MEXICO/CALIFORNIA/PERU - With light supplies out of both California and Mexico, reports tell us that the current avocado market is trending on the high side.

PRO*ACT’s The Source report, published on April 16, states that size structure remains the same as it did in our previous coverage, peaking on 60ct and smaller sizes with 48ct and larger being priced higher. Harvest out of Mexico has been a bit lighter due to Holy Week celebrations. Although the California season is now in full swing, peaking this week through June, supplies remain light out of this region as well. Peruvian supplies are also coming online now, expected to ramp up in May.

The USDA’s most recent market report out of California’s Los Angeles Terminal also states that supplies are light out of California. The report lists CA Hass 32s of fair quality at 54.00-55.00; lower 36s of fair quality at 53.00-55.00; 40s of fair quality at 62.00-64.00; and 60s of fair quality at 58.00-60.00, occasional higher/lower fine appearance of 65.00-68.00. Though the high market is expected to continue, an industry source reports excellent supplies of 48s and larger from both California and Mexico.

Mexico Hass, according to USDA, is represented by the following numbers:

• 32s 77.00-80.00 mostly 78.00-79.00 occasional higher/lower
• 36s 77.00-80.00 mostly 78.00-79.00 occasional higher
• 40s 71.00-74.00 mostly 72.00-73.00 occasional higher/lower
• 48s 72.00-75.00 mostly 73.00-74.00 occasional lower
• 60s 57.00-60.00 mostly 58.00-59.00 occasional higher
• 70s 46.00-49.00 mostly 47.00-48.00 occasional higher
• 84s 31.00-34.00 mostly 32.00-33.00 occasional higher/lower

With the California season peaking and Peru season ramping up, we will keep you in the loop on how the avocado market performs.

WENATCHEE, WA - Stemilt’s southern location, Chinchiolo Stemilt California (CSC), has received approval from Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) to implement the Net Energy Metering 2.0 (NEM2) solar program, which allows solar customers to earn credits for excess electricity sent back to the grid. The project will add approximately 3,000 solar panels across four acres at CSC’s location in Stockton, California, where it grows, packs, and ships World Famous cherries.

The NEM2 solar program, according to the California Public Utilities Commission, allows customers to receive credits for excess electricity they send back to the grid when they produce more energy than they can consume. Although NEM2 has since transitioned to the NEM3 program, CSC’s project was grandfathered into NEM2 for 20 years, allowing the company to benefit from greater solar savings.

“At CSC, we are committed to producing high-quality fruit and also being responsible stewards of the environment,” said CSC’s General Manager, Erick Stonebarger, in a recent press release. “In celebration of Earth Day this month, we’re proud to launch our solar panel installation project, a major step in reducing our carbon footprint and promoting sustainable energy practices. By harnessing the power of the sun, we’re ensuring a greener future for our community, our business, and future generations.”

This marks Stemilt's second solar initiative, expanding upon its 2018 installation of 100 solar panels at its main location in Wenatchee, Washington, but at a greater capacity. Conserving renewable resources is part of Stemilt’s commitment to its Responsible Choice® program, which began back in 1989 to develop sustainability ideas into initiatives. From the time a solar contractor is selected, the project is expected to take approximately 12 months to complete and receive final inspection sign-off. A feasibility report from ACIP Energy LLC, based on historical usage and current PG&E rates, provides a conservative projection of long-term savings.

“The environmental impact of this project is incredibly rewarding,” Stonebarger added. “Over the next 25 years, our solar panels will offset the emissions equivalent to taking hundreds of cars off the road and will help reduce harmful pollutants like NOx (nitrogen oxides) and SOx (sulfur oxides). This is just the beginning of our commitment to renewable energy, and we’re proud to make this long-term investment in a cleaner future.”

The four-acre solar array will be built on the northwest side of CSC’s main facility and is scheduled for completion in 2026. The solar panels are estimated to offset 2 megawatts of electricity as well as CO2, NOx, and SOx emissions, equivalent to driving an average car 197,403,176 miles, removing 640 cars from roads for 25 years, or planting 994 acres of trees.

“Our decision to move forward with the NEM2 solar program wasn’t just a business decision,” said Stonebarger. “It’s about our responsibility to the environment. With this project, we’re making a lasting impact by significantly reducing CO2 emissions and promoting sustainability. The savings we’ll realize in the coming years are not only financial but also environmental, and we are excited about the positive change this will bring.”

KEASBEY, NJ - Wakefern Food Corp., the retailer-owned supermarket cooperative with member companies that own and operate supermarkets under the ShopRite, Price Rite Marketplace, The Fresh Grocer, Dearborn Market, Gourmet Garage, Fairway Market and Di Bruno Bros. banners, is seeking local farmers to join its network of suppliers and participate in a Produce Local Supplier Summit on July 9. The application process to join the summer summit and be considered as a Wakefern supplier kicks off on April 22, 2025 through the RangeMe platform, and farmers and growers who apply should be based in the Northeast.

