Southern Specialties Inc., Pompano Beach, Fla., has expanded its product line in response to customer demand, said Charlie Eagle, vice president, business development.
Los Alamitos, Calif.-based Frieda’s Inc. has an exciting lineup of dragon fruit, including its Honey Dragons, Fire Dragons and Snow Dragons, said Alex Jackson, director of sales.
Specialty produce items that are performing exceptionally well for Frieda’s Specialty Produce include dragon fruit, kumquats, passion fruit and coconuts.
The Packer’s Tom Karst recently asked Matt Hiltner, marketing coordinator for Santa Maria, Calif.-based Babé Farms, Inc. about current trends in specialty produce marketing.
Mac Riggan, director of marketing for Chelan, Wash.-based Chelan Fresh Marketing, gives growers credit for their patience in cultivating specialty apple varieties like the red-flesh Lucy Rose and Lucy Glo.
Daren Van Dyke, director of marketing for Brawley, Calif.-based Five Crowns Marketing, reports great early acceptance of a new proprietary melon variety called the Picasso.
From a vast array of plumcots and apriums, to a menagerie of melons, to a brigade of roots and radishes, there is no shortage of options in the world of specialty produce, and consumers are intrigued.
With seasonally increasing volume, Florida tropical marketers are look for “cart-stopping” time for the state’s specialties at supermarkets around the country.
Specialty produce sales for Los Angeles-based Melissa’s World Variety Produce are growing strong, said Robert Schueller, marketing manager for the company.