Both Ecuadorian and Peruvian mango production is a bit light this year. But by sourcing from both countries, Freska Produce International LLC in Oxnard, CA, is able to fill its customers’ needs.

“The Ataulfos from Ecuador are winding down,” said Gary Clevenger, co-owner of the company. “Volume will be spotty until they are finished near the end of December. But we are bringing in a lot of Tommy Atkins from Ecuador, and we are starting up in Peru [the week of Dec. 5]. That first load from Peru should arrive by December 19.”

FRESNO, CA — As reported previously in The Produce News, Omar Abu Ghazaleh, formerly a manager at Pacific Trellis Fruit LLC in Reedley, CA, has founded a new grower-direct produce importing and marketing company, OAG Global Inc., headquartered here. In an Oct. 10 press release, the company announced “its debut import season with a prominent stake in the Peruvian table grape category.”

Soon to follow will be other products from Peru such as avocados as well as grapes and premium conditioned tree fruit from Chile.

Nelly Yunta, vice president of U.S. imports, customs brokerage and consulting for Customized Brokers in Miami, the customs brokerage division of Crowley Marine Corp., told The Produce News that the company caters almost exclusively to fruits and vegetables.

“We are solely dedicated to the produce industry and our business is streamlined to handle perishables exclusively,” said Frank Ramos, a partner with his wife, Ana, in The Perishable Specialist Inc. in Miami. “We deal with the same government agencies and departments, the same vendors and the same steamship lines because this is all we do every day, twenty-four hours a day. We are the epitome of streamlined process when it comes to clearing imported fruits and vegetables.”

Ecoripe Tropicals’ Asian vegetable program was in full swing in late November.

The company, in Medley, FL, is an importer and distributor of a full line of quality tropical, Asian and specialty produce. It sources from Central American countries, including Guatemala, Honduras, Belize and Costa Rica, according to Marc Holbik, vice president.

Sam Jones, Florida citrus operations manager for Duda Farm Fresh Foods Inc., headquartered in Oviedo, FL, said that the company’s volumes are ahead of last season on all varieties.

“We were able to capture an early-season start from Southwest Florida in the Gulf growing district,” said Mr. Jones. “We are pleased with the steady movement and firm f.o.b., and we are seeing less volatility in the market this season.”