Conditions have combined in a perfect-storm manner, leading to a quality pipfruit season for Giumarra Wenatchee [WA]. “Weather patterns were positive this season, aiding in producing high soluble solids and good coloring,” Sales Manager Jason Bushong said. “The conditions in New Zealand were very good this season, producing large fruit which is very favorable for the U.S. market.”

The company’s apple manifest includes Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith, Pink Lady and Royal Gala.

Kicking off with Walla Walla Sweet Salad Onions in May, Sweet Clover Produce in Walla Walla, WA, is moving full-swing into the 2014 Northwest onion season with mature Walla Walla Sweets in mid-June, followed by reds, whites, yellows and additional sweets in July.

Frost damage in west-central Michigan's asparagus crop is minor compared to that industry's labor concerns for the year.

John Bakker, executive director of the Michigan Asparagus Advisory Board, indicated that there was significant frost damage to his industry's crop on the evening of May 16.

For Isabel Freeland, vice president at Coast Tropical in San Diego, it’s a matter of economics.

“We are holding the line. You just can’t sell a box of mangos that cheap,” she said. “There are people out there selling at any price — and that doesn’t help.”

Freeland was speaking of the mango market, which was around $3 per carton for the early part of May with some sales lower. She said just the carton and the transportation added up to $3 so there is no way a shipper should be able to be at a price less than that. “We just don’t understand it.”

TUBAC, AZ — Year-to-date on May 5, the Mexican mango industry was 1.5 million boxes behind 2013. But, mango shipper Chris Ciruli, chief operating officer of Ciruli Bros. LLC, located in Rio Rico, AZ, indicated that by May 15 Mexico’s mango production would have gained steam as the deal moved from southern states toward the north. While the gap from last year will never be closed, there will be greater production this summer, he said.

Ronald Cohen, vice president of sales-member of River Edge, N.J.-based Vision Import Group, which works hand-in-hand with Vision Produce Co. in Los Angeles, predicted “measured growth” in mango business for the two companies.

He said the company is perfecting its grower model and has seen growth each year. “We’ve had different partnerships and have put in different business models each year,” he said. “They all have their challenges but we continue to grow. We’re growing every year.”