As part of its long commitment to sourcing locally grown produce, Wakefern is seeking to expand its network of local and regional farmers and producers. The latest supplier summit will provide farmers and growers with a unique opportunity to showcase their produce and products, connect with Wakefern and ShopRite produce procurement teams and explore other potential retail partnerships with summit attendees. Applicants who qualify through RangeMe will be invited by Wakefern to join the networking summit July 9 at the New Jersey Convention and Expo Center in Edison, NJ. The one-day event will also include special presentations by Wakefern leaders in produce sourcing and quality assurance, panels with Wakefern members who operate ShopRite stores, and industry leaders and local suppliers. Attendees will also have the opportunity to do “speed meetings” with existing growers to learn more about what it’s like to work with Wakefern.

"Wakefern’s Produce Local Supplier Summit is another way to help small- and mid-size local growers bring their fresh produce to our stores. ShopRite stores are owned and operated by families who belong to our supermarket cooperative and live and work in the communities where their stores operate. We want local farmers and growers to know we are here and committed to being farm fresh. We want to work with them,” said Mark Van Buskirk, Group Vice President of Fresh for Wakefern, in a recent press release.

The application process for the summit opens April 22 and runs through May 30. Applicants are encouraged to share their brand or product’s origin story as part of the application process for the supplier summit.

Local farmers and growers should also be headquartered in states where Wakefern supermarket banners operate, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. A team at Wakefern will consider the RangeMe applications and meet with the potential new growers at or before the July 9 summit. Produce growers set to attend and participate in panels at the summit include Hudson River Fruit Distributors, Minkus Family Farms, Frank Donio Inc., and The Masser Family of Companies.

Wakefern is known for supporting local businesses and brands, and supplier summits are in line with the cooperative’s mission to help small businesses succeed in a big business world. Wakefern has hosted similar supplier summits in the past to find new locally made products and suppliers for its award-winning private label lines Bowl & Basket and Wholesome Pantry. Past winners have provided new store brand sauces, spices and even restaurant-quality frozen meals with vegetarian, plant-based and gluten-free options.

To be considered for the latest supplier summit, applicants must fill out the RangeMe application online. For more information and to complete an application, visit the RangeMe application link.

NEW YORK, NY - The New York Apple Association (NYAA) unveils its latest social media initiative aimed at engaging and inspiring apple enthusiasts across the nation. The initiative seeks to harness the collective power of the state’s 500+ apple growers to actively participate in content creation that will captivate and motivate consumers to indulge in the delicious bounty of New York apples.

The NYAA Social Media Committee is being driven by three committee founding members: Kristen DeMarree, Social Media Committee Chairperson and NYAA Board of Directors; Helene Dembroski, NYAA Secretary and Chairperson of the School and Food Management Committee; and Carrie Wafler, NYAA Board of Director.

NYAA is calling upon its network of dedicated apple growers and apple-related businesses to share their unique stories, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and the passion that goes into producing superior-tasting apples. By doing so, growers will not only showcase the rich heritage and meticulous care that define New York apples but also build a direct and personal connection with consumers.

“Social media influences many aspects of our lives. It’s where we find inspiration, learn what’s popular, how we get our news, form or solidify opinions, and influence what items we buy. Social media is also unique in that we can form friendships and relationships with those who want to know who is growing their food and how they are growing it. It is a great platform for growers to make connections,” said Kristen DeMarree in a recent press release.

The NYAA envisions a collaborative approach where each grower contributes to a diverse tapestry of content that highlights the multifaceted nature of apple farming. This content will range from captivating photos and engaging videos to heartfelt narratives and informative posts. Growers are encouraged to document various aspects of their work, like growing and harvesting techniques, a day in the life, family traditions, seasonal changes, and the health benefits of apples.

The primary intent of this initiative is to create content that resonates with consumers, encouraging them to purchase more New York apples. By seeing the faces behind the fruit, understanding the effort involved, and appreciating the stories that make each apple unique, consumers will feel a deeper connection to the product. This emotional engagement is key to driving sales and fostering loyalty. Additionally, informing consumers about the health benefits of apples and offering numerous recipes that they can try at home or share with friends and family will further enhance their connection to the product.

“Every apple has a story, and bringing together the New York apple growers to share their stories, including their challenges and triumphs, will create a narrative that consumers can relate to, leading to engaging with us, the grower,” said Helene Dembroski, NYAA Board of Directors.

The New York Apple Association’s new social media initiative is a testament to the power of community and collaboration. By bringing together the voices and experiences of over 500 apple growers, the NYAA aims to create a vibrant and engaging online presence that not only promotes New York apples but also celebrates the people who make it all possible.

“As a committee, we see this initiative as a grassroots initiative. The growers will be creating content on their personal social media platforms in addition to collaborating with NYAA to expand our collective reach. The Committee is growing, and everyone is busy creating videos and photography as we share the NY apple story,” said Carrie Wafler, NYAA Board of Directors.

The New York Apple Association and the NY apple growers will be launching the content this year.