This week, "Vision Import Group, LLC, of Hackensack, New Jersey, will receive the "first shipments of Argentine lemons"says the statement.
Due to various trade restrictions, Argentina has been absent from the US market for at least 17 years. “As a result, the return to the United States is being welcomed with great enthusiasm,” says Ronnie Cohen of Vision Import Group. “While the The US market continues to grapple with its own challenges, including weather, labor, and urban sprawl, which continues to reduce farmland, which has reached a higher value than production, Argentina will satisfy a need welcome to the United States market.”
$250.000 investment in a packaging plant
Argentina is the largest producer of lemons in the world, known for its excellent quality and highly sought-after lemon. “We are proud to collaborate with the Citromax group and feel privileged to market the Citromax premium Green Label brand,” explains Cohen. Citromax is the third largest processor in the world, with more than 1000 lemons. 5.251 hectares of lemon fields in Tucumán, Argentina, and has just invested $250.000 in its packing plant and orchards, allowing it to meet the rigorous standards set by the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Cold Storage in New Jersey
Our strategic alliance with Citromax gives us the ability to provide high-quality fruit with the highest standards, unmatched,” says Cohen. "The ability to place Argentine fruit on the East Coast will allow us to deliver exceptional Argentine lemons to end consumers.” The first port of entry will be in the Northeast and Vision will distribute from its cold storage facilities in New Jersey. “Since we will only have a moderate program in the first year, we will most likely sell close to our distribution point,” says Cohen. “In the future, I know there will be more port of entry options.”
Argentina starts off cautiously
The addition of Argentina to its import programs completes Vision's year-round availability. Argentine lemons are available six to eight weeks a year, from April through mid-June. "Exact sales availability can change due to the maturity of the fruit destined for the United States," Cohen explains. This year, availability is limited due to current APHIS protocol restrictions. "I know Argentina will be very cautious this first year to ensure all fruit is received in perfect condition, and will keep total volumes to a minimum as they are focused on the long term. Its relevance will not be felt this season, but I predict it will become an important and integral supplier to the U.S. market in the near future." Argentina complements the Mexican and Spanish campaigns Vision, which covers the rest of the year.
Source: FreshPlaza. Spain
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