By Karen Robes Meeks
Marine terminal SSA Pacific, Inc. will continue to be the West Coast home for imported Chilean fruit, thanks to a five-year lease extension with the Port of Los Angeles.
The extension, which runs through October 31, 2022, shouldbe finalized by the Los Angeles City Council in the coming months.
“The Port of Los Angeles is proud to be the West Coast gateway for Chilean fruit,” said Port Executive Director Gene Seroka. “We’re pleased to renew our commitment to this important market and our longstanding trade partners in Chile.”
Since 1988, SSA Pacific has operated the 14-acre break bulk terminal at Berths 53-55 exclusively handling imported Chilean fruit for more than 10 years.
“SSA Marine is pleased to continue the partnership with the Port of Los Angeles and provide a long term home for the importation of high quality Chilean fruit,” said William Fitz, Regional Vice President of SSA Marine.
Producers rely on the terminal to send avocados, grapes, peaches, nectarines and other Chilean produce to West Coast consumers, reaching as far as West Texas.
Last season, the port handled more than 82,000 metric tons of Chilean fresh fruit, nearly one-fifth of all fruits and vegetables imported through Los Angeles..
