Based on current projections, the National Mango Board is estimating a fairly similar flow of mangos from Mexico in the May through August timeframe. The projected volume for those four months is approximately 42.1 million boxes, which compares favorably to the 41.4 million boxes that were imported in 2012 from our closest southern neighbor.

SAN DIEGO — Several industry experts said that because of budgetary constraints, there is no reason to expect anything but increased delays at ports of entry when trying to import fresh produce into the United States.

A tremendous increase in imports over the last decade has not led to a corresponding increase in inspectors, facilities or even efficiencies to handle the increase. In addition, new federal regulations, including the yet-to-be-released import rules associated with the Food Safety Modernization Act, have led to what seems sure to be an unfunded mandate.

Freshway Foods, a fresh fruit and vegetable processor, repacker, distributor and logistics provider based in Sidney, OH, introduced several new super food salads at United Fresh 2013 in San Diego.

Featured at the show were new salads containing Brussels sprouts, kale, mango and healthy grains, such as rainbow quinoa.

VINELAND, NJ — The Vineland Produce Auction opened “a little later this year than last year because of the weather,” according to the auction’s Carol DeFoor. The long-running auction opened the 2013 season on April 26, about two weeks later than last year’s extremely early start but pretty much in line with historical norms, she noted.

“Volume is picking up. We started squash today,” she told The Produce News May 14. “We have the greens, asparagus, all the lettuces.” She was expecting “substantial” volume on many items by around June 3.

Bob Von Rohr, director of customer relations for Sunny Valley International headquartered in Glassboro, NJ, told The Produce News that this year’s blueberry and peach crops are trending more towards a normal start.

“We had an early start with New Jersey’s crops last year,” said Von Rohr. “This year we’ll be moving foward on a normal time schedule. Blueberries will start by mid-June, and peaches will start the beginning of July.”

The past winter weather has been perfect for both crops. Von Rohr said there were plenty of dormant hours and moisture during the growing season.

Nelly Yunta is vice president of sales, marketing and customer care, liner and logistics business groups for Crowley Maritime Corp., headquartered in Jacksonville, FL. Customized Brokers is the Miami-based division of Crowley Maritime.

Yunta said that the company is involved with numerous New Jersey distributors because they bring a great deal of produce in from South and Central America.