18 pesos per dollar. This year it has dropped to 16 pesos per dollar, Ciruli says.

Core products from Rio Rico, Ariz.-based IPR Fresh are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development. The company has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, he says.

(Photo courtesy of IPR Fresh)

IPR Fresh

Rio Rico-based IPR Fresh has expanded its west Mexico colored bell pepper program by partnering with new growers in the Sonora region, says Mark Munger, vice president of marketing and business development.

“We also increased production with our existing grower partners, securing additional acreage and boosting overall bell pepper volume,” he says.

The company’s core products are conventional and organic hothouse colored bell peppers and hothouse cucumbers.

Weather conditions have been favorable for nearly the entire season in central and western Mexico, Munger says, adding that he’s confident market conditions will stay steady into spring.

“Cooler than normal weather in the southeastern U.S. this winter has kept demand strong, resulting in markets for west Mexico hothouse bell peppers that have remained very firm and slightly above historical averages for most of the season,” he says.

Quality and sizing have been strong for most of the season as well.

“Looking ahead to the remainder of the west Mexico program, we’re confident that this consistency will continue,” Munger says.

Grower Alliance

“Prices are through the roof right now on everything — green bell peppers, cucumbers, green beans, watermelons, honeydews, hot peppers,” Jorge Quintero Jr., partner at Grower Alliance LLC in Rio Rico, said in early March.

Prices on up to 90% of the company’s items are strong because of the weather issues in Florida, he says.

“We’ve been able to see some really high prices to offset the bad prices we saw in the fall,” Quintero says.

Quality problems have been minimal, he says. However, some green beans have experienced whitefly infestations that don’t usually materialize until mid-April.

“[Green bean] yields probably will be lower, but with prices where they are right now, we should be able to come out all right,” he says.

The company’s volume should be similar to last year, if not a bit larger, Quintero says.

Caribe yellow chili peppers are among a number of items shipped by Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Rich River Produce LLC, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager. The company is expanding its warehouse by 20,000 square feet this spring, he says.

(Photo courtesy of Rich River Produce LLC)

Rich River

Rio Rico-based Rich River Produce LLC has experienced a hectic season, says Edgar Duarte, sales manager.

“Things started out sky high in October, then came off, then went up again after the freeze happened in Florida,” he says. “We’re expecting to have a strong finish to our season, which will probably go until June.”

The company has seen good but not great production out of west Mexico, he says.

“We are expecting good pricing and good order flow,” he adds.

Quality was looking good for new items now coming out of Hermosillo, Guaymas and Obregon in Sonora, he says. But the same could not be said for the tail end of the deal out of Sinaloa, which will wrap up around the end of March.

“Prices are high, quality is fair,” out of Sinaloa, he says.

“We’re running into issues here and there,” Duarte adds. “We’re not looking at diamonds, but they’re the same amount of money as if they were diamonds.”

Volume at Rich River Produce should be a bit higher than last year because growers were not sending out as much product a year ago because of low markets.

“Right now, with the situation the way it is, they’re sending us everything because they’re getting really good prices for it,” he says.

MAS Melons & Grapes

Rio Rico-based MAS Melons & Grapes will kick off its new honeydew program around April 1 and start watermelons the week of April 12, says Miguel Suarez Jr., sales manager. Good weather should bring on good quality, he says. Volume should be about the same as last year.

“Markets and quality are all pointing in a positive direction,” he says.

Honeydews and watermelons will continue to be shipped out of southern Mexico until the end of March and into April.

“That will take us into our northern Mexico deal probably pretty flawlessly,” he says.

The company also ships butternut squash and kabocha squash.

“The workhorse definitely in the summer is our watermelon and honeydew programs,” Suarez says.

The company has pulled back a bit from table grapes. The Mexican grape deal traditionally has been 10 to 12 weeks in the spring and summer, he says, but that has shrunk to about eight weeks.

“The majority of our acreage was in Caborca, which is the later part of the deal, which is becoming a little bit of a challenge,” he says.

Also, retailers tend to seek out year-round suppliers.

“We were basically a boutique grape company,” he says.

But Suarez is optimistic for the future.

“I do believe the boutique grape will be back at one point,” he says.

Your next read:
$3B in Losses Estimated in Florida Freeze

Why Western Mexico Remains Essential for Winter Produce in the U.S.

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:30:17 GMT

While the U.S. is a powerhouse of produce production, it still takes the power of imports to keep U.S. consumers supplied with fresh fruit and vegetables year-round.

Mexico is a key player in that supply chain. Much of its production, especially what is needed to supply the U.S. during the winter, comes from the country’s western states. These include everything from border states like Baja California and Sonora down to Jalisco and Michoacán in the southern end of the country.

“Western Mexico benefits from mild, stable winter weather, which allows growers to produce vegetables during the same months when U.S. and Canadian domestic production drops off,” explains Clarisa Batiz, senior vegetable category manager at Divine Flavor.

“That seasonal complement makes the region a critical piece of the year-round supply chain,” she adds. “When northern production slows during the winter, western Mexico steps in to supply peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, and other key commodities, ensuring U.S. retailers can keep shelves stocked consistently.”

Luis Obregon, president of Nogales, Ariz.-based produce sourcing and distribution company IPR Fresh, adds that the “experienced grower base and strong infrastructure make it one of the most dependable winter vegetable regions in North America.” He calls western Mexico key to his company’s ability to supply a wide variety of vegetables, but especially bell peppers and European cucumbers, to U.S. consumers year-round.

“Its proximity to the U.S. is a major advantage; shorter transit times mean fresher product and more reliable arrivals,” Obregon says.

Challenges and Opportunities: Water, Labor and Climate

Mexico’s proximity to the U.S. also means it has been experiencing some of the same challenges that also trouble U.S. produce growers in western states: water and labor shortages.

“The available labor pool is shrinking each year, and the cost of labor continues to rise sharply. Recruiting and retaining farm labor has become increasingly difficult,” Batiz reports.

The water scarcity in some western Mexican states is also getting extreme, she adds.

“Regions like Sonora and Sinaloa have seen significant water stress,” Batiz says. “Some reservoirs are reportedly operating at only 20% to 30% capacity, forcing growers to reduce planted hectares and rethink irrigation strategies.”

While the more northwestern Mexican states have been having chronic issues with too little water, some of the more southwestern states have had the opposite experience this year. For example, the 2025 Pacific hurricane season was more active than usual, bringing more rain to some parts of western Mexico during summer and fall.

The added rain has benefited Mexico’s key avocados-for-export region, says Stephanie Bazan, senior vice president of commercial strategy and execution at Avocados From Mexico. She reports that the current supply of avocados for export to the U.S. is not only abundant, but trending toward larger sizes. This is in contrast to the generally shrinking avocado sizes seen industrywide .

“When there’s a lot of good water supply, the trees can size up the fruit,” she explains. “This year we’ve had some really good climate that’s enabled the trees to size up on fruit, and it’s nice large sizes; very promotable sizes.”

While the added rain is helping avocado growers this year, Obregon cites ongoing climate variability, along with labor tightness in Mexico and the strong peso, as putting pressure on western Mexico growers and importers of their produce.

“In addition, ongoing efforts by certain U.S. groups to limit imports, along with the uncertainty surrounding potential tariffs, continue to create instability,” he says.

“Production out of Sonora and Sinaloa is coming along well, with healthy plants and good quality across peppers, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers,” says Clarisa Batiz, senior vegetable category manager at Divine Flavor.

(Photo courtesy of Divine Flavor)

Continued Work on Tech, Sustainability and Social Responsibility

Both Obregon and Batiz say the challenges the region faces will continue into the future and will demand growers adapt and make ongoing efficiency improvements. This is something Obregon says is already underway.

“Growers in western Mexico continue to improve through more efficient drip irrigation, expanded protected agriculture and better postharvest cooling practices,” he says. “At IPR Fresh, we’re focused on strengthening cold-chain performance and partnering with growers who invest in technology and sustainability. Looking ahead, we expect continued progress in precision agriculture, resource efficiency and protected growing systems.”

Batiz says that Divine Flavor expects “continued progress in greater energy efficiency, smarter water use and deeper integration of social responsibility throughout our operations.”

She says operating at a large scale, yet keeping consistent sustainability practices across all growers, is one of Divine Flavor’s strengths, with reducing its overall carbon footprint throughout the supply chain being a central focus. Taking care of its people is another.

“We put a lot of effort into responsible recruitment practices, safe working conditions and programs that support workers’ well-being. For us, retaining our workforce and having employees who want to return season after season is one of the most meaningful indicators that we’re on the right path,” she says. “These elements will be essential for building a more resilient and sustainable agricultural future.”

Western Mexico Makes Football Guac Possible

When it comes to essentials, western Mexico — particularly Michoacán, all but makes winter avocados in the U.S. possible.

“Michoacán represents about 90% of the exports that come to the U.S.” Bazan says.

In 2023, almost 92% of the fresh avocados available in the U.S. were imported, according to the USDA Economic Research Service. The majority of those imports come from Mexico to the point that Bazan describes imports from Mexico as dominating the U.S. avocado market. That is especially true during what she calls the fall/winter ramp-up to football season in the U.S., culminating in the Super Bowl.

“When the Super Bowl comes around, we’re looking at a minimum 250-million-pound opportunity,” she explains. “This is pretty much our superstar time period of the year.”

Bazan adds that a typical Super Bowl week will see roughly 32% more avocados delivered than a normal average week. She puts that into perspective as a truck full of avocados leaving Mexico every six minutes in the lead-up to the Super Bowl to keep up with U.S. demand.

“And Michoacán is the only state that can provide the avocados that meet the demand for the fruit here in the United States,” she says.

“Because October, November and December is so critical in the U.S. because of the consumption that happens in this time period, primarily as we get into college football season and the huge association between guacamole and football, it is critical [to have an] abundant supply,” Bazan explains.

Fortunately, it looks like that will happen this year.

“This year is looking like it could be a record year for us,” Bazan says. “We’ve had some strong weeks in terms of harvest and supply, and the market is very promotable right now.”

