JVI Imports, the import division of Philadelphia-based specialty produce wholesaler John Vena Inc., is preparing for a busy pomegranate import season.
JVI Imports anticipates a strong Israeli season for 2022-23 with the first containers scheduled to arrive in mid-December. “We’re looking at volumes almost doubling this year versus last,” says John Vena, president of John Vena Inc. and JVI Imports.
The team is working with two well-established grower cooperatives in Israel to secure high-quality fruit. While the Israeli season extends beyond December to March, JVI works exclusively with peak season Wonderful variety fruit.
Photo: John Vena Inc.
Pulling from multiple pack houses gives JVI Imports access to a wide array of sizing. “Fruit is sizing up on par with the average and we expect to see most fruit fall in the 6, 7 and 8 count range, supported by a more moderate volume of 5, 9, and 10 counts for retailers with particular needs,” says Brandon Tran, JVI Imports manager.
Preparation for the season has presented some challenges. While sea freight costs have declined globally, costs from the Mediterranean region have actually increased as much as 25 percent from a year ago.
Peru
After the Israeli season ends in March, the team is aiming for a gapless transition to supplies out of Peru, which could extend availability as late as June or July.
“Peru is relatively new to commercial pomegranate production. They have incredible potential, but our growers ran into stumbling blocks with harvest timing last year and our season was unexpectedly cut short,” says Tran. “We expect significantly better results this year. I expect we will see volumes from Peru at least triple over the course of the season.”
The Peruvian pomegranate supply chain is further complicated by a US Department of Agriculture (USDA) irradiation requirement, which must be completed following their arrival in the U.S. After encountering ongoing delays and congestion in 2022, JVI Imports is working to refine its process.
Right: John Vena. Photo: Ted Ngheim
Both Israeli and Peruvian pomegranates will be packed in net 3.8-kilogram single-layer trays, the standard pack size in the international market. These packs help preserve the quality of the fruit and allow for more flexibility at retail and foodservice.
Fruit will also arrive with US-compliant GTIN-12 GS1 DataBar stickers. “Last year we received positive feedback from retail clients on the inclusion of a scannable DataBar. With more and more of our partners relying on self-checkout and struggling with employee turnover, the DataBar has become an invaluable tool for ensuring inventory accuracy and improving the checkout experience,” says Tran.
JVI will also continue offering Israeli citrus, including Orri mandarins, Sunrise red grapefruit and a limited volume of Sweetie grapefruit.
The firm will also bring Israeli Sharon fruit and a modest volume of Spanish rojo brillante persimmons for 2022-23.
For more information:
Emily Kohlhas
John Vena Inc.
Tel: +1 (215) 336.0766
ekohlhas@johnvenaproduce.com
www.johnvenaproduce.com