Australian citrus drives U.S. summer market
Australian citrus drives U.S. summer market
"Aussie citrus is known for its great quality," said Stu Monaghan, DNE sales manager for Australian Citrus. "The growing regions of Australia have benefited from some cool nights throughout the current growing season, so fruit color is coming on, the internal maturity is high and the peel quality is excellent. Each year Aussie Navel oranges are revered as the best citrus in the world, and this year's crop will exemplify those high standards.
DNE expects the first ships to arrive at the port of San Diego during the first week of July. Shipments to customers will begin July 8-9 following the completion of the unloading and inspection procedures.
Mr. Monaghan said that the shipping schedule now in place ensures that retailers will have a consistent supply of Australian citrus throughout the season.
This year's volumes are also expected to increase. Australian Navel orange imports will reach 1.65 million 35-pound boxes, 10 percent higher than the 2004 season. Minneola tangelo supplies will be 15 percent higher, with 330,000 boxes anticipated. Ellendale mandarins will reach 100,000 boxes, Honey tangerines will be at 25,000 boxes and lemon imports will total 10,000 boxes -- a 10 percent increase in each variety. F.o.b.s on all varieties will be comparable to the past several years, Mr. Monaghan added. "Navel sizing is also consistent with that of the past. We will begin with 72s, followed by 88s. As we get into August, the fruit will have sized up to 72s and be followed by 56s.
The variety lineup begins with lemons and Navel oranges on the first vessel scheduled to arrive in early July, and Minneola tangelos and Ellendale mandarins will follow near the end of the month.
DNE now offers optional packaging to help fulfill its customers' needs. Retailers can order both Ellendales and Minneolas in three- and five-pound Vexar mesh bags. Bagged citrus will be shipped out of the same location as bulk cartons, adding one-stop shopping to the list of additional benefits.
"We also offer advertising dollars to retailers who promote Australian citrus in their media programs, said Mr. Monaghan. "This support is offered to help drive the business and to increase consumer awareness of this high-quality fruit. We look at marketing support as a way of partnering with our valuable customer bank.
DNE has pulled its merchandising programs in-house this year in order to have more control and to add to the programs' dynamics. Marketing will be directed through the firm's facilities in Fort Pierce, FL, Visalia, CA, and North Brunswick, NJ. The Oppenheimer Group in City of Industry, CA, will collaborate with DNE as its sub-agent.
The exclusive importer of Australian citrus since 1992, DNE World Fruit Sales continues to provide customers with a high level of service from its satellite operations. Mixers are loaded for shipment from Lucca Cold Storage in Vineland, NJ, DNE's facility in Ft. Pierce and from several other strategically located points throughout the United States.
DNE expects the first ships to arrive at the port of San Diego during the first week of July. Shipments to customers will begin July 8-9 following the completion of the unloading and inspection procedures.
Mr. Monaghan said that the shipping schedule now in place ensures that retailers will have a consistent supply of Australian citrus throughout the season.
This year's volumes are also expected to increase. Australian Navel orange imports will reach 1.65 million 35-pound boxes, 10 percent higher than the 2004 season. Minneola tangelo supplies will be 15 percent higher, with 330,000 boxes anticipated. Ellendale mandarins will reach 100,000 boxes, Honey tangerines will be at 25,000 boxes and lemon imports will total 10,000 boxes -- a 10 percent increase in each variety. F.o.b.s on all varieties will be comparable to the past several years, Mr. Monaghan added. "Navel sizing is also consistent with that of the past. We will begin with 72s, followed by 88s. As we get into August, the fruit will have sized up to 72s and be followed by 56s.
The variety lineup begins with lemons and Navel oranges on the first vessel scheduled to arrive in early July, and Minneola tangelos and Ellendale mandarins will follow near the end of the month.
DNE now offers optional packaging to help fulfill its customers' needs. Retailers can order both Ellendales and Minneolas in three- and five-pound Vexar mesh bags. Bagged citrus will be shipped out of the same location as bulk cartons, adding one-stop shopping to the list of additional benefits.
"We also offer advertising dollars to retailers who promote Australian citrus in their media programs, said Mr. Monaghan. "This support is offered to help drive the business and to increase consumer awareness of this high-quality fruit. We look at marketing support as a way of partnering with our valuable customer bank.
DNE has pulled its merchandising programs in-house this year in order to have more control and to add to the programs' dynamics. Marketing will be directed through the firm's facilities in Fort Pierce, FL, Visalia, CA, and North Brunswick, NJ. The Oppenheimer Group in City of Industry, CA, will collaborate with DNE as its sub-agent.
The exclusive importer of Australian citrus since 1992, DNE World Fruit Sales continues to provide customers with a high level of service from its satellite operations. Mixers are loaded for shipment from Lucca Cold Storage in Vineland, NJ, DNE's facility in Ft. Pierce and from several other strategically located points throughout the United States.
