Supermarket Perimeter - January 2022 - 50

Produce
IMPORTS
BY CHRIS CRAWFORD
SUPPLY OF FRESH PRODUCE grown in South America, Mexico
and Canada should be arriving to stores on time and in promotional
quantities for the 2022 season.
Weather in Mexico and South America has been good for growing
conditions and no major delays are anticipated. Greenhouse
growing in Canada allows for consistent conditions for quality crops
year-round.
Lance Jungmeyer, president of the Nogales, Ariz.-based Fresh
Produce Association of the Americas, which represents growers and
importers of Mexican fruits and vegetables, said there has ceased to be
an out-of-season window in Mexico for greenhouse vegetables.
" There are so many microclimates, at various elevations and
locations, that it is possible to meet market demand year-round, for
practically any item, " he said. " When the US domestic growers are in
full harvest across the continent, we tend to see Mexican fruit and
vegetable imports decline in volume. During the winter, Mexican
greenhouse produce is critical to the US market. "
However, at any given time, a hard freeze or even tropical storms
could wreak havoc on the limited Southeastern US vegetable
production, Jungmeyer said.
" Mexican protected agriculture is key to food security for the whole
continent, " he added. " The innovation in varieties, such as colored
bell peppers, fancy cucumbers and squash, and dedication to high
packing standards help create market demand for Mexican protected
agriculture items. "
In particular, the berry growing season has been going well with no
major disruptions in weather in Mexico or South America, said Jason
50 - JANUARY 2022
Fung, vice president of categories and strategy for Vancouver, B.C.based
Oppy.
" We look forward to bringing all the winter offerings of strawberries,
blackberries, blueberries and raspberries, with a strong push in the first
quarter, " he said.
South American outlook
Stone fruit has been growing
excellently this season in South
America, making
for outstanding brix
levels, said Eric Coty,
Oppy vice president
of South American
operations.
" Slightly cooler weather has fruit delayed just 5-7 days later than
last year, with chilled nights attributing to better color on peaches and
nectarines, " he said. " No freeze, rain or any weather issues. Cherry
quality has been excellent and the fruit currently on the tree looks to be
larger sizing than last year. "
Karen Brux, managing director of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association
(CFFA) and director of CAIA, San Carlos, Calif., said there have been no
labor obstacles in Chile that would impact fruit exports.
" Despite being at an initial stage, harvests of peaches and nectarines
have been carried out normally in early orchards in the growing zone
(Valparaíso to O'Higgins), without delays in the start date, but a little
behind in harvest volume, " she said.
supermarketperimeter.com
TOSTPHOTO, OPPY, CHILIEAN FRESH FRUIT
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Supermarket Perimeter - January 2022

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