State of Winter Crops

Bazan isn’t the only one expecting good things out of western Mexico during this winter season. Batiz reports that crop conditions look strong and that Divine Flavor is expecting a solid season for both volume and quality.

“Production out of Sonora and Sinaloa is coming along well, with healthy plants and good quality across peppers, tomatoes, squash and cucumbers,” she says.

While the 2024-2025 period was difficult for many farmers due to extremely low market prices, Divine Flavor is focused on ensuring it covers its program business securely and avoids overproduction, Batiz says. The company is reducing speculative planting and aiming for a more targeted, disciplined approach to match supply more precisely with demand.

Obregon similarly reports a solid start to the season with good quality and yields on IPR Fresh’ bell peppers and European cucumbers.

“With our year-round program firmly in place, we expect steady and dependable volumes for the U.S. market throughout the winter and beyond, assuming weather conditions remain cooperative,” he says.

Project Seeks to Help Plants Fight Pathogens in Rising Temperatures

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 18:51:37 GMT

A global project seeks to help plants better fight pathogens as temperatures rise. Courtney Leisner, assistant professor at the school of plant and environmental sciences at Virginia Polytechnic University, is part of this global project, which seeks to study bacterial spot . Xanthomonas, the pathogen that causes bacterial spot, is a significant threat to tomato and pepper growers worldwide. The pathogen can infect nearly 400 different plant species, and there is no known cure.

“We have existing data to show that when pepper plants that are resistant to Xanthomonas are inoculated with Xanthomonas and exposed to ozone stress that the resistance breaks down,” she says. “This made us interested in understanding how temperature would impact the virulence of Xanthomonas and the ability of pepper to mount a defense response to Xanthomonas.

She says preliminary research shows that as pepper plants are exposed to a pathogen or elevated ozone levels alone, the plants respond differently than when exposed to combined stress of a pathogen and elevated ozone levels.

“The combined stress is more akin to a normal growing environment, so by doing a multifactorial stress experiment we aim to understand more about how plants respond in a natural growing environment,” Leisner says. “We hope this will lead to translational outcomes for the fresh produce industry by developing pepper plants that have durable resistance to Xanthomonas even as growing temperatures rise.”

This study is part of a joint agreement between the U.S., Germany and UK to future roof plants.

“This international team is able to leverage their expertise in plant pathology, bacteriology and physiology to understand not only how pepper plants can defend themselves from path pathogens with rising temperatures, but how virulence or the pathogen may also change with rising temperatures,” Leisner says.

Leisner says the plants are first germinated in a greenhouse, then inoculated with the pathogen for testing.

“We then place the plants in the open-top chambers (located at Auburn University) and elevate the air temperatures around the plants using heated air that blows into the chambers,” she says.

Research contributor Neha Potnis, associate professor of bacteriology at Auburn University, will study the environmental factors that influence the plant’s pathogen dynamics, and Leisner will assess physical, chemical and biological changes in the peppers from heat stress.

“The end goal of this project is to establish durable management of resistance genes in pepper in the context of variable environmental conditions,” Leisner says.

Del Fresco Pure to Attend Organic Produce Summit

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 20:22:18 GMT

Ontario-based greenhouse grower Del Fresco Pure, recently announced its inaugural participation in the Organic Produce Summit taking place from July 9-10 at the Monterey Convention Center in Monterey, Calif. Del Fresco Pure will be at booth No. 1002 showcasing its full line of organic greenhouse-grown cucumbers, tomatoes and peppers.

The company says it was proud to present its range of organic, greenhouse-grown produce to consumers increasingly concerned with sustainability.

“Our entry into the Organic Produce Summit marks a significant milestone for Del Fresco Pure,” says Ray Mastronardi, vice president of sales at Del Fresco Pure, in a news release. “We are excited to showcase our dedication to sustainable agriculture and introduce our greenhouse-grown produce to a broader audience.”

Del Fresco Pure will be showcasing its organic seedless English cucumbers at the event. They are free from seeds, certified organic and provide a healthy, convenient option for consumers, the company says.

“Our organic seedless English Cucumbers are a testament to our dedication to producing exceptional greenhouse-grown vegetables,” Mastronardi says. “We are committed to providing our customers with nutritious and delicious produce that meets the highest standards of organic greenhouse grown produce.”

In addition to its seedless English cucumbers, Del Fresco Pure also plans to highlight other examples of its offerings at the summit, including:

Organic tomatoes on the vine
Organic mini cucumbers
Organic rainbow sweet peppers

The company says it plans to highlight its recent Equitable Food Initiative Certification.

“Achieving EFI certification is a significant milestone for Del Fresco Pure,” Mastronardi says. “It reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact on our workforce and the environment. We believe that sustainable practices are essential to the future of agriculture, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this movement.”

As Peter Rabbit Farms Marks 75 Years, the Next Generation Looks to the Future

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 11:40:51 GMT

Peter Rabbit Farms has been a staple in the Coachella Valley of California since the 1940s. Now in its fourth generation, the company celebrates its 75^th anniversary this year. Colin Powell, farm manager for Peter Rabbit Farms, said longevity has been instilled in each generation that joins the family farm.

“Each generation has tried to take care of the business and make sure that they can hand it down properly to the next generation,” Colin said. “It’s been something deliberately done, not so much by accident, and it’s worked so far, and we’re really happy with it, and we hope to continue it.”

John and Steve Powell, sons of founder Palmer Powell, currently head the operation, with the third and fourth generations now working within the farm.

“We’re all in our 30s now and are just taking on different roles and responsibilities throughout the company and look forward to continuing the tradition on into the future,” said Garrett Powell, sales and operations manager for Peter Rabbit Farms.

Another remarkable thing, Garrett said, is some of the tenure of employees. The company’s general manager retired after 50 years, and there are employees who have worked for the company for 30 or 40 years.

“Our average tenure is probably up there at the 20-year mark right now,” Garrett said. “We have hired some young guns along with ourselves. And I think that the future looks really good.”

The Powells hope some of those tenured employees will help the company celebrate its 100^th anniversary in a few years.

Garrett said another strength to his family’s farm longevity is with the diversification of crops grown.

“We’re doing the red bell peppers, the green bell peppers, eggplant, carrots; we have lemons and all the wet veg crops as well as broccoli, celery, cauliflower, Medjool dates,” he said. “So, what we’ve done is really just diversified ourselves as much as we can.”

Colin said the diversification helps the farm weather bad crop years.

“The bad years aren’t as bad, because something will usually do all right, and that’s what gets you through to 75 years,” he said.

The Powells said their family has grown red bell peppers in the Coachella Valley for more than 40 years on one field, due to the availability of land and warm climate.

“We love it here because we get high temperatures, but not too high because of the Salton Sea moderating the high temperatures,” Colin said. “We get nice, cool nights, so we don’t get damaged fruit; it’s been a fantastic field for 40 years.”

He said another thing that sets Peter Rabbit Farms apart is its field sorting and packing.

“One of the more unusual things we do is field pack. The industry has moved more toward shed packing, but we’ve continued to do field packing out here,” he said. “We bring all the fruit from the field to this trailer and then we grade, sort and size all the fruit into our boxes from the lowest grade all the way to our No. 1 product. Traceback codes are applied for food safety, and then it’s palletized and then shipped to the cooler.”

Researchers seek a snacking pepper that thrives in CEA

Fri, 24 Mar 2023 18:49:52 GMT

Tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, lettuce and berries are thriving inside. As the indoor ag industry matures, more growers are looking to find more efficient, sustainable and delicious varieties to grow in controlled environment agriculture systems.

To meet this growing need, Virginia Tech researchers are pioneering new cultivars of peppers that thrive inside. Most recently, scientists have begun trials on newly developed snacking pepper varieties designed to flourish in controlled environments.

Related news: Tops partners with greenhouse grower Little Leaf Farms

The timing is ideal. The CEA industry is growing at a rapid clip in Virginia, with more growers heading east to put roots down in the burgeoning mid-Atlantic state.

Developing the perfect pepper

“Our work centers on making the plant compact and accelerating growth all while maintaining the color, scent, nutrition, and sweetness,” Bingyu Zhao, the principal investigator of the project, said in a news release. “The plants need to be able to grow in a crowded environment while maintaining high yield rates to ensure profitability.”

Researchers are tackling this work in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the university’s Department of Food Science and Technology.

To pioneer innovations in agriculture production, including CEA, Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences created the Center for Advanced Innovation in Agriculture to spearhead work at the intersection of agriculture, science and technology. Professors Zhao and Yun Yin will lead the ag-focused research, according to the release.

Related news: BrightFarms plans to build four regional greenhouse hubs

In collaboration with Yin, a food chemist, Zhao will evaluate the pepper’s flavor experience and ensure it can compete with its outdoor counterpart. Once the pepper is perfected, seeds will be available for purchase by producers.

After scientists have moved on from the snacking pepper, they plan to tackle more spicy variants.

“Flavor-important components will be evaluated and determined through instrumental and sensory combined techniques,” Yin said in the release. “We will also look into nutritional value of cultivars suitable for controlled environment agriculture production.”

Wholesum introduces organic Italian sweet peppers for shoppers seeking a 'premium' option

Mon, 13 Mar 2023 20:47:49 GMT

Fair Trade Certified grower and shipper of organic vegetables Wholesum has introduced Italian sweet peppers called Dolci Belles.

The new offering is part of Wholesum’s strategy lead with innovative, organic greenhouse-grown varieties that bring a premium experience to the consumer, according to a news release.

Italian sweet peppers are known for their distinctive long conical shape, crisp texture and surprisingly sweet flavor. The pepper’s sweetness is measured by brix value; traditional peppers have a brix range between 5 and 7, but Italian sweet peppers’ sweetness ranges from 8 to 9.5, according to a news release.

The Dolci Belles peppers have firm but thin walls with few seeds at the top, making them convenient and ideal for stuffing, roasting and sautéing or enjoying raw on salads and vegetable trays.

