Limoneira is beginning to wind down its Californian lemon programme as South American supply increases.
With transition to the Southern Hemisphere growing season is well underway, the company said Chile is expecting increased volume and exceptional quality.
In Argentina, meanwhile, overall production is down, although Limoneira said its own volume will increase significantly this year as young trees mature and associates’ plantings come to fruition.
Limoneira has its own production in both countries, and also sources from growing partners and associate producers, allowing it to maintain consistent volume and quality control.
The company has made significant investments to guarantee a year-round supply of high-quality citrus as part of its One World of Citrus strategy.
“Having a more consistent, fresh supply throughout the summer has helped us build our programmes through the Midwest and many other regions,” said Brett Johnson, the company’s western sales director.
Southern Hemisphere lemon imports pass through Limoneira’s distribution centres in New Jersey, Florida, Texas and California. The company specialises in ‘just in time’ delivery and there are multiple packaging opportunities from all of these shipping points.
Limoneira’s partnership with JB Hunt and other trucking companies, provide regular transportation from the East to the Midwest and South, as well as from the West to other destinations throughout North America.
“Keeping our shipments fresh from California and transitioning to our new Chilean and Argentinean crops allows us to provide the best service and quality to our customers throughout the US and Canada,” said John Caragliano, eastern sales director.
