Latest News From Specialties Marketing

Los Angeles-based Melissa’s World Variety Produce Inc. has added a number of new items, said Robert Schueller, director of public relations.

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.

Foodservice operators turn to specialty produce to create a unique dining experience for customers.

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.

Specialty produce is not one of those retail categories where a merchandiser can “set it and forget it.”

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.

Dragon fruit continues to lead the tropical pack, with gains of 21% in the past three months.

In March, tropicals were the last items on shoppers’ lists as they rushed to stock up on potatoes, apples and canned beans to survive the pandemic.  

Florida specialty fruit growers are pushing back against the possible importation of mamey sapote from Mexico.

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.

Consumers are attracted to stores that stock tropical specialty fruit, according to new research from Frieda’s Inc., Los Alamitos, Calif.

Chefs continue to inspire consumers to attempt to make food like theirs, and the dynamic serves specialties well.

Retailers often feature specialty produce items by displaying them together, and extra touches can help bring them even more attention.

Specialty produce items heating up lately include Asian vegetables and tropical items.

Specialty vegetables are increasing in popularity, but they are still a tiny fish in the overall produce pond.

Specialties aren’t scary. That’s the message suppliers and retailers must partner together to spread in order to convert consumers.

Suppliers watch trends to determine up and coming favorites in the ever-changing specialties category.

Business updates from companies featured in The Packer's Specialty Produce Marketing section