Tropical Fruit

Florida Kicks Off Thai Guava Season

Tue, 28 Apr 2026 21:38:07 GMT

Florida Thai guava season has officially started, says Homestead, Fla.-based tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta.

This popular superfruit is known for its subtle sweetness and crisp, applelike texture, making it a versatile option that appeals to a wide range of shoppers, says Tierra Suelta.

The company adds that the fruit’s firm texture makes it an easy, ready-to-eat snack that also pairs well with flavor enhancers like chili-lime seasoning. Tierra Suelta says this versatility also helps create cross-merchandising opportunities that can increase basket size.

Unlike traditional soft guava varieties, Thai guava can be merchandised as a ready-to-eat snack fruit and used across multiple retail applications, including fresh-cut programs, grab-and-go packs and tropical displays, helping retailers drive incremental sales and expand usage occasions, says Tierra Suelta.

“Our Thai guava is farmed on 250 acres of family-owned land with a full-time agronomist watching over every crop,” says CEO Adrian Abreu. “The result is a consistently high-quality harvest of crunchy, tart fruit that’s fresh, flavorful and hits its peak season in late summer when consumers most crave a crisp, refreshing snack. For retailers, it’s an approachable tropical item that’s easy to merchandise and resonates across diverse consumer groups.”

Tierra Suelta’s Thai guava is also packed and shipped from the farm’s on-site 15,000-square-foot, Primus-certified warehouse. The fruit is harvested six days per week and precooled to enhance taste, extend shelf life and reduce shrink, the company says.

Domestic production in South Florida allows Tierra Suelta to offer shorter lead times, reliable supply and a compelling local sourcing story that aligns with retailer demand for regionally grown products, says Tierra Suelta.

“Thai guava is a growing hit with consumers,” the company says. According to a March 2026 report from Business Research Insights, the global guava market will continue to expand through 2035. A similar report from 360 Research Reports notes that between 2019 and 2024, U.S. consumption rose 19%, with demand from Hispanic and Asian communities leading the charge. Its mild flavor and crisp texture also make it an accessible entry point for mainstream shoppers seeking healthy, low-calorie snack alternatives.

A vertically integrated farm, Tierra Suelta supplies the industry with Thai guava, dragon fruit, star fruit, mamey sapote and other specialty favorites throughout the year. The company says its customized packaging, merchandising support, shopper information and private-label programs help retailers drive trial, increase velocity and support category growth.

Kapi Kapi Growers Publishes Inaugural Sustainability Report

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 18:39:34 GMT

Kapi Kapi Growers, a division of Grupo Acon and grower-shipper of sustainably grown pineapples, bananas and plantains, has published its first sustainability report. The document outlines clear objectives and metrics designed to enhance the company’s commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) priorities within the communities and environments where it operates.

The 2025–2030 ESG strategy is based on stakeholder input and diagnostic analysis. Using Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) metrics, Kapi Kapi aims to measure and reduce its impact on water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions while prioritizing employee training and compliance.

Key milestones highlighted include:

Environmental Impact: Implementation of a renewable energy project and advanced water conservation technology.
Social Impact: Partnerships with local schools, company-wide health initiatives and women’s empowerment workshops.
Governance: Achievement of 100% social compliance across its suppliers and workforce.

“This approach allows us to communicate the ongoing management of our sustainability objectives,” says Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers. “We believe this provides a solid foundation to enhance our efforts and better support our communities, workforce and organization.”

The full 80-page report is available at kapigrowers.com/sustainability .

Mexican Tropical Fruit Exports Stalled by Cartel Violence

Mon, 23 Feb 2026 21:34:51 GMT

HLB Specialties, a tropical fruit provider and importer of produce from Mexico, is advising customers of potential transportation delays due to ongoing unrest in the country.

Multiple road blockages are currently disrupting the movement of shipments in Mexico, after Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho,” a prominent cartel leader, was killed Sunday, according to HLB Specialties. Blockages include routes not directly affected by attacks on infrastructure or businesses.

In addition, says HLB Specialties, USDA suspended operations in Mexico on Monday. As a result, preclearance procedures have been temporarily paused, including irradiation, hot water treatment and required pre-inspections for certain crops.

“Our most recent guava and papaya shipments successfully crossed the border on Saturday before the unrest erupted and were not impacted,” said Andrés Ocampo, CEO of HLB Specialties in a news release. “We are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with logistics partners and regulatory authorities to minimize disruption. Our teams are prioritizing safety while working to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.”

HLB Specialties says it will continue to provide updates as conditions evolve and preclearance activities resume. Customers with time-sensitive orders are encouraged to contact their account representative for the latest status and contingency options.

“It seems that so far today the situation is under control [and] things are calm,” Melissa Hartmann de Barros, director of communications for HLB Specialties, told The Packer in an email. “As of now, we don’t anticipate any delays with our products. We hope the situation continues to stay under control.”

For over 35 years, HLB Specialties has specialized in tropical fruits, including guavas, lychees, rambutans, papayas, mangosteen, drinking coconuts and more. The North American company is headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., with distribution through its network in Pompano Beach, Fla.; Los Angeles; and McAllen, Texas, as well as direct air shipments to clients in Canada.

Together with its European sister company, HLB Tropical Food GmbH, headquartered in Germany, HLB supplies customers in more than 10 countries across North America, Europe and Asia.

Pongal: Celebrating a Good Harvest With Sweet Fruit and Local Produce

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:55:39 GMT

Happy Pongal!

Also called Sankranti, Pongal is an annual harvest festival celebrated in mid-January in India on the Hindu calendar, especially by the Tamil community and among the Tamil diaspora including in the U.S. In 2026, the four-day festivities begin Jan. 14. According to the Indian Heritage Center, it is “a celebration to thank the Sun, Mother Nature and the various farm animals that help to contribute to a bountiful harvest.”

Along with rice, fresh produce can feature heavily in celebrations.

Easan Katir, national programs director for the Hindu American Foundation, describes the holiday as both a cultural and religious festival “that expresses gratitude to nature, the Sun God (Surya), the earth, cattle and all forces that support human life.” He also explains that, while the celebration usually happens outside in India, the cold of January often requires some alteration when Pongal is celebrated in the U.S.

“In the United States, Pongal celebrations are typically simplified due to urban lifestyles and space limitations,” he says. “Most families primarily celebrate Thai Pongal, the main day of the festival.”

Still, the focus on celebrating the coming harvest with family is the same. Katir explains that celebrants traditionally wear new clothes, clean and decorate their homes, and cook jagarry-sweetened rice with milk in a new pot and allow the recipe — also called pongal — to boil over the edge of the pot.

“We watch which way it boils over. If it boils over toward the sun, it is a blessing and a good omen for a good harvest,” he tells The Packer. “Along with the sweet rice, the householder serves fruit — mangoes, jackfruit, other seasonal fruits — to all the guests, friends and family.”

The Importance of Produce

Katir says that fresh, local produce is central to Pongal celebrations, “symbolizing gratitude toward the land and the cycle of cultivation.” In India, these often include rice, jaggery and sugarcane, as well as produce such as sweetpotatoes, pumpkin, beans, greens and sweet fruits.

“Traditionally, the emphasis is on consuming food grown from the same soil and nourished by the same water that sustains the community,” he says.

Unfortunately, many of the staples — either specific varieties or entire produce items — that Pongal celebrants might want can be hard to find in U.S. for the festival, such as sugarcane and jackfruit in January. Some produce items can be found in Indian grocery stores as imports in the U.S., but part of the point is to celebrate with locally grown produce.

