SANTA MONICA, CA - During the winter months, consumers take comfort in the familiarity of the berry set. Whether they are using them to fuel their busy days or finding unique ways to incorporate them into holiday meals, shoppers will delight in finding Gem-Pack Berries products in the produce aisle.

“The winter months are a busy season for the southern berry regions,” Michelle Deleissegues, Senior Vice President of Marketing, began telling me. “Gem-Pack offers conventional and organic strawberries out of Oxnard, Irvine/Orange County, Florida, Baja California, and Central Mexico. We also have conventional and organic raspberries from Oxnard, Baja California, and Central Mexico, as well as blackberries and blueberries out of Mexico. Winter is the time to focus on cultivating a beautiful long stem strawberry crop for the upcoming Valentine's Day demand.”

When adding berries to their shopping list, consumers have the advantage of serving beautiful, festive, and flavorful dishes they know contain an extra big nutritional boost as well. Michelle pointed out that berries are also an easy crowd-pleaser, so they are a quick go-to and an assured hit with all ages.

“Berries complement so many types of dishes and cuisine that consumers can add sales boosts beyond daily consumption. The bright colors and sweet and tart flavor profiles make holiday salads, desserts, and drinks extra festive and special,” Michelle continued. “Keep well-stacked displays and encourage inventive ways to use the berries, like blueberries in green salads instead of more typical vegetables. Berries add color and flavor to appetizer boards, cocktail garnishes...just about anything!”

On a final note, Michelle let me know that Gem-Pack is also working with some accounts on developing extra appealing strawberry Valentine's Day promotions that will surely be a big hit. As we learn more, ANUK will report.

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES & PERU - A strategic acquisition has expanded Unifrutti’s table grape platform in Peru, as the company moves to integrate Safco’s production footprint and proprietary varieties across its global network. The deal, which includes Global Agro Peru and Safco Peru, adds roughly 560 hectares of vineyards and two packhouses in Ica, according to a Yahoo! Finance article.

Safco supplies premium table grapes to U.S. retailers, focusing on varieties including Cotton Candy, Sweet Globe, and Autumn Crisp. Upon completion, the transaction will bring the group’s total holdings to more than 4,300 hectares of table grape farms and an annual output of nearly 15 million boxes.

“The integration of Safco enables Unifrutti to serve U.S. customers seamlessly from September through June, sourcing from grape farms in Piura and Ica in Peru, Copiapó in northern Chile, and extending through central Chile,” the company shared, noting additional support from farms in Italy and South Africa for European customers.

Completion of the deal remains subject to customary closing conditions.

“This acquisition marks another step in our journey to build the world’s leading sustainable multi-fruit company with a 52-week integrated supply,” said Mohamed Elsarky, CEO. “By integrating Safco’s premium varieties and capabilities, we reinforce our ability to serve leading retailers and distributors worldwide.”

The group has expanded through a series of acquisitions in recent years, including Bomarea, AvoAmerica Peru, and Verfrut, bolstering its footprint across key categories and geographies.

Keep following ANUK as we monitor global supply shifts and strategic investments shaping fresh produce.

MISSION, TX - Texas Citrus Mutual, the Texas International Produce Association, and the Texas Farm Bureau issued the following statement in response to new federal actions addressing Mexico’s outstanding water deliveries.

On behalf of the fruit, vegetable, and row crop farmers in the Rio Grande Valley, we are grateful for President Trump’s recent statement regarding Mexico’s continual violation of the 1944 Water Treaty and his authorization to impose penalties against Mexico if they do not immediately begin releasing water. As a result, Mexico returned to the negotiating table.

Late Friday, the U.S. government announced a new understanding for the delivery of a portion of the overdue water and a path forward for paying the remaining debt and the yearly water obligation. While we await details, we stand ready to assist our federal and state partners to ensure deliveries are maximized for beneficial use by the agricultural industry.

