Mid-Harvest Update 2018

Anderson Exports is a Bulk Ingredients Sourcing Agency in Northern California. We specialize in sourcing the best ingredients from California, Brazil and the rest of the world. Our newsletter delivers actionable market intelligence to inform our clients' purchasing decisions.

Raisins

The 2018 California raisin crop continues to come in from the vines to processors and the quality of the fruit is excellent. Leading into the holiday season and Lunar New Years, we are seeing strong demand as many customers look to fulfill their needs before these important holidays. Robust demand from Asia and elsewhere has continued to support California’s new crop raisin pricing.

Bulk California Raisin Price.JPG

We currently have a special price through the end of December 2018 on bulk California Thompson Select raisins. We are also now offering forward contracts for up to 12 months (1+ x 20’ FCL / month) for January 2019 - December 2019. We can also offer extremely attractive pricing on contracts of 25 / 50 / 100+ x 20’ FCL orders.

There are reports of a shorter-than-expected crop of Medium Flame raisins this year. There will be relatively more Jumbo Flames available and prices for Medium Flames will reflect the relative shortage though the overall extent remains to be seen.

We supply all major bulk California raisins including dried-on-the-vine (DOV) and tray-dried Natural Thompson Seedless Selects, Selma Petes, Flames, Goldens, and other varieties in Jumbo, Select, and Midget sizes and welcome your inquiries. We also supply Selma Pete DOV Double-Run Supreme raisins to Japan and elsewhere which are processed twice to achieve exceptionally low stem and capstem counts. We also carry raisin paste & puree made from USDA Grade A raisins.

Cranberries

The market for Sweetened Dried Cranberries (SDCs) continues to be tight and will likely remain so for some time as reports from the bogs in Massachusetts and Wisconsin re-affirm the possibility of a smaller-than-expected new cranberry crop. Perpetuating the problem of short supply is the 25% Handler Withholding which was passed by the USDA recently. Overall, demand exceeds supply of SDCs. Some suppliers have already run out of fruit to sell or are projected to be sold out in a matter of months. Others processors have production schedules which are fully booked which reinforces the challenge of availability for SDC customers. The new SDC crop will become available for shipment around the end of December and early January.

In order to help our clients overcome the availability challenges with SDCs, we are currently offering 12 month contracts (1+ FCL / month) for 2019 as well as spot shipments available before the end of 2018. We can also offer compelling pricing on contracts of 25 / 50 / 100+ FCL orders.

We supply Conventional and Organic Whole or Sweetened Dried Cranberries (SDCs) packed in bulk cases as well as 50 Brix and 65 Brix cranberry concentrate shipped in bulk 55 gallon drums. We also offer organic apple juice infused sweetened dried cranberries packed in bulk poly-lined cartons.

Walnuts

In California, the Chandler crop is coming in shorter than expected. Though the extent is yet to be seen, the Northern region is thought to be more negatively impacted compared to other walnut growing regions in California. The quality of the California walnut crop as can be seen in the photos of the Chandler in-shell and kernel material below.

We work with California’s top walnut packers to supply our customers with Jumbo and Jumbo / Large (J/L) in-shell Chandler, Howard, Hartley, Vina, Tulare, Serr and other varieties. We also provide bleached in-shell walnuts in addition to California shelled product including Chandler and non-Chandler Light Halves & Pieces (LHP) 20%, 40%, 80% and higher based on customer requirements.

Almonds

The latest shipment report from the Almond Board of California showed October shipments of 247.1 million lbs vs. 246.5 mm lbs in 2017. Given the delayed harvest and buyer apprehension due to the uncertain tariff environment, stable year-over-year in October shipments came as positive news. The harvest is now complete and in-shell exports and shelling & processing are underway. Expectations for the total almond crop size are in the 2.3 - 2.45 billion range. The nonpareil crop is coming in a bit shorter than expected.

Our most popular almond varieties are Nonpareil, Independence, Butte/Padre, and Carmel types with the most popular grades of Supreme, Extra, Standard 5%, and more.

Pistachios

California pistachios are on track for one of the largest crops in history. During the springtime, there was a great bloom in which both young and old trees looked full of nuts. Later in the season, the lack of chill hours for the pistachio trees became a major concern for the industry. Many were worried that the lack of chill hours would cause a repeat of the 2015 crop when male and female trees did not sync up during blooming. However, the chill hours actually benefited the trees this year and the synchronization between the male and female trees was right on. Following this period, a tremendous amount of rain fell which further fueled the pistachio trees during the important spring growth period.

These positive developments have bolstered the case for a larger pistachio crop in California this year. Estimates for the total crop size started in the 700 million pound range but based on how the crop is now looking, the number may actually be in the 800 - 950 mm pound range. It remains to be seen whether the new crop will beat out 2016, when the crop totaled approx 905 mm pounds, as the largest crop on record.

We supply both in-shell, kernel, and US Ex. #1 21-25, 21-26, and 21-27 pistachios.

Pecans

There is some concern on the demand side for pecans since China is a major buyer of U.S. pecans. The tariff situation continues hang over the market as crop damage from weather are assessed in Georgia. Quality is good and seasonal purchasing activity is picking up.

We supply Fancy Junior Mammoth Halves (FJMH), Fancy Mammoth Halves, Fancy Pieces, and other sizes / types for all major U.S. pecan varieties.

Other Products

We work with a number of other products so please reach out if you have an inquiry for something you do not see here. We are experts in sourcing bulk food ingredients and welcome the opportunity to work with you on your inquiries. Some of our other product offerings include sunflower seeds, lentils, green peas, freeze dried fruits, popcorn, dried cherries, dried apples, dried blueberries, cherry concentrate, quinoa, dried honey dates, dried cherry tomatoes, dried gojis, dried kiwis, dried strawberries, chickpeas, chia seeds, dried mulberries, almonds, macadamias, pistachios, walnuts, cashews, pine nuts, pecans, brazil nuts, pumpkin seed kernels, melon kernels, hazelnuts, dried prunes, golden raisins, sultanas, dried apricots, sweet apricot kernels, dried black currants, dried figs, dried dates, popcorns, maraschino cherries, dried tomatoes, strawberry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, cherry pie filling, dried mangoes, dried gingers, dried pineapple, and desiccated coconut.

Work With Us As a Supplier

We are always looking to grow our supplier base with companies capable of delivering high quality food ingredients at large volumes. If you are interested, please reach out and introduce yourself.

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