“Ideally, Pongal emphasizes using food cultivated in one’s own backyard or local environment. However, limited access to locally grown traditional crops makes it difficult to fully follow this practice in the U.S., especially for those living in apartments or urban areas,” Katir explains.

He adds that U.S. produce retailers can better support Pongal celebrations by understanding its agricultural and cultural significance and even displaying items in a Pongal kiosk.

“If retailers or local farmers can grow and supply items like sugarcane, sweetpotatoes, fresh turmeric and traditional vegetables locally in the U.S., it would greatly benefit the community,” he says. “Stocking these items ahead of the Pongal season, labeling them clearly and educating staff about their cultural importance would help retailers serve Tamil and South Indian customers more effectively.”

Local cultivation efforts of traditional crops also aligns well with sustainability and farm-to-table movements, Katir adds.

Kapi Kapi Growers Names Business Development Manager

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:38:02 GMT

Kapi Kapi Growers announced Jan. 5 that it has appointed Jake Kamysz as business development manager. Based in South Florida, Kamysz will support the grower-shipper’s sustainably grown pineapple, banana and plantain programs.

Kamysz has more than a decade of produce industry experience, including an extensive background in pineapple sales and program management. He officially joined Kapi Kapi on Oct. 27 and immediately began supporting key customer initiatives and business development efforts, the company says.

“I’m happy to jump back into the pineapple business,” Kamysz says. “Seeing the investment that Kapi is making to create a better quality and more sustainable product out of Costa Rica makes me want to be a part of building the Kapi program and supporting the brand.”

Kamysz began his produce career working directly with pineapple imports and spent about seven years focused on the category before expanding into broader tropical and fruit programs. Most recently, he served as sales executive at one of the largest North American fruit importers, where he was responsible for planning, sales and execution of full-basket citrus, grape and stone fruit programs while targeting new retail and wholesale customers, according to Kapi Kapi.

Prior to that, Kamysz held senior sales and category leadership roles at other notable growers and importers, where he managed high-volume programs, negotiated long-term retail contracts, led sales teams and coordinated promotions aligned with production volumes. His experience spans retail, wholesale and foodservice channels, with a strong emphasis on forecasting, pricing strategy and customer collaboration, the company says.

“We recognize that with our growth over the last year, we need to build out our talent base with experienced people that really know the banana, pineapple and plantain business,” says Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers. “Jake offers the depth of experience required to meet today’s growth demands while helping drive the company forward. He has already made a tremendous impact, seamlessly stepping into the role.”

Dragon Fruit Expected to be Plentiful Through February, Says Tierra Suelta

Mon, 22 Dec 2025 10:11:43 GMT

Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta reported Dec. 18 that plentiful volumes of dragon fruit are now available for retail promotions.

“We’ve entered peak dragon fruit season with 40,000 boxes arriving weekly,” says Steve Stutz, vice president of sales, in an announcement. “For the next two months, our state-of-the-art packing facility in Ecuador will operate at capacity to support promotable volumes of our highest quality dragon fruit. Tierra Suelta has the production, logistics and infrastructure to meet the needs of major retailers throughout the holiday season and beyond.”

Earlier this year, Tierra Suelta invested significantly in developing and building a state-of-the-art packing facility dedicated to dragon fruit, the company reports. The new facility is Global GAP and Primus certified. Tierra Suelta says it is committed to helping retailers succeed with this novelty-turned-favorite fruit by providing an abundant supply of dragon fruit along with in-store and online support to generate additional consumer demand.

“In the winter months, the fruit’s vibrant color and festive appearance naturally enhances fruit platters and decorative tablescapes,” says Adrian Abreu, Tierra Suelta CEO. “We have four varieties of dragon fruit — white, red, yellow, and golden — all of which boast antioxidant-rich nutritional profiles. The fruit’s immunity-boosting qualities also make it an ideal snack choice during cold-and-flu season.”

Tierra Suelta, which translates to “loose soil,” is a woman- and minority-owned, vertically-integrated farming business that grows and ships tropical fruits, roots and specialty produce from its headquarters in Miami.

Tierra Suelta Adds Golden Dragon Fruit

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 21:37:42 GMT

Tropical fruit grower and importer Tierra Suelta, Miami, says it has now started shipping its first premium golden dragon fruit, which it says offers firmer flesh and a sweet flavor.

“Golden dragon fruit is extra sweet with a delicious flavor profile preferred by consumers because of its superior taste and texture,” says Steve Stutz, vice president of sales. “We’re already one of the largest suppliers of red and yellow dragonfruit, and we’re committed to leading the category for this popular exotic fruit with new innovative products, customized programs for our retail customers, and exceptional quality, support and service.”

Tierra Suelta says this new addition is grown on approximately 400 hectares of high-density orchards in Ecuador. The company has added a state-of-the-art GlobalGAP- and Primus-certified facility, which processes five to even containers a week.

“We chose to build our new packing facility adjacent to the orchards so we can maximize freshness, maintain cold chain integrity, and ship the highest quality fruit,” says Tierra Suelta CEO Adrian Abreu. “We have automated processing, and pack by hand to ensure it reaches North American retailers and consumers in pristine condition. We are staking our reputation on the flavor and quality of our fruit, and our service.”

Dole Earns Sustainability Award for Watershed Work

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:38:28 GMT

Dole plc announced Oct. 6 it has been named a winner of the Sustainability in the Food Industry Award by The Shelby and Griffin Report. The award recognizes organizations that drive innovation and measurable impact in reducing environmental footprints, support communities and shape a more sustainable food industry.

The award was for Dole’s Watershed Management Project in the Uchapa-Pimienta and Andaluz Stream microwatershed of Olanchito, Yoro, Honduras. Implemented from March 2023 through February 2025 in partnership with the Zamorano Pan-American Agricultural School, the project integrated environmental education, ecosystem-based water management and sustainable production systems to reduce climate vulnerability and strengthen the resilience of local communities, according to the company.

“The Watershed Management Project in Honduras exemplifies how we combine science-based approaches, local partnerships and community engagement to protect natural resources, promote sustainable farming and deliver long-term value for people and the planet,” says Rudy Amador, vice president of corporate responsibility, sustainability and communication for Dole Tropical Products Latin America.

“Receiving this award underscores Dole’s commitment to building resilience and opportunity and further reinforces our mission to reduce environmental impact, support communities and lead the food industry toward a greener future,” he adds.

The project was implemented using a participatory, multistakeholder governance model. By engaging local authorities, community groups, indigenous leaders, youth, NGOs, academia and the private sector, Dole says it fostered collaborative watershed management. Some of the initiative’s efforts included:

Engaged 551 local high school students and 45 children in education and environmental protection, restoring 480 square meters of a municipal nursery with the capacity to produce 50,000 plants annually
Created school gardens for 103 children and youth under Zamorano’s “Learning by Doing” methodology
Secured the official declaration of 569 hectares of the Quebrada Andaluz micro-basin as a protected Forest Zone, restoring 29 hectares with native flora species and safeguarding an additional 672 hectares under conservation
Three community fire protection brigades were equipped
Two Forest Protection Plans were implemented to reduce wildfires to less than 5% of the total area
Expanded clean water access by connecting 230 families to improved distribution systems
Promoted sustainable livelihoods by planting 2,000 fruit trees on farmers’ plots, enriching 40 production units through agroforestry systems, supporting two beekeeping organizations of 50 members (17 women and 33 men) and producing 30,000 ornamental, fruit and timber plants

The project helped establish a community-managed Green Fund, approved by the Sabanetas Water Users Assembly, to finance forest protection and watershed monitoring. Funded through a small annual user contribution, it ensures long-term sustainability of conservation efforts.

