Pistachios
Despite the later and smaller crop, pistachio shipments in September came in fairly strong.
The top destinations for exports included Germany (5.1MM lbs), Hong Kong (3.7), China (1.5), and Spain (0.8).
Prices are firming for U.S. pistachios as expectations for a smaller crop than expected are becoming more widespread. Record shipments last year even in spite of tariffs evidence the strong global appetite for U.S. pistachios. Since the current 2019 / 2020 crop is an “off” production year, demand will likely exceed supply. Therefore, prices are expected to be firm and the next crop transition is likely to be very tight as the current crop is sold swiftly. Any resolution to the trade war and reductions of Chinese tariffs on U.S. pistachios would put additional upward pressure on pricing. Given the likelihood of a firming market and limited supply, buyers would be wise to cover current and future needs earlier rather than later.
We supply raw in-shell pistachios and raw pistachio kernels of all sizes, grades and styles. We also supply roasted Extra No. 1 pistachios and welcome your inquiries.
Walnuts
The size of the Chandler crop remains unknown as harvesting is still underway but so far kernel yields are looking similar or below last year, which was a sub-par year. There are also reports that the shells on Chandler are harder and thicker than normal which may lead to lower halves yields than normal. The outcome of the Chandler crop will be the key driver of availability and pricing going forward. There is considerable variability by region, field, grower, etc in the Chandler crop which makes forecasting difficult. As more nuts are received in the next 10 days, the picture of the crop will become more clear.
We work with the best California 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. We also supply Combo Halves and Pieces (CHP) and Light Sorted Pieces (LSP).
Pecans
New crop shipments are just around the corner and we have seen stable pricing so far. The recent estimate from the National Pecan Sheller’s Association (NPSA) for a U.S. crop of 303MM lbs lifted expectations of the total supply for new crop. The trade war with China continues to cast uncertainty on shipments for the coming year, though we have heard of some business to China getting done recently even in spite of the Chinese tariffs on U.S. pecans. An easing of tariffs would motivate Chinese purchasing of U.S. origin pecans and probably lower reliance on other origins like Mexico and South Africa.
We supply Fancy Junior Mammoth Halves (FJMH), Fancy Mammoth Halves, Fancy Pieces, and other sizes / types for all major U.S. pecan varieties.
Raisins
Excellent quality California Thompson raisins are available for prompt shipment from the new crop. Fancy jumbo golden raisins are selling out quickly and there are fewer and fewer jumbos available compared to past years. With ample supplies available, great quality, and attractive pricing, the value proposition of California raisins is compelling.
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 offer multiple packaging options including custom boxes with client branding, supplier branded boxes, and blank unbranded boxes.
Cranberries
There is wide availability on organic whole and sliced sweetened dried cranberries (SDCs). Conventional whole SDC availability is tighter than conventional sliced SDC. Without handler withholdings for the year ahead and with successful harvests, we anticipate more reliable supply and stable prices than in the past year.
We supply Conventional and Organic Whole or Sliced Sweetened Dried Cranberries (SDCs) packed in bulk cases as well as Organic Apple Juice Sweetened varieties. We also work with quarter inch diced and other diced cranberry products available as per client requirement. In addition, we supply 50 Brix and 65 Brix cranberry concentrate shipped in bulk 55 gallon drums.
Sunflower
Wet weather in North Dakota has delayed the sunflower harvest and is adding uncertainty to the size and quality of the new crop. Record levels of moisture in September and October were observed. The governor of North Dakota declared a statewide flood emergency asking for federal assistance to help farmers in the wake of a snowstorm and continued rains through the harvest season. The forecast going forward is for a week of clear weather so hopes are high for the weather to turn favorable so harvesting progress can be made. Given also reduced acreage planted for all specialty crops, prices may rise for U.S. No. 1 quality. In the next few weeks, the picture of the new crop of sunflower from the U.S. should become more clear.
We supply In-shell sunflower as well as hulled sunflower kernel available in premium and industrial grades for all major sizes. Packaging options include 10 KG, 25 lb, and 50 lb bags.