“The pepper category has remained relatively unchanged for many years, especially in organics where the assortment is limited to few options including traditional bell peppers, mini peppers and a small range of spicy peppers,” Ricardo Crisantes, Wholesum’s chief commercial officer, said in the release.

Related news: Value-added produce grows with consumers’ need for convenience and safety

Produce trends point to consumers seeking vegetables that are flavorful and convenient, Crisantes continued.

“With consumers making the switch to products that provide a better experience, not having an upgrade option available in the pepper category is a miss,” he said in the release.

Wholesum anticipates that its Dolci Belles will appeal to consumers such as culinary enthusiasts and adventure seekers, as well as premium and brand shoppers.

To develop the pepper launch, Wholesum staged multiple production trials along with market insight reviews to determine product viability both agronomically and commercially, according to the release. Through these trials, the company selected the top varieties that offer consistent sizing, flavor, shelf life, aesthetic qualities and, most importantly, flavor.

Wholesum’s Dolci Belles are available in three-count bags consisting of mixed red and yellow peppers. The bag bears a colorful design with messaging about flavor expectations and the line “sweet no heat” to differentiate this offering from spicy pepper varieties. The packaging also features a QR code with recipe ideas for inspiration.

NatureSweet highlights seedless mini peppers as snacking option

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 15:23:35 GMT

San Antonio-based NatureSweet says it is capitalizing on the growing interest in snacking vegetables with its Constellation Sweet and Seedless Mini Peppers.

The peppers are a colorful and crunchy medley of red, yellow and orange peppers, according to a news release.

“They have a level of sweetness that is much higher than your average mini pepper, and the fact there are no seeds makes this the perfect convenient, grab-and-go snack that is more portable than a standard sweet pepper,” Amit Patel, NatureSweet director of marketing and innovation, said in the release.

The company said the 14-ounce medley debuted in grocery stores in the fall and is available at select retailers such as Costco, Giant, and Giant Eagle.

Red Sun Farms recognized for sweet and long peppers at greenhouse competition

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 16:17:11 GMT

Red Sun Farms says its Tatayoyo sweet peppers won first place for Best Specialty Mini Peppers, and its Sweetpeaks long peppers won the Chefs Choice Award at the 2024 Greenhouse Competition in Leamington, Ontario.

“At Red Sun Farms, we have always been committed to pushing the boundaries of agricultural innovation and practicing sustainable methods,” Carlos Visconti, CEO of Red Sun Farms, said in a news release. “These awards further reinforce the foundations of our company, highlighting the hard work and dedication of our team. This event not only brings attention to the greenhouse industry but also serves as an opportunity to educate the public about the origins of their food.”

The event showcases some of the largest greenhouse producers in North America and awards their produce through various categories. Red Sun Farms says it also supports the event through sponsorship.

All funds raised from the Greenhouse Competition go to R.E.A.C.H. International, a charity that has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to build schools and clinics, drill wells for fresh water and sponsor and care for impoverished children in Africa, the release said.

“Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and contestants, we have raised over $250,000, supporting hundreds of children’s education, building infrastructure, and enhancing the health and wellness of the communities we serve in Uganda,” said Art Barron, president of R.E.A.C.H.

Make sales ring for those bell peppers

Thu, 16 Feb 2023 21:24:55 GMT

Bell peppers are an easy sell. These slightly sweet, mild, shiny beauties in red, yellow, orange and green ranked No. 4 among all fresh vegetables, according to USDA’s National Retail Report on specialty crops for the last week of 2022. This crowd-pleaser pepper was the only non-root in those top four vegetables, closing in on potatoes, onions and carrots.

In The Packer’s 2022 Fresh Trends report, bell peppers ranked No. 5 in all vegetables. Tomatoes were the only other non-root that did better. About 46% of shoppers had purchased a bell pepper in the last 12 months.

Handle and merchandise them well to make sure you’re getting the most out of their natural abilities.

These mainstream peppers like temperatures of 45 degrees to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you don’t mist them too much; they like a light mist only. Typical shelf life is eight to 10 days, and avoid storing or transporting ethylene-sensitive bell peppers with other produce that emits ethylene.

Note: Green peppers produce odors that will be absorbed by pineapples.

Lastly, bell peppers are natural showstoppers for displays. Don’t miss the striking color-blocking and stacking opportunities they provide.

Show us your produce artistry

Show us your best bell pepper displays, and other displays, to enter the seasonal contest in PMG’s Produce Artist Award Series. Email six to 10 high-resolution photos of your winter, or even spring, produce displays to artists@producemarketguide.com . The deadline for the 2023 Winter Contest is March 4, and the contest includes best produce manager, best produce merchandiser, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, winter greens, citrus, mushrooms and Chilean produce. Include your name, role, company and location.

We’d love to send you prizes and showcase your produce artistry!

(Farm Journal)

Brian Dey, senior merchandiser at Four Seasons Produce, won best merchandiser with photos including this winning bell pepper display (above).

(Farm Journal)

Commodity category winner Stephen Daly, produce specialist from Military Produce Group-Norfolk, entered this bell pepper and summer vegetable display photo.

(Farm Journal)

Kay Kurtzweil Greenley, submitted this pepper display photo when she was produce manager at Piggly Wiggly, and she was a winning produce manager in one of PMG’s Produce Artist Award Series contests.

(Farm Journal)

Commodity category winner Mario DePalma of S. Katzman Produce submitted this photo in the contest.

IPR Fresh marks 20th anniversary as bell pepper shipper

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:38:33 GMT

IPR Fresh of Nogales, Ariz., recently commemorated its 20th year as a bell pepper shipper with a celebration that brought together its founders — the Obregon family — to honor the milestone and unveil the company’s new image. The event was a tribute to the enduring legacy of the late Francisco “Pancho” Obregon, the founder who died in 2015, according to a news release.

IPR Fresh President Jose Luis Obregon took center stage during the celebration, expressing gratitude for the workforce and grower partners, the release said. The event served as an opportunity to acknowledge the collective efforts and commitment of the employees who have contributed to the company’s success over the years. Obregon’s message emphasized the importance of teamwork and collaboration in maintaining IPR Fresh’s position as a leader in the bell pepper shipping industry, the company said.

Founded in 2003, IPR Fresh says it has established itself as a reliable and trusted partner in the produce industry. With a focus on quality, efficiency and customer satisfaction, the company has “consistently delivered top-notch bell peppers to clients across North America,” the release said.

The event also unveiled IPR Fresh’s new image, symbolizing its evolution and commitment to continued growth. The refreshed brand identity reflects the company’s core values, innovative spirit and progressive vision, the release said.

“IPR Fresh looks forward to the future with optimism and determination, continuing to build on its legacy of excellence,” the release said. “With a strong foundation and a renewed sense of purpose, the company remains committed to delivering the finest bell peppers while prioritizing sustainability and customer satisfaction.”

Live Oak Farms to import bell peppers from Mexico

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 20:40:34 GMT

Starting in November, San Joaquin Valley, Calif.-based Live Oak Farms is poised to begin importing product from its farming operations in Mexico to help complete a 52-week cycle of availability on green and red bell peppers, according to a news release.

“The message has been loud and clear from both our retail and foodservice customers, we need you to be in the game year-round,” Damon Barkdull, vice president pepper sales for the fourth-generation grower-packer-shipper, said in the release. “We’re excited to begin this next chapter in Live Oak’s history.”

Historically, Live Oak has focused on its crops close to Le Grand, Calif., from July through October. Those crops included mature green tomatoes — round and Roma — along with chili peppers and green, red and yellow bell peppers. With Live Oak’s hire of Pete Aiello, vice president pepper programs, came the addition of programs in Coachella and Bakersfield to help extend that California window, the release said.

With its program in Sinaloa, Mexico, Live Oak says it now has bell pepper coverage 52 weeks a year. Live Oak is expecting green bells to begin crossing in late November and red bell peppers as early as the second week of December into Nogales, Ariz.

“The Giampaoli family has stayed in business and flourished largely because of incremental growth and taking calculated, but heavily weighed risks. They’ve built an excellent reputation by putting up a quality product and having the utmost integrity along the way,” Barkdull said. “The decision to expand our operations into Mexico does not come lightly, but it was a must to continue Live Oak’s continuity to our customers in a global market.”

In addition to bringing Mexico peppers to its customers, Live Oak says it plans to expand its portfolio of product in both conventional and organic vegetables, including but not limited to Italian squash, yellow squash, cucumbers and an expanded array of chili peppers.

“Our customers have also been banging the drum that we need to diversify our portfolio of products,” Barkdull said. “We have an excellent reputation when it comes to tomatoes and peppers, so the thought was we could expand the dry vegetable category and build on the momentum we have already created.”

Live Oak expects the Mexico pepper program to carry it into May for a smooth transition into its California crop.

“This is uncharted water for Live Oak, but not for Pete and [me],” Barkdull said. “We have years of experience in Mexico and have aligned with some of the best growers in Sinaloa. This is just the beginning, and we expect to build on this inaugural Mexico season in years to come.”

SunFed expects growth in Mexican Produce, despite challenges

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 18:46:55 GMT

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based SunFed expects to move slightly more Mexican produce in 2024 compared with last year, despite weather challenges early in the year.

SunFed has partnered with Mexican growers for a year-round supply of various items, mainly squash, cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and melons, according to Matt Mandel, vice president of finance and legal for SunFed.

“Due to weather challenges, the first third of 2024 will be significantly lower volume than 2023 though our production budget was set for a 5% to 8% growth year over year,” Mandel said.

Overall, Mandel expects SunFed will grow its Mexican produce supply from 1% to 5% in 2024, compared with 2023.

Some production-level issues that are influencing Mexican produce volume include labor and water availability, Mandel said.

“Labor and water continue to depress most growth plans in northwest Mexico and uncertainty regarding the Tomato Suspension Agreement will likely lead to fewer tomatoes planted,” he said, though he noted tomato acreage projections are speculative at this point.

Over the next several years, Mandel said the industry may see a greater percentage of Mexican produce shipments through South Texas.

Ciruli Bros. looks for strong gains in Mexican produce

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 21:29:46 GMT

Rio Rico, Ariz.-based Ciruli Bros. is aiming for a 10% increase in its volume of Mexican produce this year, said Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer.