Dole Integration Means More Fruit From Oppy

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 20:52:45 GMT

Oppy strategically integrated Dole Diversified North America sales operations into its business, effective Oct. 1. The company says this move is a significant step in its expansion of established capabilities across North America, particularly in a larger berry, grape, citrus and cherry portfolio.

“By integrating DDNA USA’s expertise and proven sourcing capabilities, Oppy can offer new options and opportunities for growers and customers alike,” says John Anderson, Oppy chairman and managing partner. “It’s a purposeful milestone in our journey to grow with intention and impact while continuing to deliver on our ‘expect the world from us’ promise.”

Both companies belong to Dole plc’s Diversified Fresh Produce Americas and ROW business unit. The combination brings Dole-branded products that align with Oppy’s current model into its portfolio. Bananas, pineapples and other tropical and exotics marketed by Dole Fresh Fruit, are not involved in this transaction, the companies say.

“The integration of these two subsidiary companies enables us to expand the visibility and strength of the Dole brand, ensuring that more consumers across North America experience its premium quality, while new growers will have the opportunity to leverage the value it represents,” says Enda Walsh, president of Dole Diversified Americas.

Both companies say the transition will be seamless for customers and growers, with continuity in service and sales support remaining a top priority.

“Our alignment represents the start of a meaningful new chapter,” Anderson says. “We’re excited about the opportunities ahead and confident in the long-term benefits this will bring to our global partners.”

If You Like Piña Coladas ... Dole to Introduce ‘Game-Changing’ Pineapple at IFPA Global Show

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 21:46:02 GMT

Aiming to shake up the pineapple category with a new, naturally bred hybrid variety that was 15 years in the making, Dole is poised to officially introduce the Dole Colada Royale pineapple at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce and Floral Show, Oct. 16-18, in Anaheim, Calif.

Dole gave The Packer an advance taste of this new tropical fruit that delivers a unique and delicious flavor profile of coconut and piña colada.

An all-new variety of Ananas comosus that has been conventionally bred to be dark green on the outside and a lighter cream color on the inside, with a sweeter, bolder flavor, the Colada Royale pineapple is the result of years of trial-and-error natural breeding at one of Dole’s oldest pineapple farms in La Ceiba, Honduras, where Roberto Young, a native of Honduras and Dole’s director of pineapple breeding, has led the charge on the cultivation of this new pineapple.

“The Colada Royale has been a very special project for me and the team at Dole,” says Young. “I consider it my legacy.”

For Young, who is celebrating his 28^th year with Dole, the Colada Royale, represents decades of work now coming to fruition.

“Most people don’t realize just how long it takes to successfully breed a new hybrid species of fruit naturally,” says Young. “As a pineapple breeder, I do much of my work quietly since it can take 10, 12 or even 15 years to create a new hybrid pineapple through natural processes — and only a handful of the thousands of pineapples we try ever make it to market.

“I was assigned the task of creating a new pineapple when I joined Dole in 1997, so you can say that I’ve been thinking about the Colada Royale for almost 30 years,” he continues. “We attempted thousands of separate natural pollinations to create the absolute best pineapple possible — and considered many factors simultaneously including taste, nutrition, appearance, shell and pulp color, and disease resistance.”

And if you’re truly going to shake up the pineapple category with a fruit that provides a perfect balance of Brix and acidity, innovation is critical.

Dole’s first new pineapple variety in decades, Colada Royale offers a smaller core for more edible fruit.

(Photo courtesy of Dole)

“We also had the idea to bring something completely new to market, with a new flavor that was very different from other Dole pineapples,” he says. “So, when we finally landed on this combination back in 2009, we knew we had something that might work as a commercial variety.”

Dole’s first new pineapple variety in decades, Colada Royale also offers a smaller core for more edible fruit.

And while the white interior of the Colada Royale pineapple may give some consumers pause, Young says once they taste it, they’ll realize the flavor and delicate coconut taste is what “makes the Colada Royale stand out from all other pineapples.”

Dole considers the Colada Royale an extension of its global legacy in fresh pineapples started by James Drummond Dole in Hawaii in 1901, which continues today at its pineapple farm on Oahu and at family farms throughout Latin America.

Positive Impact in Honduras

The new Dole Colada Royale pineapple is not only grown in Honduras, it’s also meant to positively impact worker welfare and human rights in the country, as Dole is reinvesting a portion of Colada Royale proceeds to benefit farmworkers and their families in Honduras.

“This new pineapple benefits the farm workers and their families,” says Young. “We will be using part of the revenue from the sale of the Colada Royale to build a community center that will offer workers and their children language classes, training and access to computers. When I realize the true impact of this pineapple, it makes me very happy.

“I am also proud that the Colada Royale is a product of Honduras, and we are able to bring a little of Honduras to the world,” he adds.

Dole says it has supported infrastructure growth in Honduras since its earliest days at the onset of the 1900s. This latest infrastructure investment by Dole will be managed directly by the workers.

From funding and building the Vicente d’Antoni Hospital for banana workers in La Ceiba in 1924 to more recently partnering with MedShare to ship medical supplies and equipment to hospitals in Honduras, Dole says it has remained committed to helping workers, their families and communities throughout the country.

Pineapple Nutrition

Dole says the Colada Royale is also a powerhouse of pineapple nutrition that offers all of the expected health benefits of its other pineapples, including improved digestion and reduced inflammation and protection against chronic diseases due to the presence of antioxidants like vitamin C and bromelain.

But the Colada Royale also stands apart from other pineapples nutritionally, offering two and a half times more vitamin B6. This essential nutrient supports brain, nervous system and immune health, while also aiding in the metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. Vitamin B6 also plays a key role in producing hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells, the company says.

“Our new Colada Royale Pineapple is not just a novelty or publicity gimmick; it’s Dole’s long-term strategy for getting more people to embrace the tropical majesty of pineapples with a luxurious new taste experience that leaves you wanting more,” says Dole Director of Communications Bil Goldfield.

(Photo courtesy of Dole)

Marketing Support

Dole says it will take a multipronged approach to supporting the launch of the Colada Royale, including paid print and digital advertising; paid and organic social media; a dedicated webpage; new Colada Royale signature receipts in Dole’s online recipe library; trade and consumer public relations and media outreach; retail sampling and POS; and booth and show activations at the IFPA Global Show.

For Bil Goldfield, Dole’s director of communications, the intent with Colada Royale was to leverage Dole’s century of pineapple-growing experience in Hawaii and Latin America to disrupt the pineapple status quo by combining natural growing techniques with unexpected flavors to create an exceptional premium pineapple with a price that is accessible to fresh fruit fans at all income levels.

And the timing is right, as Dole will mark its 125^th anniversary in the pineapple business in 2026.

“Our new Colada Royale Pineapple is not just a novelty or publicity gimmick; it’s Dole’s long-term strategy for getting more people to embrace the tropical majesty of pineapples with a luxurious new taste experience that leaves you wanting more,” he says. “It becomes our premium fresh pineapple experience and the centerpiece of Dole’s quasquicentennial celebration of growing the world’s No. 1 organic and conventional pineapple, kicking off next year.”

Eddy Navas Joins Kapi Kapi Growers

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 15:50:15 GMT

Tropical fruit grower and shipper Kapi Kapi Growers announced the appointment of Eddy Navas as director of business development Sept. 24. Based in Miami, Navas will lead the company’s business development efforts.

