This past week, Seald Sweet, in partnership with Citromax, welcomed the arrival of the first containers of Argentine fresh lemons in 17 years to the U.S. “Argentine lemons are considered the top lemons in the world with superior juice quality and content,” says Mayda Sotomayor, CEO of Seald Sweet. “We are thrilled to be able to bring this quality, fresh product to U.S. consumers. Argentina is one of the largest, well-known lemon growers in the world and we always remained hopeful that this product would be back in our marketplace.”
Seald Sweet received Argentine lemons in the year 2000, before admissibility for Argentine lemons was revoked by USDA. It is anticipated to be the major U.S. receiver of lemons from Argentina this season. “We were one of the first importers then and are of the first importers this time as well,” says Sotomayor. “For 17 years, we have never given up hope and have continued contact and meetings with the growers. We held the belief that science would triumph and we would once again gain admissibility to the U.S. market.”
The SealdSweet and Citromax teams welcome the lemon arrivals
Michael Mahon, of Citromax, echod Sotomayor and said the company is proud to be a supplier of Argentine lemons. “Citromax is pleased to report that the first arrivals of fresh Argentine lemons cleared US Customs on May 17, 2018," he announced. "Citromax shipped both Choice and Fancy quality. Both grades arrived in excellent condition, allowing the fruit to be shipped out immediately to end customers in the US."
He added, "Citromax is thankful for the support of our US partner, SealdSweet, in facilitating the importation and marketing of our lemons, and placing our lemons among distinguished customers in the US, despite our 18 year absence in the US market. We look forward to continuing our presence in the US market with our fresh Argentine lemons, and meeting the high quality requirements of US consumers."
Filling the demand
According to Sotomayor, Argentina’s supply answers a real demand in the market. “In the U.S., lemons are the third most consumed citrus fruit and the ninth overall,” she says. “Lemons have gone from a per capita consumption of 2.03 in 1980 to 4.32 in 2015. The advantage of Argentina’s program is that we can provide fresh product to the marketplace instead of storage product. Retailers are requesting this as consumers increasingly demand affordable fresh lemons. We are answering the call from consumers for fresh fruit throughout the year.”
Seald Sweet notes the lemon program from Argentina has room to grow. “The producers in Argentina have formed an association called “All Lemons” to ensure consistent production of a quality lemon globally,” says Sotomayor. “We are working with them to increase supply and grow our consistent program as we see demand for fresh lemons during this window increasing.”
The lemons from Argentina arrive via the Port of Philadelphia and Seald Sweet expects consistent shipments through mid-July. The fruit will be handled through Seald Sweet’s own state-of-the-art logistics hub and packing facilities in New Jersey, close to the port to ensure quality control. “We are excited to get this product into the hands of our retail partners especially at this time of year – a great time to promote fresh lemon use,” says Sotomayor.
For more information:
Kelly Dietz
Seald Sweet
Tel: +1 (661) 332-1962
Michael Mahon
Citromax
Tel: +1 (570) 242-0131