The company is a leader in the sale and distribution of yellow and round mangos. It also offers a full mix of conventional and organic dry vegetables, representing 10 million packages from Mexico on an annual basis, Ciruli said.

“Because of growth in our mango program as well as our conventional and organic veg crops, we are aiming for an overall increase in volume of about 10% over the prior year,” Ciruli said.

“However, compared to 2023, we expect the 2024 Mexican produce season will be met with higher pricing and lower supplies during the winter months,” he added. “We are seeing reduced crossings on all mixed veg items and pricing has been in the double digits since Thanksgiving. As we get into better weather and second flowerings, we expect volume to increase.”

West Mexico vegetables will be down a bit compared to original estimates during the winter, mainly due to weather, he said.

“Vegetables from West Mexico have been affected by a series of weather events and so the industry volume for 2024 is down from expectations,” he said. “We have seen high demand for eggplant from Thanksgiving through January, and a stronger than normal push for cucumber from November through January as well.”

Mangoes, conversely, should be up in volume due to more rain during the cooler months, Ciruli said.

Ciruli said mangoes have been an incredibly short item during the winter, with pricing at historic highs.

“We do not expect to see this changing until Mexico starts shipping consistently, which will be in March and continuing through September,” he said.

Looking ahead to the next several months, Ciruli said the company expects “an extremely productive mango crop.”

“We look to push mangoes from the months of March and April with yellow ataulfos, which we market as Champagne to fill the horrific supply void from the winter,” he said. “We expect that mangoes will be a very promotable crop for quality and volume in 2024.”

In vegetables, due to an early Easter, Ciruli said the company expects to start promoting eggplant, beans, cucumber and bell peppers, both conventional and organic.

“Consumers continue to look for fresh fruit and vegetables to enhance their lifestyle, and as that happens, they will have more fresh produce options with imports from Mexico,” he said.

Expanding organic

Ciruli said the company continues to increase its organic lineup with dry veg, ranging from cucumber, green and colored bell peppers, squash and green beans.

“Our organic vegetables are marketed in the Rowdy Rabbit Organics brand,” he said. “We are shipping in traditional bulk packs, some clamshells, bags and wrapped trays. We are excited to be able to offer our customers quality organics in a fun brand and more presentations, and our hope is to continue to grow the program.”

Challenges and the road ahead

Ciruli said the biggest challenge for Mexican producers is a combination of rising input costs and labor availability.

“The minimum wage in Mexico increased by 20% in 2024, and Mexico was already facing labor shortages prior to this change in regulation,” he said.

Still, Ciruli said there are plenty of reasons for optimism.

“Mexican veg growers will continue to produce further south in Mexico to have 52-week availability and less gaps in volume, for many items,” he said.

NatureFresh introduces new sweet snacking pepper

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 18:51:49 GMT

With consumer interest in snacking vegetables continuing to grow, Leamington, Ontario-based Nature Fresh Farms has added a new sweet pepper, Sweet S’naps, to its offerings.

Nature Fresh Farms says its promotional strategies include high-graphic displays and shipping cartons, vibrant packing and on-pack education.

“We’ve specifically designed the brand to signal sweetness and snackability through the visual designs and messaging,” Matt Quiring, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Nature Fresh Farms, said in a news release.

Nature Fresh said the brightly colored gourmet sweet peppers boast a crisp exterior and juicy bursts of flavor. The greenhouse grower said these peppers are intended to be eaten raw, dipped, grilled or air-fried.

“Available in five different colors (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Purple/Brown), these peppers have a light, refreshing crispness of a granny-smith apple that is sweet, juicy, and snackable,” Quiring said.

Wild, wet weather batters some of Georgia’s crops

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:36:29 GMT

A warm winter and rainy spring with a few hail storms and tornadoes have put a damper on some of Georgia’s crops, which peak in marketable volume mid-May to mid-June.

The wild, wet weather could mean as much as 20% of the Vidalia onion crop will be lost, said Bob Stafford, manager of the Vidalia Onion Committee .

“But it’s hard to tell right now,” Stafford said April 27, while harvest was underway since April 16 shipping began.

“They sat in the water for awhile. It did stop the sizing, but we’re still going to have a marketable amount.”

At Baker Farms at Norman Park in southwestern Georgia, two to three inches of rain have fallen every week for several weeks on the farm’s kale, turnip greens, mustard greens, collards, turnip roots, beet roots, chard, cilantro, cabbage and broccoli, said Heath Wetherington, director of operations.

But Baker Farms grows year-round and benefits from warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico, helping crops avoid deep freezes in winter and droughts in summer.

Some crops came in early during “extremely warm” temperatures in January and February, but the heavy rains in February made the younger plants sit still for awhile.

“What I’m seeing in our fields is a split season,” Wetherington said. He expects volume to remain the same as previous years.

A&M Farms, Lyons, Ga., will have a 15% to 20% reduction in yield of Vidalia onions, said owner Aries Haygood. He’s also president of the Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and chairman of the Vidalia Onion Committee.

Related content: Rain, hail take out some of the Vidalia onion crop

“I think what I see is probably a good snapshot for the industry,” Haygood said.

“It’s been a challenging year. Our crop is not as big as it has been in the past, and then you throw in the coronavirus — you don’t know what’s going to happen.”

Haygood said his farm received back-to-back heavy rains during growing season, which kept the ground saturated while onions were trying to bulb, creating size issues and more seed stems. Also, heavy rain on growing onions leads to more disease, such as center rot.

Expect more medium-sized Vidalia onions this season, Haygood and Stafford said.

Hail at the start of April at Generation Farms , Vidalia, Ga., damaged a few fields, causing a loss of about 85 acres, or 10% of the Vidalia onion crop, said Lauren Dees, sales and marketing manager.

Rainfall delayed harvest several times at Bland Farms, Glennville, Ga., said Delbert Bland, president and owner.

Like other Vidalia onion growers, Bland’s acreage hasn’t increased this year, but volume is good because more onions are being grown on less land.

However, John Shuman, president and CEO of Shuman Farms , Reidsville, Ga., said the Vidalia onion industry will see lower yields per acre compared to the past three to four years, as well as a smaller size profile.

“This year, we experienced record rainfall throughout the winter along with warmer temperatures, which has put a tremendous amount of stress on the crop,” Shuman said. “However, we will still have a markable crop; the quality is sound.”

The extra-wet spring has caused trouble getting into the fields and more disease, but overall, crops look like they’re doing OK, agreed Charles Hall, executive director of Georgia Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association.

Related content on Georgia Produce

Corbett Bros. Farms , Lake Park, Ga., part of the Grower Network, had some tornado damage in mid- to late April, said Eric Bolesta, Grower Network salesman. The farm, situated in the southern-central part of Georgia close to the Florida border, produces cabbage, cucumbers, bell peppers, eggplants, hot peppers and citrus.

On April 23, a storm with hail and tornadoes damaged blueberries during harvest, and one farm in the southwest lost parts of a squash field from a tornado the week before, Hall said.

“What percentage of the crop it got, we don’t know yet. These were the early crops,” Hall said about highbush blueberries, adding that he wasn’t sure if the later season variety, rabbiteye, was hurt as well. “But we haven’t had a good blueberry crop in awhile.”

Late freezes in 2017, 2018 and 2019, plus hurricanes Irma and Michael, tore into the crop.

“We’ve just had a lot of Mother Nature problems down here,” Hall said.

By farm gate value, blueberries are the biggest Georgia fruit crop, followed by the state’s official fruit, the peach.

Most other crops, such as squash and cucumbers, come in April, but peppers in start early to mid-May.

There don’t seem to be any major shifts in crop acreage from last year.

Related content on V idlia Onions

The Fresh Guys produce supplier awaits summer

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:37:02 GMT

The year started off fine for The Fresh Guys , said president Peter Braidman. But then COVID-19 came along.

The Denver-based produce supplier is “muddling through day by day,” Braidman said, but business is down 70% compared to last year.

The company, which serves restaurants almost exclusively along with a few small markets, is “keeping somewhat busy” and has had no layoffs, he said.

Customers missed out on spring items, he said, but he’s now waiting for summer fruits and vegetables to come on, which will include a variety of

Rocky Mountain tomatoes, kales, collards, chards, cabbages, onions, bell peppers, Hatch peppers, Olathe corn and peaches.

Related content:
Colorado “Know your market”
Denver produce distributors deal with coronavirus
Colorado gears up for summer

Honeyacre Enterprises ramps up greenhouse

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:37:02 GMT

Honeyacre Enterprises Ltd., Wiggins, Colo., started its greenhouse program the second week of April with tomatoes and cucumbers and will begin shipping orange, red and yellow bell peppers in June, said Russ Shoemaker, who owns the company with his wife Cindy.

Crops were slightly later than last year because of abnormally cold and cloudy weather that started in mid-March.

Honeyacre has about 25,000 square feet of greenhouse production and will have the same volume this season as last year, he said.

Related content:
Colorado gears up for summer
Denver produce distributors deal with coronavirus
Colorado “Know your market”

Marketscope — Vegetable f.o.b.s as of June 1

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:37:40 GMT

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. = May 16; 2nd no. = May 23; 3rd no. = May 30. Expected movement is for June 21 to July 4. F.o.b. prices are as of June 1.

Artichokes

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (19-17-16) — Movement expected about the same. Supply 12-18s fairly light. Trading 12-18s active, 24-36s moderate. Prices 12-18s higher, 24s slightly lower, 30-36s generally unchanged. Cartons Globe 12s mostly 18.55-18.75, 18s mostly 17.05-18.75, 24s mostly 14.75-16.65, 30s mostly 12.65-14.75, 36s 12.65-14.65; ORGANIC 12s 26.55, 18-24s 22.55, 30s 20.55. Quality variable.