Navas joins Kapi Kapi with more than a decade of leadership experience in produce sales, having most recently served as sales director at Sun Belle.

“While learning about this opportunity, I was impressed by what Kapi Kapi has already achieved with its customer base,” Navas says. “This is a very young, energetic group, and I’m excited to hit the ground running — strengthening communication between farms and customers, identifying growth opportunities and building lasting relationships that take this family business to the next level.”

Navas’ produce career began in 2012, when he was recruited as a national sales manager for a leading grower/distributor of Latin American fruit. Over his 12 years with that company, he rose to director of sales and business development, helping them double their annual sales and securing several national retail accounts. He also grew their pineapple program to represent more than 60% of their North American import volume.

In more recent leadership roles, Navas has spearheaded category launches while developing strong relationships with retail, wholesale and foodservice customers across North America. His ability to adapt quickly to shifting supply dynamics, such as creating new sourcing channels in Costa Rica during shortages in Mexico, underscores his reputation as a results-driven and resourceful sales leader, Kapi Kapi says.

“Service and commitment to delivering on promises is just as important as the product itself,” Navas says. “That philosophy aligns perfectly with Kapi Kapi’s values. Customers will see that we’re not just a commodity business; we’re building partnerships based on trust and longevity.”

Sofia Acon, president of Kapi Kapi Growers adds: “Eddy’s proven track record, deep industry relationships and leadership style make him the ideal person to guide us into our next phase of growth. With his extensive experience across tropicals, berries and specialty produce, along with established relationships with major retailers, wholesalers and distributors, Navas is uniquely positioned to drive long-term and lasting success.”

Fyffes' Sustainability Report Shows Goals Met, Progress to be Made

Fri, 19 Sep 2025 13:35:33 GMT

Tropical fruit importer Fyffes released its biennial sustainability report on Sept. 18, covering 2023 to 2024 and highlighting its recent sustainability advances.

“At a time of significant global uncertainty and with climate change severely impacting growing conditions, I am extremely proud of what our team has achieved through innovative approaches and lateral thinking,” CEO Helge Sparsoe said at the report’s launch event.

“We are at the forefront of sustainability in our sector, always at the ready for our customers current and future sustainable and ethical supply chain requirements. Despite these challenges and the increasing regulatory differences in sustainability policy in consumer markets, we are steadfast in our commitment to shaping well-being for the world, both for people and planet,” Sparsoe added.

Report Findings Summary

According to the report , Fyffes made the following progress and achievements in some of its sustainability efforts:

Emissions: reduced Scope 1 and 2 emissions — emissions from sources Fyffes owns or controls directly and emissions resulting from the production of the energy it uses — in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO² eq./kg) of fruit harvested by 12.05% compared to 2020 baseline as a result of using lower-nitrogen fertilizers and improving chemical application tools (goal of 25% reduction by end of 2025); reduced its Scope 3 emissions — those indirectly caused up and down the supply chain — in CO2 eq./kg of fruit harvested by 2.2% (goal of 25% reduction by end of 2025).
Water: Made sure all of the farms it owns has a GlobalG.A.P. SPRING-certified water management plan (goal of 100% coverage by end of 2025).
Packaging and food waste: Almost all — 99.6% — of packaging is recyclable, reuseable or compostable (goal of 100% coverage by end of 2025); reduced food loss in the production, storage, processing and distribution phase of the supply chain by 80% by repurposing potential lost food via donation for human use or as animal feed (goal of 80% reduction by end of 2030).
Social responsibility: Provided 27 million meals to food banks and charities in vulnerable communities, either directly or through partner organizations (goal of 5 million meals by end of 2025); engaged 39% of communities that are nearby a Fyffes operation or where 15 or more employees live in a “resilient socio-economic community project” that works towards key community needs like improved healthcare or access to education (goal of 100% of communities engaged by 2030).

More information on other achievements and focus areas can be found in the report.

In the report, Sparsoe writes that 2025 is a pivotal year for the company, “marking the halfway point in both our 2030 Sustainability Strategy, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, and our corporate strategy.”

The company’s current sustainability strategy runs through the end of 2030 and has four pillars: stewardship for the planet, healthy food for healthy lives, enriching people’s lives and responsible business practices — that encompass nine different key goals from the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals .

Julie Cournoyer, global sustainability director for Fyffes, wrote in the report that the updated sustainability strategy will be presented in the next biennial sustainability report.

“This report highlights the progress we have made toward our sustainability targets to date, while we are already preparing for the next phase of our strategy,” she wrote of the current report.

“The accomplishments of the past two years would not have been possible without the collaboration of the entire organization,” she added.

Fyffes, Ocado Retail Fund School Rebuild in Belize

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 19:54:38 GMT

Fyffes, international distributor of fresh tropical produce, announced Sept. 4 the official opening of newly constructed school facilities at Fabian Cayetano R.C. Primary School in Bladen Village, Toledo District, in southern Belize. The company, in partnership with United Kingdom-based online supermarket Ocado Retail, jointly funded the £192,300 GBP (approximately $260,111 USD) construction of a five-classroom block and a dedicated preschool building, replacing dilapidated and unsafe structures that previously posed serious risks to students and staff.

The company says the new facilities will now provide a secure and nurturing environment for 271 students, including 22 preschoolers, as well as serving as certified hurricane shelters for the village’s 800 residents.

“It’s a priority for Fyffes to support the communities where our people come from,” says Victor Chique, country manager of Fyffes Belize, in a news release. “Education is essential for communities to thrive and grow, and we are proud to contribute to that journey.”

Ben I’Anson, senior buyer for fruit at Ocado Retail, adds: “Working with suppliers like Fyffes is essential to ensuring that our supply chains positively contribute towards helping communities in regions where we source from. It is great to provide children with access to safe and happy education where they’ll also be provided with healthy and nutritional breakfast.”

The partnership between Fyffes and Ocado Retail demonstrates the positive impact that responsible sourcing and long-term collaboration between producers and retailers can have on vulnerable communities, especially in remote agricultural regions, Fyffes says.

Boston Summer Business Builds Momentum

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 17:19:27 GMT

Produce business seems to be bouncing back in the Boston area this summer following a challenging winter/spring period, and distributors are hopeful the upward trend will continue into fall.

Peter Condakes Co.

“It was a very quiet winter and spring,” says Peter John Condakes, president of Peter Condakes Co. Inc. at the New England Produce Center in Chelsea, Mass.

The region underwent three straight months of below-normal temperatures, he says, and other major U.S. population centers endured chilly weather as well, which limited consumers from venturing out.

At the same time, weather in growing areas like Florida and Mexico was perfect, he says, resulting in bountiful supplies of many fresh produce items.

“There was an abundance of product and a dearth of demand,” Condakes says.

Since up to 70% of the company’s business is foodservice, sales were impacted when residents decided not to visit their favorite restaurants. The slowdown lasted into May, but business started growing again in June and was back to normal by August.

Top-selling summer items at Peter Condakes Co. include several kinds of squashes, peppers, cucumbers, peppers, tomatoes and leafy greens. It offers products from local growers in summer, especially row crops, along with a few local tomatoes, Condakes says.

Community-Suffolk

Steven Piazza, president of Chelsea-based Community-Suffolk Inc., says area business has continued to improve after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We really had a shaking out in the New England area,” he says. “Since then, we’ve bounced back, and everybody in the industry seems to be flourishing and doing well.”

