HLB Specialties is looking forward to the start of the rambutan season, starting in Guatemala in May and continuing with Honduras through December, said Melissa Hartmann de Barros, director of communications for the Fort Lauderdale, Fla., company.
“Last year we had a tough time with the supply from these countries due to very restricted airspace,” she said.
In fact, the company lost about 1,000 boxes per week for three months straight because of reduced airspace.
“Fortunately there is a new airline for these routes and therefore more flights. We should have plenty of supply and no issues with transportation,” she said April 23.
Hartmann de Barros said HLB Specialties has added white and red dragon fruit to the company’s already established dragon fruit/pitahaya program.
HLB celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, she said.
“We are excited to see that papayas, the item with which we grew, has become a staple in many Americans’ homes and it keeps growing.”
