Measures undertaken by Shapiro-Gilman-Shandler include the installation of solar paneling, hybrid company cars, and CARB [California Air Resources Board] compliant trucks. Last, but not least, is use of an organic trash bin to reduce waste going to landfills.
Drought & Rains
California’s five-year drought was officially declared over in April of 2017. While suburbanites rejoiced at the return of verdant lawns, growers struggled with heavy rains that disrupted planting schedules.
Another Shandler, Talia, is vice president for fruit sales at Shapiro-Gilman-Shandler and weighed in on the wet weather. “All the rain last winter was great for fruit and nut trees. This was a superior season for California cherries for the first time in years. On the other hand, the wet weather led to record prices for lettuce and other vegetables.”
Pollack says weather from all over the world affected their business. “Rain pushed back crops by many months causing shortages. We’re used to it, but this year was more challenging than normal.” He cites several examples, including lesser quantities of peppers, endive, artichokes, and tomatoes. Worse yet, quality was affected by the excessive rainfall, with romaine hearts bruising more easily and tomatoes less flavorful than usual.
McLellan agrees that while most people in California were relieved by the rainy season, it played havoc with the industry. “The rains made planting vegetables difficult and as a result, prices became volatile. We saw lettuce at $50 to $60 for 24-count throughout spring and into summer.”
Other commodities were affected as well. “Usually, celery is only expensive at Thanks-giving, but we were selling it in early to mid-May at $60 to $65 per box and in short supply. Winter and early spring vegetables were impacted most,” McLellan adds. “As of early June, we started to see more stability in lettuce and broccoli. The big retailers and processors made out okay, because they had contracts. But sales were hurt because customers were cautious and purchased just what they needed.”
Lynette Keffer is president of customs broker J&K Fresh, LLC, in El Segundo. “Chile had the same crazy weather as California, so their quality wasn’t good,” she shares. “That’s partly why their citrus season ended early and the United States started early.”
Port Report
The bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping in late 2016 negatively impacted the volume of containers handled through the Port of Long Beach. As one of the port’s largest tenants, the collapse of the Korean shipping giant left ships on the water for extended periods, especially disastrous for perishable cargo.