Summer items at Community-Suffolk include a wide selection of local vegetables from Canada, such as broccoli, celery, carrots and potatoes.

“The Canadian product is just starting to come into its own,” Piazza said in early August. “People are looking for [vegetables] that are closer to home and fresh.”

The company handles about 40 items.

“We tend to concentrate on what we do best and try to maintain our volume, quality and value on those items,” Piazza says.

So far, quality seems to be very nice this season, he says, despite a heat spell in late July.

“I think they’re going to grow through that and maintain good quality until the fall,” Piazza adds.

J. Bonafede & Sons

Business at J. Bonafede & Sons at the New England Produce Center has been similar to last year, but Eugene Fabio, president, says he’d like more foot traffic.

“Ever since COVID, foot traffic has gone down,” Fabio says.

The company sells mostly tropical fruits and vegetables. Sales of mangoes, cactus pears and limes are active, he says, while banana movement is steady. Other good sellers include avocados and Canadian tomatoes.

J. Bonafede & Sons also offers organic bananas and sometimes has some organic pineapples and limes on hand.

Smaller stores tend to blossom in the spring and summer in the Boston area, Fabio says, and the number of ethnic stores, especially Southeast Asian markets, continues to increase.

J. Bonafede & Sons typically stocks about 40 items.

The company also does a fair amount of foodservice business, but it often reaches foodservice customers, such as schools and airports, through wholesalers, Fabio says.

Upgrades

Some companies at the New England Produce Center have made improvements to better serve their customers.

Peter Condakes Co. Inc. has relaunched its website, Condakes says.

“That was a long time coming,” he says.

The revamped site, petercondakes.com , offers a comprehensive listing of all the fruits, vegetables, tomatoes and tropical items the company offers and provides background on the firm, which traces its roots back to 1900.

J. Bonafede & Sons is in the middle of some cosmetic and functional renovation Fabio says.

That includes replacing the electric refrigeration units in some of the company’s trailers, replacing some trailers, rebuilding several banana rooms, installing new lighting and replacing refrigeration in the cooler.

“We’re putting some money into the [facility] to make it work better, look better and buff up the appearance a little bit,” he says.

The company also was concluding a third-party food safety audit in early August, and it has hired Fabio’s son, Alex, to take on a number of responsibilities, including personnel and overseeing buying.

Alex Fabio has a wide range of experience working in and operating a number of businesses, his father says, adding: “We’re hoping some of his
experience will help us focus our business and to grow it.”

Port of Caldera Disruptions Could Impact Retail Tropical Fruit Supplies

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 20:57:15 GMT

Fresh Del Monte has reported major shipping disruptions at Costa Rica’s Port of Caldera, where unusually strong ocean swells created a chokepoint for vessel access by tropical fruit exporters. The resulting congestion and vessel delays of up to five days at Costa Rica’s most important Pacific port is causing supply disruptions of tropical fruit, the company told The Packer in an email.

To learn the latest, The Packer connected with Raul Saca, senior vice president of global logistics for Fresh Del Monte, earlier today.

Have the strong ocean swells continued? Is there still a bottleneck for vessel access or has it started to clear?

Saca: The ocean swells have started to clear and have mostly come to a stop, with the exception of the days following the earthquake in the Russian Far East [Aug. 2], which affected the entire Pacific Ocean.

What tropical fruits have been impacted most?

The tropical fruits impacted the most by these disruptions are bananas and pineapples. These are the fruits exported in the largest quantities from Port of Caldera; however, other exports like ginger, dragon fruit and coffee are also impacted.

Raul Saca provides update on disruptions at Costa Rica’s Port of Caldera.

(Photo courtesty of Fresh Del Monte)

How might this impact prices and supplies of tropical fruits imported to the U.S.?

Supply of tropical fruits to the U.S. will ultimately be impacted due to the delays. In regard to pricing, we do not anticipate much impact.

Is there a potential for food waste? If vessels are delayed by five days, will this impact the freshness of products when they reach the U.S.?

Yes, possibly. Since produce is highly perishable, this definitely poses a challenge. With the vessel delays, the shelf life of the produce is diminished, ultimately affecting the freshness of products once they arrive.

What is Fresh Del Monte doing to alleviate the situation? Should retailers be prepared for reduced supplies?

We are adjusting wherever possible and cooperating with other shipping lines to minimize the effect of the delays. Retailers can expect schedule disruptions and reduced supplies in the coming weeks, but we are taking proactive steps to mitigate these potential delays. For example, we are swapping slots with other shipping lines. If both lines are going to the same destination, like Port Hueneme, we load the cargo in Caldera for our customers and theirs, and they load our cargo and theirs in Quetzal. This type of slot exchange and cooperation allows for one less vessel in each port, easing congestion once the ports become operational.

Tropical Fruit Takes the Spotlight on National Tropical Fruit Day

Thu, 17 Jul 2025 21:57:35 GMT

Whether it’s vibrant dragon fruit displays or ripe mangoes for summer snacking, tropical fruits continue to take center stage, just in time for National Tropical Fruit Day on July 18.

Retailers and growers are celebrating the special day by tapping into consumer cravings for bold flavors, health benefits and a taste of the tropics.

Dole Food Company

Of the current consumer trends around tropical fruits, Bil Goldfield, director of communications for Dole Food Company of Charlotte, N.C., says summer brings increased sales.

“The warm summer weather and increased outdoor activity spurs consumers to turn to lighter, more refreshing and hydrating foods like smoothies, fruit salads and desserts — and tropical fruits work well here since pineapples, mangoes, dragon fruit and other tropicals reach their peak availability from May through August.”

Goldfield says Dole also sees increased popularity in grilling, and not just meat and vegetables but also pineapples and other tropicals, due to the growth in vegan and plant-forward diets. In addition to the customary pineapples, Goldfield says, “we’re seeing mangoes and even bananas on backyard barbecues, summer cocktails and hors d’oeuvres platters or recipes.”

Summer holidays also center around tropical fruits.

“We’ve worked with our retail partners to leverage key tropicals usage occasions like Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day and the Fourth of July for years,” Goldfield says, “and have recently expanded our promotional efforts to include food holidays like International Pineapple Day, National Mango Day, Dole Whip Day and (now) National Tropical Fruits Day.”

Golden Selection Pineapples are meticulously grown and ripened to offer a deeper golden shell, richer golden flesh and a delicate aroma.

(Photo courtesy of Dole)

These events offer opportunities to feature tropical fruit in themed promotions, displays and marketing campaigns, Goldfield says.

Retailer promotions and foodservice partnerships help drive tropical fruit sales, and Goldfield says displays are important.

“We’ve found the most merchandising success when we can work with retailers to create bold, eye-catching displays with tropical-inspired signage, colors and graphical elements that position tropicals as part of a tropical paradise,” he says, “This includes stacking pineapples and mangoes neatly (and high) to create visual appeal; offering themed, in-store cutting and sampling demos, and using storytelling, preparation tips, recipes and other value-adds to directly engage shoppers.”

Goldfield says tropicals also provide surprisingly strong cross-merchandise opportunities with complementary products.

“We tell retailers to add secondary banana displays near cereal, peanut butter and smoothie ingredients,” he says, “For mangoes, adding a display of salsa ingredients (avocados, limes and cilantro) right in the produce department can lead to greater recipe inspiration. And pairing pineapples with grilling meats, tropical juices or rum often encourages party-themed shopping.”

To meet this increased interest in tropical fruits, Goldfield says Dole has launched a line of mangoes, and continues to deliver from more sources.