Asparagus

PERU IMPORTS — PORTS OF ENTRY SOUTH FLORIDA Imports (18-33-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same this week, decrease next week. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Large Much Lower, Standard and Jumbo Lower, Extra Large and Small Slightly Lower. From Peru. 11 pound cartons bunched jbo mostly 15.75-16.75, xlge mostly 15.75, lge mostly 14.75-16.75, std mostly 15.75-16.75, sml mostly 10.00-13.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (2-15-22) — Movement expected about the same. Trading opened active, closed fairly active. Prices Lower. Pyramid cartons 28 pound bunched Green large and std size mostly 48.00-52.95, 11 pound cartons bunched large and std size mostly 19.75-21.75. Quality good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS 2020 CROP — Crossings (23-18-19) — Expected to remain the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched green standard and large 16.75-17.75. Extra services included.
WALLA WALLA DISTRICT AND LOWER YAKIMA VALLEY WASHINGTON — Shipments (17-9-8) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most handlers have finished marketing the crop. Washington Extra Fancy 28 pounds pyramid cartons/crates bunched large and standard supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. 11 pound cartons/crates bunched large and standard supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Light — Shipments expected to continue thru June 12. LAST REPORT

Broccoli

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (122-113-83) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Available supply fairly light. Trading early active, late very active. Prices much higher. Cartons bunched 14s mostly 14.35-15.65, 18s mostly 14.85-16.15; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 16.35-18.85, Short Trim mostly 17.45-19.85. ORGANIC cartons bunched 14s mostly 30.55-32.95; 20-pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 32.55-34.50. Quality variable. Most present shipments from previous commitments and/or prior bookings.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (66-64-79) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late very active. Prices much higher. 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut Short Trim 13.50-14.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (53-44-38) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late very active. Prices much higher. Cartons bunched 14s 14.00-15.85, 18s mostly 14.50-16.35; 20 pound cartons loose Crown Cut mostly 15.85-17.75, Short Trim mostly 17.85-20.85. ORGANIC Cartons bunched 14s 30.00-34.50. Quality generally good.

Carrots

KERN DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (173-185-231) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 50 pound jumbo slightly lower, others generally unchanged. 48 1-lb film bags medium-large mostly 15.30-15.40; 50 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 12.65-16.40; 25 lb sacks loose jumbo mostly 6.65-8.20; cartons 30 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 18.20-18.85. ORGANIC 48 1-lb film bags and 24 2-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-26.35, 10 5-lb film bags medium-large mostly 20.00-20.70. Cartons 24 1-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 12 2-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50, cartons 4 5-lb film bags Baby Peeled 20.00-22.50. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (59-72-68) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly slow, late moderate. Prices Lower. 50 pound sacks loose jumbo mostly 9.50-10.00. Quality variable.

Cauliflower

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (100-86-83) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Supply fairly light. Trading early active, late fairly active. Prices 9-12s slightly higher, 16s generally unchanged. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 15.35-17.65, 9s mostly 14.45-16.50, 16s mostly 13.55-15.65; ORGANIC 12s mostly 22.50-24.55, 9s mostly 22.00-22.55, 16s mostly 22.50-22.55. Quality generally good.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (41-35-36) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons film wrapped White 12s mostly 12.85-16.85, 9s and 16s 11.00-13.00. Quality generally good.

Celery

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (256-272-220) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading moderate. Prices slightly lower. Cartons 2-3 dozen mostly 9.45-11.55; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 13.65-15.55. ORGANIC cartons 2-2 1/2 dozen 32.56-32.85; Hearts film bags 18s mostly 21.56-22.55. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (62-60-54) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late fairly slow. Prices much lower. Cartons 2 dozen 8.00-9.85, 2 1/2 dozen mostly 8.85-9.85, 3 dozen mostly 8.00-9.00. Quality generally good.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (2-3-8) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5.

Corn, sweet

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (51-200-147) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices many shipments under contract prices. Wirebound crates 4-dozen Yellow, White and Bi-Color 20.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Shipments (207-161-80) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. Cartons/crates 4 dozen minimum White, Yellow and Bi color mostly 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 7. Quality expected to be generally good. The first FOB report is expected to be issued by June 12. FIRST REPORT

Cucumbers

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (171-142-126) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early moderate, late fairly slow. Prices small much lower, 24s generally unchanged, others lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium mostly 8.95, fair quality mostly 6.95; small 5.95, large mostly 6.95. Cartons 24s 3.95-4.95, 36s mostly 4.95-5.95. Quality variable.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (103-88*-92) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices large generally unchanged, others slightly lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 9.95-10.95, fair quality 7.95-8.95; large 8.95-9.95. Quality variable. Most present shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments. (* revised)

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (10-26-33) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Higher. Waxed 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates medium 20.35-20.85 fair quality 8.35-8.85, cartons 24s 6.35-6.85. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (29-39*-28) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Fairly Active. Prices GREENHOUSE 1 1/9 bushel cartons medium 10.95-12.95, fair quality 8.95-10.95, large mostly 8.95. Quality generally good. (*revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (37-23-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Includes palletizing and precooling. 1 1/9 bushel cartons/crates Pickles 150-200s 16.90, 200-300s mostly 20.00-21.90. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, iceberg

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (456-435-426) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early active, late moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, 30s slightly lower. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 14.35-15.00, filmwrapped mostly 15.35-16.00; 30s filmwrapped mostly 10.65-12.45; ORGANIC 24s filmwrapped 14.50-16.50, 12s filmwrapped 8.50-10.50. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (74-82-72) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Cartons 24s film lined mostly 12.00-15.25, filmwrapped mostly 13.00-16.25. Quality generally good.

Lettuce, romaine

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (373-360-365) — Movement expected about the same. Trading fairly slow. Prices Hearts 12 3-count slightly lower from market high on Friday, May 29; Hearts 48s generally unchanged from market high on Friday, May 29; 24s generally unchanged. Cartons 24s mostly 7.45-8.65; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 11.56-12.85, Hearts film lined 48s mostly 13.45-14.75. ORGANIC cartons 24s mostly 20.55-23.25; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 16.55-18.25. Quality variable.

SANTA MARIA CALIFORNIA — Shipments (60-58-41) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices 24s slightly higher, Hearts generally unchanged. Cartons 24s 8.50-11.25; Hearts cartons 12 3-count packages mostly 12.85-13.50. Quality generally good.

Onions, dry

U.S. — Shipments (1,169*-1,213*-1,056) — The top shipping areas for the week, in order, were California, New Mexico, Georgia, Columbia Basin Washington, and Mexico. (* revised)

IMPERIAL VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (296*-333*-242) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano Type 50-pound sacks super colossal 9.00-10.00, colossal 8.00, jumbo 7.00-8.00, medium mostly 9.00; White 50-pound sacks jumbo mostly 12.00 medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 6.00-7.00, medium mostly 6.00. (* revised)

SOUTHERN NEW MEXICO 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-25-150) — Movement expected to increase as more shippers receive onions. Trading Moderate. Prices Reds higher, Yellow super colossal and jumbo lower, others generally unchanged Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks super colossal 12.00-14.00, colossal 11.00-12.00, jumbo mostly 9.00-10.00, medium 10.00-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 8.00-9.00, medium mostly 9.00.

VIDALIA DISTRICT GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (162-156-131) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Yellow Granex - Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo mostly 21.00-24.00; Organic 40-pound cartons jumbo 27.00-31.00.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS 2020 CROP — Shipments (239-134-127) — Movement is expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Active. Prices Unchanged. Yellow Grano-Type Marked Sweet 40-pound cartons jumbo 16.00-18.00, Yellow Grano - Type 50-pound sacks colossal mostly 10.00, jumbo mostly 9.00, medium 10.00-12.00, White 50-pound sacks jumbo 14.00-16.00, medium 12.00-14.00, Red 25-pound sacks jumbo mostly 8.00, medium mostly 8.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON — Shipments (176-152-111, Includes exports 31-15-19) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH SOUTH TEXAS 2020 CROP Crossings — (153-249*-91) — Movement is expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (* revised)

SAN ANTONIO-WINTER GARDEN-LAREDO DISTRICT TEXAS — Shipments (41-57-46) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Unofficial prices fro Monday, June 01, 2020 Yellow Grano 50-pound sacks colossal 10.00-11.00, jumbo 9.00-10.00, medium 9.50-11.00; Red Globe Type 25-pound sacks jumbo 8.00-9.00, medium 7.75-9.00.

ARIZONA DISTRICT — Shipments (49-49-37) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (6-6-18) — Movement expected to increase as shippers receive more onions. FOB price report expected next week (June 8, 2020). First report.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (10-9-6) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Too few open market sales to establish a market.

Peppers, bell

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (86-81-80) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading yellow large fairly active at lower prices, others fairly active at slightly lower prices. Prices Yellow large lower, others slightly lower. GREENHOUSE 11 pound cartons Red jumbo and extra large 15.95-17.95, large 14.95-15.95; Yellow jumbo and extra large mostly 16.95-17.95, large 14.95; Orange jumbo and extra large 18.95-19.95, large 17.95. Red 1 1/9 bushel carton irregular size fair quality 18.95-20.95. Quality generally good.

COACHELLA VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Shipments (97-84-62) — Movement of Green expected to decrease seasonally, Red about the same. Trading early very active, late moderate. Prices Green slightly higher, Red lower. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green extra large mostly 26.95-28.95, large 24.95-26.95; irregular size fair quality Green mostly 18.95-20.95, Red mostly 16.95-18.95. 1/2 bushel cartons Red extra large and large mostly 16.95. Quality generally good.

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (29-58-55) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Moderate. Prices Slightly Higher. 1 1/9 bushel cartons Green jumbo 22.35-22.85 extra large 22.35-22.85 fair quality 16.35-18.85 large 18.35-18.85. Quality generally good.

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA — Harvest of Green expected to begin the week of May 31. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued by June 5. FIRST REPORT.

