October 2024: Fruit Industry Trends and Highlights – Mid

Blueberry prices have surged recently, reaching $24.12 per kg in week 39. This spike is due to supply chain disruptions and lower-than-expected export volumes from Peru. Additionally, a U.S. port strike exacerbated the supply shortage. While the strike has been resolved, prices are expected to ease, but short-term price pressures may persist due to a backlog of goods.

At the Fruit Attraction trade show, Sorma Group introduced two cutting-edge fruit grading solutions: PulpVision and BIOSCAN. PulpVision is an optical sorter that identifies green, yellow, and red colors in kiwi pulp, aiding growers in managing market introductions. BIOSCAN uses non-invasive near-infrared sensors to measure sugar content in citrus, stone fruits, and tomatoes directly on the processing line. Additionally, Sorma showcased an updated HyperVision optical sorting platform and InstanDefect-AI software, emphasizing their commitment to enhancing quality and competitiveness in the post-harvest industry.

Florida Citrus Mutual expressed concern over the USDA’s initial citrus crop forecast for the 2024-2025 season, released on October 11, which fails to account for the damage caused by Hurricane Milton in central and south Florida. The USDA projected Florida’s orange production at 15 million boxes, nearly three million boxes less than the previous season’s total of 17,960,000 boxes.

CEO Matt Joyner expressed disappointment, noting that growers were optimistic about improvements in grove health after years of challenges but now face new setbacks. He emphasized that growers are currently assessing the hurricane’s damage, with recovery efforts just beginning.

Despite their resilience, growers feel weary after nearly two decades of battling citrus greening and three major hurricanes in the past seven years. Joyner reassured that the organization is committed to providing necessary support to help the industry recover. The full extent of Hurricane Milton’s damage will take time to determine, and future forecasts are expected to adjust accordingly.

This year, Northwest pear orchards faced a 31% decline in production, resulting in just over 10 million boxes, compared to the five-year average of 15 million. Jim Morris from the Pear Bureau Northwest highlighted that low temperatures affected blossom yields and bee pollination, particularly in the Wenatchee area. The Bosc and Green Anjou varieties were the most impacted, with Green Anjou down 36% from the average. While some pears may have frost rings, this does not affect their taste or nutritional value. Morris aims to reassure consumers and believes retail prices may help offset losses.

UPL has launched AXIOS 20 SC, a new fungicide for pome crops and almonds, featuring Kinoprol as its active ingredient. It provides preventative and systemic disease control for issues like brown rot and powdery mildew. Designed for integrated pest management, it helps manage resistance and protect yields. Benefits include low application rates, quick rainfastness, a short pre-harvest interval, and compatibility for tank-mixing. Available at select retailers.

Asia Fruit Logistica is set to launch its 2025 Meet Ups series, beginning with the “Summit in Chile” on October 22, 2024, in Santiago. This series aims to highlight industry innovation, strengthen ties in key markets, and build anticipation for the return of the trade show to Hong Kong on September 3-5, 2025. The summit will gather industry leaders to discuss critical topics like export opportunities, the outlook for the Chilean cherry industry, and advancements in logistics and sustainable production. Following Chile, Meet Ups will extend to India, Vietnam, Thailand, and China, providing invaluable networking and learning opportunities for industry professionals leading up to the major event in Hong Kong.