“In April 2024, we launched a comprehensive line of mangoes, including ataulfo, tommy atkins, kent, keitt and haden varieties. We continued this momentum this year by expanding the program, leveraging our scale and logistics to deliver more mangoes from more sources — currently Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Brazil, Ecuador and Peru — to satisfy new consumer demand throughout the year.

”What’s most interesting is the fact that each mango variety offers unique flavors and textures, which we use to address different consumer preferences — from lower fiber and sweeter taste demands to high fiber and more complex flavors,” Goldfield says.

Dole’s expanded mango program came right after 2023’s introduction of its Golden Selection Pineapples, Goldfield says, which are meticulously grown and ripened to offer a deeper golden shell, richer golden flesh and a delicate aroma.

“We developed this special pineapple for those consumers who appreciate an exceptionally sweet tropical fruit experience.” he says.

“Later this year, we’ll continue the launch excitement with the debut of another shining star in the Dole Tropicals universe. While it’s too early to share details, we see this as being a true game changer for the category,” Goldfield adds.

Save Mart Companies

The Save Mart Companies operates over 200 stores across the West Coast with 194 Save Mart, Lucky and FoodMaxx stores in neighborhoods throughout California and Western Nevada, and 11 Roth’s and Chuck’s Fresh Markets in Oregon and Washington. Andy Vargas, senior category manager, fruits, for The Save Mart Companies, weighed in.

“The main driver, the horse of the category, is pineapple,” Vargas says. “It’s a year-round staple, and we have bearing regions in the Southern Hemisphere that give us year-round supply. Pineapples are primarily promoted during holidays, but everything around the pineapple on display drives incremental sales. This year, dragon fruit has come up big for us. We’ve partnered with a supplier who can get us containers at great deals, and we run fast attacks — hot promotions not specifically in the ad but with big displays and sampling at stores — which drives sales.”

Summer brings increased purchases of tropical fruits, Vargas says.

“At FoodMaxx, our value format store, customers are really after large jumbo mangoes for better eating quality and value. We promote them during summer months to capture that interest,” Vargas says.

When it comes to shifts in shopper demand for tropical fruits, Vargas says consumer interest continues to grow.

“Pineapple remains a staple, but overall awareness has grown. Fruits that look ‘strange’ to some shoppers, like lychee nuts or dragon fruit, are getting more trial. Social media and influencers play a big role, showing items like papayas and saying, ‘Have you tried this? Here’s where I got it.’ We’re promoting these non-traditional items, like Maradol papaya, which does well in FoodMaxx due to our Hispanic consumers and cross-shopping,” Vargas says.

When it comes to shifts in shopper demand for tropical fruits, Andy Vargas, senior category manager, fruits, for The Save Mart Companies says consumer interest continues to grow.

(Photo courtesy of Save Mart Companies)

The retailer sees regional prefeences as well.

“It’s very regional,” Vargas says. “In the Southeast, demographics drive higher tropical fruit indexing than in California. We’re looking at what works there to see if we can cross-shop it here. Right now, California is lagging behind, but we see opportunity.”

While health and wellness benefits are back-of-mind, Vargas says the interest lies in consumers wanting to try new varities.

“It’s more about inquisitive shoppers wanting to try new things,” he says. “Nutrition and snacking benefits are add-ons once awareness builds, but right now, we continue to develop the category.”

When it comes to social media, Vargas says influencer content helps drive additional basket purchases.

“It’s across all demographics, but social media and influencers help drive traffic into stores for tropical fruits that people might not be familiar with. Gen Z and millennials definitely engage with tropical fruits — dragon fruit is the No. 1 searched tropical fruit for these groups. They’re drawn to the natural vitamins, antioxidants, flavor and vitamin C that tropical fruits offer.

“Core shoppers for ancillary tropical items tend to be older,” Vargas says, “but younger consumers are gravitating to them out of curiosity and to change up their snacks.

For successful in-store or digital promotions to drive sales, the retailer says promotions increase sales.

“Our one-day sales have been effective. We’ve included non-traditional fruits like mangoes and papayas, and we saw a 1,000% increase in Maradol papaya sales in a single day, with a halo effect on repeat purchases,” he says.

“There’s a huge opportunity in our market to expand tropical fruit demand, increase consumer awareness, and drive incremental sales while letting shoppers try something new and delicious,” Vargas adds.

J&C Tropicals Celebrates Florida-Grown

J&C Tropicals, a supplier of tropical produce across the U.S., kicked off of its Florida Locally Grown season, alongside major growth through its expanded warehouse and shipping facility in McAllen, Texas, according to a news release.

As demand for tropical fruits continues to rise in the South and Midwest, J&C Tropicals says it is scaling up to meet the moment.

The 2025 Florida season is off to a strong start, thanks to ideal weather conditions, the release says. As a cactus fruit, dragon fruit thrives in arid and dry climates — conditions that have been in J&C’s favor this year.

As demand for tropical fruits continues to rise in the South and Midwest, J&C Tropicals says it is scaling up to meet the moment.

(Photo courtesy of J&C Tropicals)

J&C forecasts to pack and distribute over 1 million pounds of Florida-grown dragon fruit from July through September, marking one of the company’s strongest harvests to date. This represents significant year-over-year growth and reinforces the company’s leadership in the U.S. tropical fruit market, the release says.

“This is a big moment for Florida-grown tropicals,” says Adrian Capote, vice president of sales and procurement for J&C Tropicals “We’re seeing local farming and national demand align in a meaningful way.”

In addition to dragon fruit, J&C is also highlighting its locally grown Florida avocados, passion fruit and mamey — each cultivated with care and harvested at peak freshness. Though the Florida lychee season has just wrapped, it was a standout year, with exceptional fruit quality and robust demand from retail partners across the country, the release says.

“These crops represent the heart of what we do,” Capote says. “We’re committed to supporting Florida farmers while offering consumers truly fresh, locally grown tropical produce.”

To support this growth, J&C Tropicals recently expanded operations at its McAllen, Texas, warehouse and distribution center, which now services Texas, the Midwest, East and Southeast regions.

Since opening, the McAllen facility has contributed to more than $10 million in revenue growth and over 800,000 units distributed — a strong indicator of demand in the southwestern and central U.S. markets, the release says.

With continued investment and market penetration, J&C projects the McAllen facility to double in capacity within three to five years.

“McAllen has become a strategic hub for national distribution,” says Jessie Capote, CEO of J&C Tropicals. “It’s proof that tropicals are no longer niche — they’re becoming staples.”

Mark Gagnon Returns to Fresh Del Monte

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 17:25:16 GMT

Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. announced on July 9 the appointment of Mark Gagnon as vice president of sales for the South Region to accelerate growth across the Southern U.S.

Gagnon, who rejoined Fresh Del Monte effective June 2, will oversee commercial strategy and customer engagement across the region, according to the company. He reports directly to Danny Dumas, senior vice president of sales, product management and marketing for North America.

With more than 30 years of senior-level experience in sales strategy, business development and customer management, Gagnon has held leadership roles at Dole, Chiquita, Chobani, Kalera, and Seald Sweet. He previously served at Fresh Del Monte from 2014 to 2020.

“Mark’s deep expertise in sales and strategic growth will be instrumental as we expand our footprint across the South region,” says Dumas. “His return strengthens our leadership team and reinforces our commitment to delivering value for our customers and long-term growth for Fresh Del Monte.”

