Feek Family Citrus ships first Canada-bound load of the season amid tariff uncertainty

Florida grower and packer Feek Family Citrus sent its first orange shipment of the season to Canada last week, even as uncertainty clouds US-Canada trade relations. 

“The Canadian customer gave us an order, the shipment's going out, and we have not heard any issues,” President and Managing Partner Douglas Feek tells FreshFruitPortal.com.

The shipment is en route just days after President Trump announced on Truth Social that “all trade negotiations with Canada are hereby terminated.” The statement follows the airing of a TV ad paid for by the Canadian province of Ontario opposing US tariffs. The commercial quotes a speech by President Ronald Reagan, and the US head state labeled it as “fake news.”

While tariffs on citrus products were recently lifted, Feek acknowledges that the company is watching the situation closely, and appraisals will depend on “how much the tariffs are” if reinstated. 

“Time will tell, but I hope we can be good trading partners with Canada as far as produce,” he says. Although Canada represents only about ten percent of Feek Family Citrus’ total business, the executive emphasizes that “all markets are important” to the company.

Sweet outlook: Bigger, better Florida crop

Despite trade woes, the company is optimistic about the current Florida orange season. 

“Right now, everything's going well. We have an increase in production and quality of our oranges,” he says. “And so we'll just see how the market reacts.”

Additionally, Feek states that crop size is also looking up, especially compared to recent years, where hurricanes and pest pressure have driven the Sunshine State’s citrus yields down. 

“The fruit looks much better than it did. I think we're all trying to do a better job here in Florida,” Feek adds. “And the sugar levels are up, and the ratios look good. So I think the consumer should be able to enjoy a nice piece of fruit from Florida this year.”

The firm’s production is evenly split between fresh fruit sales and processed products, with orange and grapefruit juice as the key offerings.

Feek adds that while Mexican imports continue to pressure the market, the overall industry outlook is stronger. 

“They seem to be bringing a lot of fruit in, and that's a bit of a problem. But we have plenty of good quality fruit here, and I think the industry will be up considerably.”

The executive remains hopeful for continued cooperation with Canadian buyers. “We want to continue our relationships with the Canadian customers and the consumers, and I hope that we can.”

*All images are referential 

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