Miami Anchors The Industry

This expedites the movement of goods from PortMiami throughout Florida and across the nation. Together, these rail and highway connections help ensure perishable goods reach 70 percent of the population within four days or less.

Figueroa says the rebuild has certainly helped. “We’ve seen an increase in timely delivery,” he notes, adding, “Less congestion is always a positive. We owe all the officials at the port and behind the project a big ‘thank you.’”

“We’re thrilled the PortMiami expansion project is completed,” enthuses Freedom Fresh’s Vazquez. “A significant part of our business comes from servicing cruise ships. We have years of expertise servicing this particular kind of client, and look forward to assisting any new clients that come with the expansion.”

Compres says PortMiami is actively pursuing more carriers into the newly expanded port. “As carriers elect to move operations to Miami, the [new] efficiencies will support expedited movement in and out of the port,” she explains.

Ramos believes it is too soon to predict exactly how the port improvements will impact the South Florida produce trade. “While PortMiami had a historical event on July 9, 2016 welcoming the MOL Majesty [a 991-foot megaship] and beginning the new ‘big ship era’—time will tell how fresh fruit and vegetable imports will be affected,” he advises.

Nevertheless, he is optimistic. “Our opinion is that these neopanamax vessels can only enhance the industry by providing space and options,” Ramos predicts.

Coming Soon: A Vibrant Urban Center
With the development of an exciting new urban center in the heart of downtown Miami, the South Florida produce industry is likely to see even more growth in the coming years. Once completed, the Miami Worldcenter will span nearly 30 acres and include a mix of retail, hospitality, and residential space.

Developers officially broke ground on the Miami Worldcenter and its signature residential condo tower, Paramount Miami Worldcenter, in March 2016. One of the largest private master-planned projects in the United States, this 10-block mixed use development is slated for a 2018 completion. Located nearby is the All Aboard Florida’s Grand Central Station, which will eventually offer direct service to Orlando in about three hours—25 percent less time than it takes to make the same trip by car.

All Aboard Florida’s Brightline train will also stop in West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Service between West Palm Beach and Miami begins in 2017, with full service from Orlando to Miami following later that year. Once fully operational, Brightline will make train travel to and from Miami a fast, convenient option for commuters and vacationers.

Tannehill is thrilled about the new developments. “I think we’re investing in some great things for the city,” he says, and more tourists and residents mean more business for the area’s suppliers and retailers.”