We thank U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau for their swift work to ensure our voices are heard and to hold Mexico accountable. As noted in the USDA press release, our farmers have endured years of unpredictability, fueled by insufficient attention and resources to prioritize this issue.

“We applaud the Administration’s recent actions, but Mexico must honor this new agreement or face consequences. The short- and long-term impacts on Texas farmers are beyond the data on paper. Livelihoods have been uprooted, and the region’s agricultural landscape may never be the same again. Meanwhile, Mexico continues to expand its agricultural production that directly competes with U.S. producers…with water that should have been delivered to the U.S.,” said Dale Murden, President, Texas Citrus Mutual.

At the conclusion of the five-year cycle that ended on October 24, 2025, Mexico’s water debt totaled over 800,000 acre-feet. In addition, Mexico must begin paying on its yearly obligation. Both deliveries are vital to our farmers, whose crops are in the ground now, and for future planning.

“While Mexico did deliver some water this year, thanks to pressure by the Trump Administration, it was not enough to cover the debt. This new understanding must be quickly implemented. The U.S. must not allow Mexico to delay fulfilling its obligations, or it risks Mexico overusing water resources that should be shared. A tactic taken by Mexico for years without penalty or accountability,” said Dante Galeazzi, President & CEO, Texas International Produce Association.

Recently, the Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) board of directors and county Farm Bureau leaders, including President Russell Boening and Brian Jones, TFB State Director, and a farmer in the RGV, visited Washington, DC, with the 1944 Treaty as a key priority. Boening and Jones met with USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, State Department Representatives, Texas Senators Cornyn and Cruz, and numerous members of Congress.

“Our RGV members have struggled for decades to maintain their family farming operations due to Mexico’s inconsistent compliance. ‘Enough is enough,’ is the message we delivered to the Administration and Congress.” “With the announcement of this new understanding, it’s clear they heard our voices, and for that we are grateful,” said Boening.

“President Trump’s authorization to hold Mexico accountable is a game-changer; however, any new deal by Mexico must be honored and include full payment of the debt. If I were in debt, to the equivalent of Mexico’s 800,000 acre-feet, my farm would be foreclosed on. The U.S. government must stand firm in its position that, if Mexico doesn’t deliver, it will be held accountable. Absent action, every day that passes without certainty results in more fallow acres – status quo is not an option,” said Jones.

Additionally, to enable future accountability, Texas Senators John Cornyn and Ted Cruz recently introduced the Ensuring Predictable and Reliable Water Deliveries Act of 2025, which would hold Mexico accountable for failing to provide water and limit engagement with the Government of Mexico until it upholds its obligations to deliver water to the United States. In support, Representatives Monica De La Cruz (TX-15) and Henry Cuellar (TX-28) introduced a companion bill in the House. This bicameral legislation shows Congressional support for bringing Mexico into compliance, a position long advocated for by Texas farmers.

We also applaud the November 21 statement by Texas Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) calling on Mexico to meet its delivery obligations. And we echo Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller’s words from his December 14 statement on Friday’s announcement, “Let me be clear: Texas farmers expect Mexico to fully meet its obligations—not just today, but for years to come.”

Mexico’s continual noncompliance endangers the viability of the RGV’s communities of over 1 million residents and 500,000 acres of irrigated farmland. The Mexican government and its states must honor their obligation to deliver water annually to the U.S.

We are grateful for the full support of President Trump, Secretary Rubio, and Secretary Rollins in this fight to save Texas farmers and communities. In addition to the support of our state officials, we work together to ensure our farmers have the resources needed to produce food and fiber for America.

For more information about TIPA, please visit www.texipa.org.

LA CAÑADA FLINTRIDGE, CA - The Allen Lund Company is pleased to announce that Eric Sawchuk has been named the 2026 Chairman of the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce.

Eric has been with ALC for 22 years. He spent 16 years in Chicago before moving to the Los Angeles office in 2020, where he currently serves as a Senior Transportation Broker.

