Ana Ramos, licensed customs broker and partner with her husband Frank Ramos, owners of The Perishable Specialist Inc. in Miami, FL, said that projecting increases or decreases in berry imports every year is a subjective question.

“We have spoken to several customers regarding the upcoming season, and the main topic has been on the increase in the number of foreign berry growers,” said Ms. Ramos. “That translates into an anticipated larger amount of berries to be cleared in the coming season.”

Nelly Yunta, vice president of Customized Brokers in Miami, FL, said that she is hearing that there will be an increase in berry imports to the United States this year.

“I cannot pinpoint the exact reasons for the expected growth, but it could be at least in part attributed to new countries emerging in the berry market,” said Ms. Yunta. “Customized Brokers is currently clearing berries from Argentina and Chile, and we have seen a very consistent volume from both countries.”

Dates have a good story to tell with regard to health benefits, and Albert Keck, president of Hadley Date Gardens Inc. in Thermal, CA, believes that consumers are responsive to the health message.

Winters, CA-based Mariani Nut Co., which has been conducting business for over 40 years and offers full lines of almonds, walnuts and pecans, attributes its success to strong partnerships with retailers and good two-way communication.

“We find that retailers are listening when we share the story of our family-owned company, and of our long-term customer relationships,” said Matt Mariani, who oversees sales and marketing for the company. “Their customers are serious about wanting to know more about the people and farms that produce their food.”

According to Joseph Setton of Terra Bella, CA-based Setton Farms, pistachio sales this past crop year were very strong and shipments were up over 25 percent.

“Retail sales specifically have been strong,” he said. “According to IRI, in the fourth quarter of 2011, pistachio sales exceeded almonds at retail.”

Although it is still too early to comment on this year’s crop (as the harvest season begins in September and ends in early October), Mr. Setton said that the healthfulness of pistachios will help to drive sales.

“We are happy to announce that we are now marketing ‘Southern Selects’ hand peeled Brussels sprouts, a new item for our company,” Charlie Eagle, vice president of business development for Southern Specialties, headquartered in Pompano Beach, FL, told The Produce News. “We are growing the item in Guatemala, and we’re offering a variety of pack sizes.”