Potatoes

U.S. — Shipments (1,722*-1,800*-1,482) — The top shipping states, in order, were Idaho, San Luis Valley Colorado, Columbia Basin Washington, California and Florida. (* revised)
UPPER VALLEY, TWIN FALLS-BURLEY DISTRICT IDAHO 2019 CROP — Shipments — (718-781-642, Includes exports 9-6-6) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Burbanks U.S. One baled 5-pound film bags non size A mostly 6.50-7.00; 50-pound sacks 40-70s mostly 12.00-13.00, 80s mostly 10.00, 90s 8.00-9.00, 100s mostly 7.00-7.50; U.S. Two 6 ounce minimum 4.00-5.00, 10 ounce minimum mostly 7.00-8.00.

SAN LUIS VALLEY COLORADO 2019 CROP — Shipments (224-243*-151, Includes exports 13-14*-12) — Movement expected to be about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. One baled 5 10-lb film bags sz A 9.00-9.50, baled 10 5-lb film bags sz A mostly 10.00; 50 lb cartons 40-70s 15.00-16.00, 80s 14.00-15.00, 90-100s 12.00-14.00. (* revised)

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-152-149, Includes exports 37-36-38) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 50-70s higher, carton 40s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 11.00-12.00, 50-70s 13.00-14.00, 80s 11.00-13.00, 90s 10.00-12.00. 100s 9.00-11.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (141-126-111) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices U.S. One Round Red size A higher, others generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-23.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-21.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75-16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (109-107-104) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (62-69-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.
ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (22-29-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (43*-45*-27) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5-pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands. (* revised)

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-31-18) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-14*-15) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (*revised)

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (15-12-10) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (7-0-0) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

COLUMBIA BASIN WASHINGTON AND UMATILLA BASIN OREGON 2019 CROP — Shipments (159-152-149, Includes exports 37-36-38) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading carton 50-70s active, others moderate. Prices carton 50-70s higher, carton 40s lower, others generally unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 10 pound film bags size A mostly 7.00-8.00, baled 5 pound film bags size A mostly 8.00-9.00; 50 pound cartons 40s mostly 11.00-12.00, 50-70s 13.00-14.00, 80s 11.00-13.00, 90s 10.00-12.00. 100s 9.00-11.00, U.S Two 50 pound sacks 10 ounce minimum mostly 6.00-7.00.

FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (141-126-111) — Movement expected to seasonally decrease. Trading Fairly Active. Prices U.S. One Round Red size A higher, others generally unchanged. Round Red U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 19.00-23.50, size B mostly 26.00-27.50, Creamers 3/4-1 5/8 inches mostly 30.50-35.75; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 17.50-21.75, size B mostly 24.50-24.75, U.S. Two 50 pound sacks size A mostly 12.75-16.50, size B mostly 16.75-18.75. Yellow Type U.S. One 50 pound cartons size A mostly 32.50, size B mostly 18.50; 50 pound sacks size A mostly 30.75, size B mostly 16.75.

CENTRAL WISCONSIN 2019 CROP — Shipments (109-107-104) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Russet Norkotah U.S. One baled 5 10-pound film bags size A mostly 10.00-11.00, baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00-12.00; 50 pound cartons 40s-70s mostly 18.00-19.00, 80s mostly 17.00-18.00, 90s mostly 14.00-15.00, 100s 13.00-14.00.

HEREFORD-HIGH PLAINS TEXAS — Shipments (62-69-69) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

ARIZONA DISTRICT 2020 CROP — Shipments (22-29-27) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (43*-45*-27) — Movement expected to continue seasonal decline. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. U.S. 1 size A baled 5 10-pound bags Russet Norkotah 11.50-12.50, baled 10 5 pound bags mostly 12.50-13.50. Supplies in few hands. (* revised)

NEBRASKA 2019 CROP — Shipments (36-31-18) — Movement expected to be about the same. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

KLAMATH BASIN OREGON AND NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT — Shipments (22-14*-15) — Movement expected to remain about the same. supplies in too few hands to establish a market. (*revised)

MINNESOTA-NORTH DAKOTA (RED RIVER VALLEY) 2019 CROP — Shipments (15-12-10) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Remaining supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

NORTHERN COLORADO DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (7-0-0) — Movement expected decrease seasonally. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market.

CANADA (NEW BRUNSWICK) CROSSINGS THROUGH MAINE POINTS — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading Slow. Prices Unchanged. USOne/CDOne baled 10 5-pound film bags size A mostly 11.00, baled 5 10-pound film bags non-size A mostly 10.00.

Squash

SOUTH GEORGIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (20-24-17) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Yellow Crookneck small lower, medium unchanged, others higher. ½ and 5/9 bushel cartons Zucchini small 14.35-16.85 medium 12.35-14.85, Yellow Straightneck small 16.35-16.85 medium 14.35-14.85; 3/4 bushel cartons Yellow Crookneck small 14.35-14.85 medium 8.35 8.85. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (10-6-4) — Supply insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. LAST REPORT.

VIRGINIA — Shipments very light. Movement expected to increase as more growers begin harvesting. Current supplies are very light and insufficient to establish market. FIRST REPORT.

Squash, spaghetti

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (19-19-12) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. 1 1/9 bushel cartons small mostly 12.95, medium mostly 16.95-18.95, large mostly 18.95. Quality generally good.

Squash, yellow straightneck

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (23-17-8) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as most shippers are finished for the season. 4/7 bushel cartons supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality variable. Light and sporadic crossings expected to continue through June 6. LAST REPORT

Squash, zucchini

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (73-65-40) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Moderate. Prices small-medium generally unchanged, other higher. 4/7 bushel cartons small and small-medium mostly 10.95, medium mostly 8.95. Quality variable.

Tomatoes

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings (158-155-152) — Movement expected to decrease slightly. Trading fairly active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layer 4x4-4x5s mostly 16.95-18.95, 5x5s mostly 14.95; 25 pound cartons loose 4x5 -5x5 size mostly 13.95-14.95, 5x6 size mostly 12.95. Quality generally good. Most present shipments from prior booking and/or previous commitments.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (213-155-141) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Mature Greens 85% U.S.One or better 5x6 size 17.95, 6x6 size 17.95, 6x7 size 17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings — (78-49-83) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Vine Ripes cartons 2 layers 4x4-4x5s 16.95-18.95, 5x5s 14.95-16.95, 5x6s mostly 12.95. Quality generally good.

U.S. SHIPPING POINTS — Shipments (30-29*-10) — Greenhouse. No prices reported. (* revised)

FLORIDA WEST DISTRICT AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-0-3) — Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 5 days. Expect sufficient number of shippers for first F.O.B. within 7 days.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (6-7*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (*revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 31. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 14. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 21.

Tomatoes, cherry

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (3-3*-2) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (* revised)

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (3-2-1) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Generally Unchanged. Extra services included. Flats 12 1-pint basket with lids 16.95-17.95. Quality generally good.

Tomatoes, grape

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA Crossings— ( 17-15-15) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Available supplies very light. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Flats 12-1 pint containers with lids medium-large supplies 16.95. 20 pound cartons loose medium-large supplies insufficient to establish a market. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (26-18-11) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. including palletizing and cooling. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids 15.95-16.95. 20 pound cartons loose 29.95-33.95. Quality generally good.

FLORIDA WEST AND SOUTH CAROLINA DISTRICT — Shipments (0-2-10) — Light harvest has begun and expected to continue for the next 5 days. Expect sufficient volume for first F.O.B. within 7 days.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (5-3-7) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early very active, late active. Prices pints higher, cartons slightly higher. Flats 12 1-pint containers with lids medium-large mostly 9.95-10.95 and 20 lb carton loose medium-large mostly 16.95-17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA Crossings — (#-#-0) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 7. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 14. (# less than 50,000 lbs)

Tomatoes, plum

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (267-162-189) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading early very active, late active. Prices much higher. 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large and large mostly 16.95, medium 12.95-14.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS Crossings — (99-89-105) — Movement expected about the same. Trading early fairly active, late active. Prices much higher. Roma 25 pound cartons loose extra large mostly 16.95-17.95, large mostly 13.95-14.95, medium 12.95-13.95. Quality generally good.

CENTRAL AND SOUTH FLORIDA — Shipments (64-58-45) — Movement expected to remain about the same as most growers finish for the season. Trading Active. Prices Higher. Extra services included. 25 pound cartons loose extra large 17.95, large 17.95, medium 17.95. Quality generally good.

MEXICO CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA — Crossings (51-39*-35) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Active. Prices 25 pound cartons loose Roma extra large and large mostly 18.95. Quality generally good. (* revised)

CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of June 7. Most shippers expect to be fully underway the week of June 14. Quality expected to be generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issue the week of June 21.

D.R. Walcher halts expansion

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:36:54 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic has put some expansion plans on hold at D.R. Walcher Farms in North Fairfield, Ohio, said Ken Holthouse, partner.

“We were planning an expansion at Walcher, adding onto the building and getting into some bagged product eventually, but the way the COVID thing has hit, we’re waiting,” he said.

“We need to get this season behind us. The whole world wants 2020 to go into the history.”

The planned expansion includes a 20,000-square-foot canopy at Walcher’s 10-year-old packingshed, Holthouse said.

“We’re pretty large into the fall squash and fall decorative items; you have to get it out of the sun as much as pos-sible and we don’t have a whole lot of space,” he said.

“We’re going to wait on that for the time being.”

Sister company Holthouse Farms in Willard, Ohio, has added about 15,000 square feet in the past three years, Holthouse said.

“There’s a new loading dock extension, a new office complex and a box storage barn,” he said.

Related Content:

Ohio suppliers ready for heavy retail sales this season

FDA proposes heightened traceability rules for certain produce

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:46:49 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration has proposed new traceability rules that seek elevated record-keeping for many fresh produce items, from all fresh-cut products to leafy greens and tomatoes.

Starting Sept. 23, there will be a 120-day public comment period on the new rule through the Federal Register. A draft is available for viewing until then. The rule is a key component of the FDA’s New Era of Smarter Food Safety and implements the long-awaited Section 204 of Food Safety Modernization Act.

Frank Yiannas, FDA deputy commissioner for food policy and response, said the agency seeks to harmonize and standardize record-keeping process to ease investigations. The FDA will still allow paper records, but all companies in the supply chain should be able to submit an electronic spreadsheet containing traceability information within 24 hours.