Regarding his position with the Chamber of Commerce, Sawchuk shared in the recent release, "In my capacity as chairman, I will preside over director and executive meetings, emcee all Chamber business mixers and ribbon-cutting events, and aid in setting the agenda with the executive board and CEO. "

Sawchuk's first involvement with the Chamber came in 2022 when he served as a director. In 2024, he became the VP of Community Programs and was chosen as the Chairman-Elect the following year in 2025. Throughout his tenure, Sawchuk has emceed the Chamber of Commerce's annual "Fiesta Day" Memorial Day parade. A swearing-in ceremony will take place on January 29, 2026, the same day as the Allen Lund Company's 50th anniversary.

David Lund, Executive Vice President, stated, "We are incredibly proud to congratulate Eric Sawchuk on his new role as Chairman of the La Cañada Flintridge Chamber of Commerce. This is a tremendous honor and a testament to his dedication to the community."

CALIFORNIA - A shift in the Pacific pattern is underway this week, with warm atmospheric rivers beginning to edge farther south and bring a return to rainfall across northern parts of the state. The change will also help break up the persistent fog layer that has kept many low-lying areas locked in a prolonged inversion and unusually chilly daytime temperatures.

According to analysis from Weather West and Meteorologist Daniel Swain, the incoming moisture is tied to a subtropical airmass capable of finally lifting the trapped cold air near the surface. As the inversion erodes, temperatures at lower elevations may rise by 10–20°F, even as cloud cover and intermittent rain develop. Precipitation is expected to spread gradually inland through the week, with light to moderate warm rainfall marking the first notable pattern shift in several weeks.

Swain notes, however, that this warmth has consequences for higher terrain. Snow levels remain extremely elevated, often between 7,000 and 9,000 feet or more, meaning most mountain locations will see rain rather than snow. With existing snowpack already at historically low levels for December in several regions, warm rain may diminish what little accumulation remains.

Farther north along the Pacific Coast, a series of strong atmospheric rivers continues to impact Washington and British Columbia, producing renewed flooding and landslide concerns as saturated slopes absorb additional moisture. Meanwhile, southern parts of the state will stay dry and warm for now, though longer-range ensemble guidance suggests the potential for broader storm activity later in the month as the ridge slowly shifts east.

While the transition is gradual, the overall trend points toward a wetter pattern returning to the state, with the possibility of more expansive storm systems developing closer to the end of December.

Keep checking ANUK for continued weather developments and regional insights.

NOGALES, AZ - Prime Time Produce has tapped Nicole Bryon to be its head of sustainability and social responsibility, signaling a deeper investment in environmental performance, transparency, and community impact across the company’s operations. Bryon, who brings extensive experience in climate policy, compliance leadership, and environmental data analysis, will help guide Prime Time’s next phase of intentional, focused work in this area.

Her appointment comes as the company adopts a more rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding and improving its environmental and community footprint. Prime Time has begun laying the groundwork for clearer benchmarks that will support meaningful targets and long-term accountability. For the company, these efforts are not a marketing checkbox but an evolving commitment—recognizing both the progress already underway and the distance still ahead. The focus is on continuous advancement rooted in authenticity, not perfection.

“This role comes at an important time for Prime Time,” said Mike Way, President and CEO, in the recent release. “As we took a step back and reflected on our operations, we recognized that while we’re doing many things right, there are areas where we can, and should, do better. Creating this role was a deliberate decision to acknowledge those gaps and approach them thoughtfully. Nicole’s work will help us turn reflection into action, ensure our progress is genuine, and support a culture focused on being more responsible, more transparent, and better every day."

Bryon will focus on reducing emissions across Prime Time’s operations, improving data collection in its growing and packing regions, and developing standardized tools that strengthen internal reporting and transparency for customers and partners. Her work will also include leading packaging initiatives, such as evaluating recyclable materials, running trials for lower-impact options, and identifying ways to reduce waste in both field and packhouse settings.