Gagnon’s regional insight and proven track record position him to drive results and support the company’s mission of delivering fresh, high-quality produce across the Southern U.S., according to Fresh Del Monte.

dVida to put the spotlight on tropical category at Viva Fresh

Fri, 04 Apr 2025 17:00:19 GMT

Houston-based import and exporter dVida said it plans to highlight the fresh tropical fruit category including mangoes, red and yellow dragonfruit, ginger, limes, malanga and goldenberries along dried mango, banana and dragonfruit at Viva Fresh 2025 booth No. 408.

dVida’s said its sister office in Guayaquil, Ecuador, and its other South American offices manage production, operation and logistics to ensure the product is harvested, packed and shipped, streamlining efficient distribution for U.S. retailers, food service and distributors.

“Our extensive sourcing network throughout South America and North America supports our global distribution initiative,” said Ana Paula Jacome, commercial director for dVida. “We provide air and maritime transportation solutions that optimize shelf life and enhance consumer satisfaction. dVida can pack products according to customer specifications, as well as provide a myriad of weights and packaging tailored to specific retailer requests. This allows retailers to offer value packs to their consumers.”

dVida said it guarantees the availability of its tropical products, with shipping from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Peru and other key tropical-producing countries in Latin America. Their specialty fruit category of mango, yellow and red dragon fruit, lime, ginger, malanga and goldenberries offer various options for retailers and food distributors.

“At Viva, attendees can meet our team, see and taste our products, and discuss the customized solutions we offer,” Jacome said. “Viva Fresh provides an ideal platform to showcase our commitment to industry excellence, innovation and sustainable practices in tropical fruit sourcing. We look forward to engaging with clients and discussing opportunities to meet their produce supply needs.”

J&C Tropicals celebrates 60 years

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 12:41:19 GMT

Doral, Fla.-based J&C Tropicals says it will mark its 60th anniversary of delivering fresh, high-quality exotic fruits, roots, and vegetables to consumers across the nation.

Founded in 1965, the family-owned business that started out growing bonaito, a sweetpotato, and now distributes more than 70 tropical fruits, roots and vegetables including mangoes, avocados, guavas, rambutan, chayote, limes, yuca, ginger, boniato, plantains and more.

“Since our father founded the company in 1964, J&C Tropicals has been a pioneer in the tropical produce industry, blending tradition with innovation to bring high-quality products from farms around the world to consumers’ dinner tables,” Adrian Capote, vice president of sales at J&C Tropicals, said in a news release.

The company said it has grown to be a top dragon fruit distributor. J&C Tropicals said its success has been in the role of a tropical produce adviser, helping retailers maximize fresh tropical produce offerings to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers.

“As we celebrate this incredible milestone, we reflect on the hard work, passion, and perseverance that have defined J&C Tropicals for six decades,” said J&C Tropicals CEO Jessie Capote. “Our journey has been shaped by the dedication of our team, the trust of both our farming and retail partners and the loyalty of our customers. We look forward to continuing our mission of delivering exceptional tropical produce to the world while honoring our family values and commitment to excellence.”

The company plans to hold a series of special events and community outreach initiatives and collaborations with its executive chef, Luis del Hoyo. It is encouraging partners to mark the celebration by sharing favorite J&C Tropicals moments using the hashtag #JCTropicals60.

“We take immense pride in the relationships we’ve built — with farmers, retailers, and consumers alike,” said Christian Hosford, vice president of marketing and brand creative director for J&C Tropicals. “Our success is rooted in understanding the evolving needs of the market and delivering tropical produce that excites and inspires with education, tropical nutrition and culinary experiences. We don’t just sell produce — we create culinary experiences that position us best to educate, advise and help retailers grow their tropical produce departments in ways that resonate with today’s health-conscious shoppers.”

How Tropical Fruit Box brings exotic produce to consumers

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 13:17:49 GMT

In 1984, Willy Pardo founded WP Produce, a produce grower, importer and supplier specializing in tropical fruits. Consumer interest in these fruits — such as large avocados, Hawaiian plantains and exotic fruits like dragon fruit continued to grow. He founded the company based on a need he saw when neighbors were unable to find tropical and exotic fruits at the local grocers.

Sourcing tropical fruits from Florida, the Dominical Republic, Central and South America, WP Produce ensures an abundant supply of year-round tropical and exotic fruits to consumers.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company again saw a need — this time it was Pardo’s daughter, Desiree Pardo Morales, taking the initiative — and began shipping directly to consumers across the U.S. and Canada, with the company named Tropical Fruit Box, founded by Pardo Morales.

As vice president of WP Produce, Pardo Morales saw the opportunity to move even quicker with fresh perishables and expanded the company to include direct-to-consumer with TropicalFruitBox.com.

With existing infrastructure and relationships with farmers from various countries, Pardo Morales says the transition was smooth. Consumer demand influenced the selection in the boxes, such as increased imports of dragon fruit. The company continues to expand, and it recently introduced a chip line made from malanga and plantains. The tropical fruit boxes are becoming increasingly popular for gifting, especially during the holidays, Pardo Morales says.

“During the pandemic, I launched the tropical fruit boxes using the produce that we already handle and source, sending it directly to people’s doors,” she said.

The fruit boxes ship throughout the U.S. and Canada.

A key focus for the company is its tropical avocados, a larger avocado than what is typically seen in grocery stores.

“You see them a lot in South Florida,” she said. “These are our main item — our bread and butter, I like to say.”

In addition to the tropical avocados, the company features a full line of tropical fruits: Hawaiian plantains, roots such as malanga, yuca, calabaza and white yams. Then there are the exotic fruits like lychee, longans, dragon fruit, guava and more.

Pardo Morales says transitioning from retail to direct-to-consumer was challenging but made easier by the company’s established processes.

“We had to completely pivot. In essence, we did have the infrastructure, the employees, the boxes … We did have to order liners, but that was pretty much it,” she said.

With a lot of systems in place, the main challenge became launching the website.

“We had the produce, so we said, ‘Let’s get it out to the people.’ Let’s demonstrate what we’re selling by getting it directly to people’s doors,” Pardo Morales said.

Consumer demand led the direction of the new business. They knew that consumers were interested in tropical fruits, and the mail-order business allowed the company to learn even more about what customers were wanting, based on their orders.

“[Direct-to-consumer] gave us lots of opportunities to really know our customers,” Pardo Morales said. “And since so many regions of the U.S. can’t easily access, say, tropical avocados at the grocery store, it gave us more of an opportunity to get in front of that buyer.

“People are wanting it because our palates are growing,” she added. “People want fresher fruits, or different fruits, and they’re wanting them at home.”

Dole launches premium dragon fruit program in North America

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:48:44 GMT

Dole Food Co. is now offering dragon fruit to consumers across the western U.S. and Canada.

Grown under ideal conditions in Ecuador, Dole Dragon Fruit is meticulously cultivated to meet the company’s rigorous quality standards, according to a news release.

The fruit is imported in Dole’s atmosphere-controlled containers, which the release said results in less dehydration of the fruit compared to more common noncontainerized shipping.

The release said the dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, has become increasingly popular in recent years for health benefits that include:

Rich in antioxidants — Dragon fruit is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect the body against free radicals and promote healthy skin.
Low in calories — Dragon fruit has just 60 calories and 3 grams of fiber per serving, making it a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
High in fiber — Dragon fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, providing 3g per serving. Fiber aids in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Vitamin-packed — Dragon fruit is packed with essential vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and iron, which contribute to overall well-being and energy.
Hydrating — With its high-water content, dragon fruit helps keep you hydrated, especially in warm climates.
Deliciously unique — Dragon fruit’s sweet and mildly tangy flavor with tiny edible black seeds provides a delightful and unique taste experience.

