A Message from Our CEO

To our customers,

As fall arrives, we eagerly await the new harvest and strategically prepare for the busy holiday period ahead. As we navigate each new season, our dedication to leading the industry and serving every customer with excellence never wavers. We look forward to partnering with you for the rest of 2024 and beyond.

On the logistics front, we anticipate that the drastic rise in ocean freight rates from Asia has plateaued. As peak season wanes, pricing may reflect a decrease in demand, though significant reductions are unlikely until the Suez Canal resumes normal operations. Despite these fluctuations, our logistics team is prepared to navigate these complexities.

Consumer demand continues to drive containerized imports, primarily from the South Pacific, as importers appear to be front-loading orders to avoid impending tariffs on Chinese goods. We are closely monitoring these trends to mitigate any potential disruptions.

Expiring contracts of East and Gulf port workers are raising concerns about a potential strike. Even a brief strike could severely disrupt the North American supply chain, leading to significant cargo delays. While we remain hopeful that an agreement will be reached before any major disruptions occur, we are well positioned to mitigate the impact of any delays.

From a category perspective, coconut milk availability has been constrained due to the negative effects of El Niño on the coconut crop. Although the market is wary, we are confident in our position and certain we will maintain ample inventory.

Poor crop yields, combined with high demand, have led to tightness in the farro category. Despite these negative factors, we remain assured of our ability to sustain inventory without stockouts.

We will continue to proactively navigate every industry shift, ensuring Roland Foods remains a trusted partner in your success.

To stay abreast of the most up-to-date and in-depth details regarding the supply chain, freight, and crop updates, please read our Regional Market Updates provided below.

Keith Dougherty

CEO of Roland Foods