Tom Karst

U.S. imports of New Zealand apples in 2024 were valued at $44.9 million, down from $69.2 million in 2023, according to USDA trade numbers.

The event, hosted by The Packer, will draw retailers, grower-shippers, wholesalers, importers, exporters and other decision-makers from across the fresh produce industry.

The state's orange production was up 4% from the previous season, and grapefruit production increased 7%, the USDA reports.

The Sunshine State accounted for about 56% of total domestic fresh round tomato truck shipments, according to the USDA's annual shipment summary.

Exports are forecast to rise 17% compared with the previous year, according to a USDA report.

A larger Quebec crop and average Ontario crop are driving the projected rise, according to a new report.

Texas grapefruit and orange harvest has begun with industry expectations of a fresh crop for 2024-25 of 2.5 million cartons of grapefruit, 1 million cartons of early oranges, and 500,000 cartons of late oranges.

Florida growers suffered a three-hurricane season in 2024, and growers and researchers are still tallying losses from Hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

The fresh produce is set for distribution to The Emergency Food Assistance Program and other related domestic food assistance programs.

Five vendors have been awarded contracts to supply apples for the nearly $600,000 purchase.