“More generally, the FDA encourages all food businesses to maintain their traceability records electronically whenever possible, to expedite the identification of traceability information when needed to address threats to public health,” according to an FDA news release.

Yiannas acknowledged that many in the produce industry have adopted voluntary traceability standards, whether through the Produce Traceability Initiative or the California/Arizona Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement.

But the current one-step forward, one step back requirement, is lacking, according to the FDA.

“These requirements form a baseline for traceability recordkeeping, but they provide limited information to effectively and rapidly link shipments of food through each point in the supply chain,” according to the FDA release. “This — and the fact that recordkeeping systems can be largely paper-based and lack a universal lexicon throughout industry — can make it difficult to trace a product to its original source when necessary.

Formerly referred to as “high-risk foods,” the Food Traceability List includes these items — and any items made with them:

Cucumbers, all varieties;
Fresh herbs, all varieties;
Leafy greens, including all lettuces and kale, chicory, watercress, chard, arugula, spinach, pak choi, sorrel, collards, and endive;
All melons, including watermelon, honeydew and cantaloupe
Peppers, all varieties;
Sprouts; all varieties;
Tomatoes; all varieties;
Tropical tree fruits, including mangoes, papayas, lychees, starfruit and guavas; and
Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables.

The FDA is highlighting what it calls Critical Tracking Events (CTEs), which includes growing, receiving, transforming (fresh-cut), and shipping. For each CTE, the FDA wants entities to maintain records (known as Key Data Elements/KDEs) including:

Traceability lot code;
Date the product was received;
When it was shipped; and
A description of the product.

“In addition, those subject to the rule would also be required to create and maintain records related to their internal traceability program, which would help regulators better understand a firm’s recordkeeping practices and traceability operations,” according to the release.

The industry will become familiar with the new terminology (CTE, KDE); Yiannas said a big step to standardization is a common language shared by all in the supply chain.

According to a statement from the California LGMA, it and its sister organization in Arizona appear to be in compliance with the proposed FDA rules.

“We want to assure our customers and consumers that members of the Leafy Greens Marketing Agreement are already required to have traceback systems in place,” according to the statement. “This has been part of the LGMA requirements since the organization was formed in 2007.

“As with any other aspect of our program, the LGMA is committed to making any necessary improvements to protect consumers,” according to the LGMA’s statement.

Related stories:

New Era of Smarter Food Safety is upon us

California LGMA survey looks at members’ traceability plans

Groups urge FDA to require better traceability for leafy greens

Generation Farms redesigns website with eye on the future

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:48:59 GMT

Generation Farms , Vidalia, Ga., has redesigned its website, generationfarms.com , focusing on the company’s vision for the future.

The new site tells the company’s story from a Vidalia onion grower in 1974, “to becoming a global leader at the forefront of modernizing the produce industry,” according to a Generation Farms news release.

“Generation Farms honors the hardworking heritage that helped us get where we are today,” CEO Gastón Marquevich, said in the release. “We are also focusing on the future, which includes being relied on by our retail and foodservice customers around the world as their preferred, single-source provider for sustainably-grown conventional and organic produce year-round.”

The company recently redesigned its logo and has a new tagline: “Fresh for the Future.”

The company is well-known as a grower-shipper of Vidalia onions, but it also offers cucumbers , eggplants , garlic , peppers, squash , watermelon , and other items, according to the release. More items are planned for later, and the site makes it easier for foodservice and retail buyers to learn about Generation Farms’ products and pack sizes, according to the releases, as well as shipping locations, including Lake Wales, Fla., and Hamilton, Mich.

Moxxy Marketing designed the website to allow for a second phase of content and functionality when the company expands as planned.

“Generation Farms’ new website is clean and modern, and is structured to make it easy for visitors to quickly find the information they’re looking for,” Molly Briseño, Moxxy Marketing vice president, said in the release.

Related stories:

Generation Farms unveils new conventional, organic logos

Generation Farms adds Michigan, Georgia offices, hires sales veterans

Live Oak Farms adds Pasha Marketing bell peppers in the fall

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:13 GMT

Live Oak Farms, Le Grand, Calif., will be marketing Pasha Marketing LLC’s fall vegetables from California’s Coachella Valley.

The new partnership expands Live Oak’s fall bell pepper program as consumer demand keeps strong for vegetables at retail.

Live Oak Farms completed a strategic repositioning of its bell pepper program this year, adding spring production in the Coachella Valley, as well as an early summer program in Bakersfield, Calif. The company restructured a retail-focused red bell pepper program and introduced a summer organic bell pepper program, according to a news release.

Live Oak Farms will expand production of display-ready packaged bell peppers with the additional fall production. Red bell peppers begin in mid-November, with 15-pound retail packs under the Rosso label, introduced in the spring.

“Adding the bell pepper program of Pasha Marketing to our planned fall expansion in Coachella enables Live Oak to better meet the needs of our customer base, with volume that will approach that associated with our core season, June through October,” Ed Beckman, chief operating officer, said in the release.

The company’s goal is to offer the same quality of product from its packing line to the Coachella Valley field-packed peppers, according to the release, with an eye on quality and sizing.

The Pasha Marketing partnership is another step toward offering year-round sales, Beckman said in the release.

The fall program will be sold by Live Oak’s Donna and Scott Vaughan (sales) and Matthew Hiett, business development associate, and Julie Fargo and Michael Bozick of Pasha Marketing. Fargo will be handling Pasha Marketing’s eggplant sales for Live Oak, according to the release.

Related stories:

Live Oak Farms introduces organic bell peppers

Live Oak expands bell pepper season with new acreage

Live Oak Farms installs new pepper packing line

Ark Foods offers purple bell peppers

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:34:44 GMT

Ark Foods has set out to challenge what grocery shoppers think when they hear “Bell Peppers.” Customers who reach for the popular red, yellow, and green varieties in their produce aisle have a new eye-catching, farmers market version to love: the Purple Bell Pepper.

Grown originally for Whole Foods Market Florida, the Purple Bell’s vibrant, glossy exterior naturally sets itself apart, while offering the familiar crunch and sweet flavor of traditional bell peppers. It’s the ideal vegetable to shake up snacking, stir-frys, and veggie-centric recipes with it’s unexpected violet hue.

With no other major US grower selling Purple Bell Peppers at scale, Ark Foods is positioned to introduce a varietal to the masses otherwise mostly found at farmers markets or at-home vegetable gardens.

“At Ark Foods, we’re excited about bringing uncommon vegetables to America’s grocery stores,” says Lou Terrulli, Director of Farm Development. “The Purple Bell is a great entry point for people who know and love the taste of bell peppers, but are looking for more diversity and excitement on their plate.”

Purple Bell Peppers offer the following nutritional benefits:

Healthy daily values of vitamins A, C, and B6
Purple skin comes from anthocyanins, known to reduce the risk for high blood pressure
Low in calories — dip it like a chip!

Good greenhouse season on tap

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:36:29 GMT

This article appeared in The Packer’s March 30 issue in the Greenhouse Vegetables shipping profile and might not reflect current market conditions.

If consumers are putting renewed emphasis on nutritious eating during this trying time, greenhouse grower-shippers are willing and able to help.

Many hothouses have increased their volume as the spring/summer season gets underway, and all say they anticipate an extensive selection of high-quality vegetables.

“We have had a good winter season to date shipping all products from our family of growers,” said Chris Veillon, chief marketing officer for Pure Hothouse Foods Inc., Leamington, Ontario.

“With what is happening regarding COVID-19, the demand for greenhouse-grown vegetables is increasing steadily, week over week,” he said.

The company’s Pure Flavor brand has seen a spike in its social media traffic as well as in visits to its website from consumers looking for product and recipe information, he said.

The firm’s growers, located throughout Canada, the U.S. and Mexico, offer a wide range of products, consisting of dozens of organic and conventional tomatoes; several kinds of organic and conventional cucumbers and peppers, including new Craft House shishito peppers; and purple baby eggplants.

The Oppenheimer Group, Vancouver, British Columbia, still was sourcing some product out of Mexico in late March, but already had kicked off its British Columbia season, said Aaron Quon, director of greenhouse.

The company anticipates 20% more volume this year than last year.

Oppy’s British Columbia program started in February with cucumbers and began shipping new crop red, yellow and orange bell peppers in late March.

The company expanded its bell pepper deal last year, so there will be more production this season, he said.

Oppy also expanded its offerings of long English cucumbers from British Columbia.

“New and exciting this year” is a small area of mini sweet peppers planted in British Columbia, Quon said.

Organic cucumbers, tomatoes and bell peppers also will be available.

Quality out of British Columbia has been excellent so far, Quon said in late March.

“The plants are looking really good,” he said. “The fruit sets are really strong.”

The company’s organic and conventional bell peppers and mini sweet peppers out of Culiacan, Mexico, will be winding down by the end of May.

Like other greenhouse growers, Oppy is “seeing an increased level of demand” because of COVID-19, Quon said.

“We’re excited to get our crops going here because we’re getting a lot of requests for product,” he said.

Houweling’s Group, Camarillo, Calif., will have excellent greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers by the end of March from several locations and will have peppers ramping up in British Columbia in April, said David Bell, chief marketing officer.

The company’s product line includes premium grape tomatoes, premium cherry tomatoes-on-the-vine, cocktail tomatoes and tomatoes-on-the-vine.

Related content:
Nature Fresh Farms adds Zanelle Hough in retail sales
Mastronardi’s Honey Bombs on the way; snack tomato hits YouTube
Oppy extends partnership with Perpetual Vegetable Co.

Baloian Farms starts Coachella bell pepper harvest

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:30:38 GMT

Baloian Farms , Fresno, Calif., is beginning its Coachella, Calif., bell pepper harvest, alleviating a tight supply situation in March.

Baloian Farms and Coachella grower Belk Farms are in their 32nd season supply bell peppers together, according to a news release.