“What drew me to Prime Time is their top-down commitment in this space. I believe sustainability is most effective when it’s built on clear priorities, solid data, and accountability,” Bryon said. “At Prime Time, I’m focused on strengthening that foundation, using measurable insights to guide decisions, and providing teams with practical tools that embed environmental responsibility and social accountability into daily operations.”

Prime Time is also beginning the groundwork for its first comprehensive sustainability report, planned for release in 2027. The baseline assessment will map the company’s carbon footprint, water use, packaging impact, and community efforts to ensure that future goals are rooted in real data rather than assumptions or aspirational targets.

These efforts reinforce Prime Time Produce’s commitment to Growing Greater Together supporting the healthy growth of their company, partners, industry, and customers.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - A message from Suhanra Conradie, Chief Executive Officer of Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA), offers a forward-looking and reflective update on the group’s 2025 season, the supply chain that supports it, and the long-standing commitment that has shaped its presence in the U.S. market. A new video accompanies the update, sharing highlights, fruit quality, and insights from the group’s importer partners.

“In 1999, a few brave growers from Citrusdal in South Africa started a challenging, yet rewarding, journey of shipping a few oranges to the US market. This was the inception of the Summer Citrus from South Africa program and our group’s ‘American dream,'” Suhanra wrote.

Citrusdal, the primary production area for the program, is situated in the Western Cape, approximately two hours from Cape Town. The Western Cape and Northern Cape remain the only citrus production areas in South Africa with access to the U.S. due to phytosanitary requirements.

“What followed was a journey filled with many challenges and opportunities to sustainably grow and establish a successful cohesive business model that would be recognized across the globe. The journey would include multiple players collaborating for the greater good of the industry, resulting in their own businesses growing responsibly. This aligns with the famous Latin proverb ‘fortes fortuna adiuvat,’ meaning ‘fortune favors the brave’ and in very simple terms ‘the brave will be rewarded!’”

From the outset, the program held to its guiding principles of managing supply and demand while complementing domestic U.S. citrus production with fresh, sweet, and delicious summer citrus.

“Since day one, we held true to our business model of managing supply and demand, and our mission of complementing local US citrus production, by offering the US consumer fresh, sweet, and delicious citrus in the summer months, when otherwise unavailable.”

With loyal service providers and partners, SCSA has built a cohesive network anchored in long-term sustainable relationships.

“Together with our loyal service providers and business partners, we have established ourselves as the preferred supplier of citrus during the summer months in the US. As times have changed and evolved, we stood true to our basic principle of choosing the right business partners, with a focus on long-term sustainable business relationships.”

The 2025 season exemplified the group’s ability to turn challenges into strategic wins. Despite tariffs shaping the dynamics of the market, the program achieved a record year.

“The 2025 season was, as so many similar seasons, a perfect example of turning a huge challenge, into a massive opportunity. In fact, despite the tariffs, this was our record season year to date! This is a result of showing our commitment to the US market, our investment into developing and establishing a challenging market, and sophisticated supply-chain solutions to align with the demand of the US market.”

As the season concluded, new tariff guidance delivered meaningful news.

“As we concluded our season, we received the news that imported oranges will be exempt from the tariffs. Though this does not mean business as usual, it at least means we are back in business for the 2026 season!”

SCSA remains hopeful that additional categories will be included in future exemptions.

“We are hopeful that Easy Peelers, Grapefruit and Lemons will also be included in the exemption as we are totally counter seasonally to local US citrus production. With the tariffs, all service providers are working together to ensure the economics make sense for all parties involved. Fresh produce does not come from a fabric but is a precious gift from mother nature and due to the seasonality of our citrus, we complement US local citrus production by being 100% counter to citrus production in the US.”

Keep clicking back to ANUK as we bring you more citrus updates.