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Carolina Crafted

Seasonal highlights, big brands, expanding retail, and new buying trends
MS_Carolina Crafted

Competition from imported produce is not regarded as a problem for many, following the ‘rising tide’ adage of being good for everyone in driving demand. Wilson distributes to produce wholesalers in both Carolinas and is particularly enthusiastic about product from South America. Combined, the Carolinas have well over a dozen ports of entry, large and small. In South Carolina, container volume rose 7 percent last year and its Charleston Harbor is more than willing to handle it: the port will boast the deepest harbor on the East Coast after a dredging project that began in February.

In North Carolina, the Port of Morehead City and Port of Wilmington are also growing in tonnage and products. The first load of bananas arriving at North Carolina ports from Guatemala docked at the Port of Wilmington in February. It is also the first South Atlantic port to complete a cold treatment pilot program for the USDA, which will allow for more direct imports of blueberries, grapes, apples, pears, and citrus.

Wrap-Up
As everyone in the Carolinas continues their summertime hustle and flow, most believe demand for fruits and vegetables will continue to climb. And as cities in both states attract more residents, it’s all good in the neighborhood.

The local trend seems to be locked in for the long haul, as are convenient produce offerings that appeal to younger consumers. In North Carolina, Charlotte and the Triangle have become hot destinations. “They’re building high rises in downtown Raleigh, putting in lofts and condos left and right, and the millennials are moving in,” says Best.

Laws has the same optimism for upstate South Carolina. “The arrow is pointing up for the economy in this area,” he says, which seems to portend only positive news for grower-shippers, receivers, and retailers.

Images: Aliance, Eric Krouse, Alina P Habich, Rob Hainer, Carol Mellema, Bryan Pollard/Shutterstock.com

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Matt Ernst writes about farm-related topics and is based near St. Louis, Missouri.