“Our supply position for the last month out of Mexico has been challenging,” CEO Tim Baloian said in the release. “We had to be very strategic with our harvest in order to keep our customer base serviced. The addition of our Coachella program will make for more stable supplies and provide opportunities for promotions.”

The Coachella harvest last through June, and production shifts north to Bakersfield, Fresno, Stockton, Hollister and Oxnard.

“Producing year-round supplies of fresh vegetables takes creative engineering and the cultivation of close family collaborations throughout the state,” Baloian said in the release. “I’m grateful to be working with the best farming families in California.”

As the COVID-19 crisis reshapes consumer demand, retailers have been requesting more value pepper packs.

“Our retail customers have asked us for something creative in a value pack to offer their customers during these tough times,” Jeremy Lane, Baloian Farms sales manager, said in the release. “Fortunately, we have an extensive bag program already in play to address the value proposition.”

Related stories:

Baloian Farms promotes in sales, logistics departments

West Coast Produce Expo offers farm field tours

Marketscope — Fruit f.o.b.s as of May 4

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 18:44:12 GMT

Apples

YAKIMA VALLEY AND WENATCHEE DISTRICT WASHINGTON 2019 CROP — Shipments (1,053-1,133-1,147, Includes exports 265-256-279) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Gala active, others moderate. Prices 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 22.00-24.00, 80s 20.00-24.00, 88s mostly 18.00-20.00, 100s mostly 15.00-17.00, 113s 13.00-16.00, 125s mostly 13.00-15.00; 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 (68-72-69) — 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; Cortland Cartons Tray Pack U.S. Extra Fancy 80s-88s mostly 24.00-28.00. 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; Gala U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 20.00-23.00; McIntosh U.S. Extra Fancy 2 ½ inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00; Empire U.S. Extra Fancy 2 1/2 inch minimum mostly 18.00-22.00.

MICHIGAN — Shipments (61-68-51) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally 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 McIntoshlight and in few hands, Fuji fairly light.

APPALACHIAN DISTRICT 2019 CROP — Shipments (22-19-20) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Unchanged. 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; Gala 80s-88s $27.00-30.00; 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, Gala $22.00-24.00 and McIntosh $19.00-21.00.

NEW ENGLAND 2019 CROP — Shipments (2-2-3) — 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) — Light and sporadic has harvesting has begun. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. First F.O.B. expected week of May 10, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Avocados

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS 2019 CROP — Crossings (353-543-437) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Lower. Cartons 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 38.25-40.25, 40-48s mostly 38.25-40.25, 60s mostly 36.25-38.25, 70s mostly 27.25-29.25, 84s mostly 21.25-22.25. Extra services included.

SOUTH DISTRICT CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (112-140-U) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices 60-84s lower, others generally unchanged. Carton 2 layer Hass 32-36s mostly 44.25-46.25, 40-48s mostly 42.25-44.25, 60s mostly 39.25-41.25, 70s mostly 29.25-30.25, 84s mostly 22.25-23.25. 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 (17-38-52) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Fairly Active. Prices Higher. Flats 12 1-pint cups with lids large 20.00-22.00, ORGANIC 12 1-pint cups with lids medium large 25.00-28.00, 6 ounce cups with lids medium-large 14.00-18.50. Quality variable.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA AND TEXAS — Crossings (56-53*-48) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading early moderate, late slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 12 6-oz cups with lids mostly 10.00. Quality and condition variable. (* revised)

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (12-18-27) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Trading Slow. Flats 12 1- pint cups with lids 18.00-28.00 mostly 22.00-24.00 occasional higher flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 10.00-16.00 mostly 12.00-14.00 occasional higher. ORGANIC flats 12 6-ounce cups with lids 12.00-16.00 mostly 14.00-16.00 few 10.00 occasional higher.

CENTRAL AND NORTH FLORIDA 2020 CROP — Shipments (33-18-14) — Movement expected to decrease sharply as nearly all growers have finished for the season. Expect very light — Shipments for 1-2 more weeks. LAST REPORT

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Light harvest expected during the current trade week (May 03-09, 2020). Currently, no F.O.B. is being issued. FIRST REPORT.

Cherries

SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (0-0-47) — Movement expected to increase. Harvesting has begun in the Southern portion of the district. First F.o.b expected to begin on or around May 7th.

Grapes

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY PHILADELPHIA AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (44-205-38) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading White Seedless Type Moderate, others Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. 18 lb containers bagged Red Seedless exlge 16.00-18.00, lge 14.00- 16.00, med 12.00-14.00 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 34.00-36.00, lge mostly 32.00-34.00, med-lge mostly 28.00-30.00.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (6-13-31) — Movement from Jalisco expected to increase slightly. Harvest in Hermosillo is expected to begin the week of May 2. 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. Harvest of White, Red and Black varieties expected to begin the week May 3 from Sonora, Mexico. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B report is expected to be issued the week of May 10, when most shippers expect to be fully underway.

CHILE IMPORTS — PORT OF ENTRY LOS ANGELES AREA 2020 CROP Imports via Boat — (13-29-23) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading White Seedless Type Moderate, others Slow. Prices Red Seedless 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 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 34.00-36.00, lge mostly 32.00-34.00, med-lge mostly 30.00-32.00.

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

Lemons

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Shippers First Grade 75-115s and 165s slightly higher, others generally unchanged. 7/10 bushel cartons Shippers First Grade 75s mostly 24.18-26.20, 95-115s mostly 25.18-28.20, 140s mostly 24.18-27.20, 165s mostly 24.18-26.20, 200s mostly 23.18-26.20, 235s mostly 19.18-22.20; Shippers Choice 75s mostly 16.18-19.20, 95s mostly 17.10-20.20, 115s mostly 18.18-20.20, 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.

Oranges

FLORIDA — Shipments (85-96-84, Includes exports 2-3-2) — Prices not reported. — Shipments are for weeks ending April 4, April 11 and April 18 in that order.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (12-15-17) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Slightly Higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Valencia No Grade Marks 72-88s mostly 13.95-15.95, 113s 13.95-15.95, 138s 13.95-14.95. Quality variable.

SOUTH AND CENTRAL DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments 113-138s Fairly Light, others Moderate — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices First Grade 40s and 113s generally unchanged, others slightly higher. 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 40s mostly 17.18-19.20, 48-56s mostly 19.18-20.20, 72s mostly 17.18-20.20, 88-138s mostly 17.18-19.20; Shippers Choice 40s mostly 13.20-14.20, 48-72s mostly 14.18-15.20, 88s 14.18-16.50, 113s mostly 15.18-16.20, 138s mostly 14.18-16.20. ORGANIC 7/10 bushel cartons Navel Shippers First Grade 48-72s mostly 26.18-32.20, 88s 24.18-28.20, 113s mostly 24.18-28.20; Shippers Choice 56s mostly 18.18-22.20, 72-88s mostly 16.18-22.20.

Peaches

CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN SAN JOAQUIN VALLEY CALIFORNIA 2020 CROP — Shipments (U-U-U) — Light and sporadic has harvesting has begun. Rain and cooler then normal temperatures have postponed harvest. First F.O.B. expected week of May 10, 2020. (U = unavailable)

Strawberries

SANTA MARIA DISTRICT — Shipments (218-286-352) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Conventional active, Organic moderate. Prices Higher. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 8.00-10.00. ORGANIC Flats 1-pound containers with lids medium-large mostly 10.00-12.00. Quality and condition variable. Most present — Shipments from prior bookings and/or previous commitments.

OXNARD DISTRICT CALIFORNIA — Shipments (224-240-198) — Movement expected to decrease. Trading Moderate. Prices 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 to freezer and/or processor.

SALINAS-WATSONVILLE CALIFORNIA — Shipments (37-82-168) — Movement expected to increase. Trading Conventional active, Organic moderate. Prices Higher. Flats 8 1-lb containers with lids large-extra large mostly 9.00-10.00. Quality variable. ORGANIC flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large-extra large mostly 10.00-12.00.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH OTAY MESA CALIFORNIA — Crossings (43-33-22) — Movement expected to decrease sharply. Supplies in too few hands to establish a market. Quality and condition variable. Some berries being diverted to freezer and/or processor. Light and sporadic — Crossings expected to continue through May 9. LAST REPORT.

EASTERN NORTH CAROLINA — Shipments (5-6-6) — Movement expected to remain about the same. Trading Moderate. Prices Generally Unchanged. Flats 8 1-pound containers with lids large 12.00-14.50. Includes palletizing and cooling.

Watermelons

FLORIDA SOUTH DISTRICT — Shipments (381-537-733, Seeded 46-54-56; Seedless 335-483-677) —Movement expected to increase. Trading Red Flesh Seedless 60s Very Active, Others Active. Prices Red Flesh Seedless 36s and 45s Slightly Lower, Others Generally Unchanged. 24 inch bins. Red Flesh Seeded type 35s mostly 105.00; Seedless type 36s 126.00-133.00, 45s mostly 147.00, 60s mostly 147.00. Quality generally good.

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH NOGALES ARIZONA — Crossings (318-408*-558) — Movement expected about the same. Trading Active. Prices Miniature 6s and 11s generally unchanged, others slightly higher. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins approximately 35-45 counts mostly 140.00-147.00, approximately 60 count mostly 133.00; Miniature (supplies light) cartons 6s 10.95-12.95, 8s mostly 13.95, 9s mostly 12.95-13.95, 11s 8.95-9.95. Quality variable. (* revised)

MEXICO — CROSSINGS THROUGH TEXAS — Crossings (111-100-43) — Movement expected to decrease seasonally. Trading Fairly Slow. Prices Generally Unchanged. Red Flesh Seedless type 24 inch bins per pound approximately 35 and 45 counts mostly .17-.18. Quality variable.

LOWER RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TEXAS — Shipments (5*-13-8) — Movement expected to increase seasonally. Supplies insufficient and in too few hands to establish a market. Quality generally good. The first F.O.B. report is expected to be issued the week of May 10. (* 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.

IMPERIAL AND COACHELLA VALLEYS CALIFORNIA — Harvest expected to begin the week of May 3. Quality expected to be generally good.