“Dole is constantly responding to market demands with its innovative product offerings,” Nelson Montoya, president of Dole Fresh Fruit North America, said in the release. “We are excited to bring the incredible flavors and health benefits of dragon fruit to households across the western U.S. and Canada. This exotic fruit aligns perfectly with Dole’s dedication to providing our customers with the very best in fresh produce.”

World Variety highlights combo pack of dragon fruit at AWG showcase

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:37:54 GMT

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — With more than 1,500 options among its offerings, World Variety Produce had plenty of products to highlight at the Associated Wholesale Grocers’ seventh annual Innovation Showcase, March 25-26.

“We can be nimble and quick to cater to any customer’s needs,” said Lee Crenshaw of World Variety Produce Inc., Vernon, Calif. “We can do ginger in 10 different ways. We really work closely with retailers to provide whatever their needs are.”

Among Melissa’s branded produce items World Variety was showcasing at the AWG show, Crenshaw pointed to the tropical flight pack of dragon fruit, which contains three varieties of dragon fruit (red, yellow, and white) in one pack.

In addition, the marketer is offering Elefante Green Gold Pineapple, a green-skinned pineapple from Ghana that is taller, skinnier and larger than the average pineapple. The variety has an edible core and soft white flesh ripe with honey-sweetness and almost no acidity, according to the company’s website.

World Variety is the exclusive distributor of the Elefante Green Gold Pineapple in the U.S., Crenshaw said.

World Variety is also marketing retail 1.7-ounce packs of Melissa’s Four Cheese Sauce. Finding great demand from consumers, the sauce is a combination of imported cheeses from France for use on roasted vegetables or other dishes, he said.

Related: AWG’s Innovation Showcase draws its biggest crowd yet

Melissa’s and Goldenberry Farms form joint venture for Sweet Sugar Mango

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:16:00 GMT

Melissa’s has been designated as an official distributor of Goldenberry Farms’ Sweet Sugar Mango under a joint venture formed by the companies.

The miniature mango variety has high sugar levels and thin, edible skin, according to a news release. Available April through June 2024, this marks the first “official” U.S. season for the Sweet Sugar Mango after a trial run in 2023.

“After several years of developing awareness for the item, demand from grocers and consumers alike has been very strong,” Michelle Alders, Goldenberry Farms product manager, said in the release. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Melissa’s to be a key national distributor for this unique and delicious item. Our Sweet Sugar Mangos are an almost-perfect attraction point for any product section. The fragrant and sweet smell immediately attracts customers, and the small size makes for a truly unique retail item.”

Non-GMO and hand-harvested by family farms on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, the Sweet Sugar Mango undergoes a proprietary pre-harvest and post-harvest process for optimal flavor, travel and shelf life, the release said. The mangoes feature a thin skin that does not require peeling before eating and are both a kid-friendly treat and an elevated fruit-eating experience, according to Goldenberry Farms.

In anticipation of growing demand, Goldenberry Farms says it is expanding cultivation zones in Peru and Brazil to lengthen the season in the future.

The product is supported by a full social media and digital campaign, consumer recipes and promotions, as well as select in-store marketing campaigns, the release said.

USDA seeks comment on draft pest risk assessment for passion fruit from Vietnam

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 13:16:34 GMT

The USDA is accepting feedback on a draft pest risk assessment for the consumption of fresh passion fruit imported from Vietnam.

The assessment describes potential pests associated with the commodity, according to the USDA.

The agency shares draft pest risk assessments to determine whether stakeholders have information that might lead the USDA to revise the draft assessment before the agency identifies pest mitigations and proceed with the commodity import approval process, the release said.

The draft pest risk assessment for passion fruit for consumption from Vietnam will be available for review and comment until Sept. 9.

To view the assessment or submit comments, visit APHIS’ Stakeholder Risk Assessment Consultation webpage .

Cedro Banana Distributors takes on tropicals shortfall

Mon, 06 Nov 2023 18:39:01 GMT

Bananas, plantains, yuca, malanga and a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables could be in short supply this fall because of excessive rain caused by an El Niño condition in South America and Central America, said Billy Mascari, vice president at Cedro Banana Distributors, New Haven, Conn.

Political unrest in Guatemala will only make matters worse by preventing containers of tropicals from reaching ports.

“That’s going to create a tight market, and it’s going to cause the prices to increase 20% to 25%,” Mascari said.

But the good news for Cedro’s customers is that the company anticipated the disruptions and made plans early this fall to find alternate suppliers to fill their needs.

Besides higher prices, “quality has been off a little,” Mascari said, so the company will partner with suppliers who will be able to meet Cedro’s high quality standards.

The supply disruptions couldn’t have come at a worse time.

“This is the time of year when we start gearing up on sourcing cooking bananas and tropical roots,” Mascari said.

Cedro sells to a number of Spanish and Latino community markets whose customers seek out green bananas and tropicals for holiday cooking.

“That’s a big item for us,” he said.

Ecuador is a major source of roots and bananas for the company, so Cedro was increasing its shipments from that country.

“I know, in a few weeks, the market is going to be very tight,” Mascari said in mid-October.

Cedro Banana Distributors has the support of partners like Dole Fresh Fruit, Chiquita, Del Monte and Fyffes who will help the company work through a potentially challenging season, Mascari said.

Cedro is a family operation. Mascari handles purchasing, sourcing and wholesale sales; his brother, Joe, is company president and handles retail sales; his fifth-generation nephew, Joseph, recently was promoted to vice president of operations; and his nephew, Jake, was named logistics manager.

His father, Joe Mascari Sr., serves as president of the company’s trucking division, Mascari Bros. Inc.

Farm Direct Supply to debut tropical fruit line at Viva Fresh

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 13:44:30 GMT

With the Viva Fresh Expo around the corner, Farm Direct Supply, a global supplier of fresh fruits and vegetables, says it will introduce its new tropical brand, Tropiful, at this year’s show in Houston.

Farm Direct Supply says the initial launch of Tropiful includes Ivory Red dragon fruit, Golden Glow dragon fruit and Tropical Tan-Tans rambutan.

The company will showcase the new product line at its Viva Fresh booth, No. 201.

“Our goal is to not only enhance the visual appeal on the shelf but also to educate consumers about these exotic fruits before they even take a bite,” said Chris Horrell, general manager of Farm Direct Supply. “With our expanded tropical offerings, we’re confident that this new brand will ignite excitement among our customers.”

Local, regional produce gains consumer interest

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 21:16:37 GMT

Companies have their own definition of what “local produce” means, but the consensus is the closer the better.

Calling U.S.A.-grown produce “local” is a bit of a stretch when it’s cross-country. Regional is better, and in-state is even better.

And produce that’s grown within 150 miles of consumption? Pretty much the best.

When it comes to tropical fruit and root vegetables, grown in South Florida is pretty local, said Jessie Capote, executive vice president of Miami-based J&C Tropicals . His family has been farming in the Homestead and Redlands agricultural areas of South Florida since 1963, growing items such as avocados, mangoes, dragon fruit, the boniato variety of sweet potato, lychee, starfruit, mamey sapote and limes.

“Before local was trending, we’ve been Florida-grown,” Capote said. “It’s an enormous part of our marketing effort. We’re very proud of our heritage.”

In all of J&C Tropicals’ labeling it says “J&C Tropicals Homegrown,” from the the PLU sticker on each piece of fruit and the packaging to in-store demontrations, retailer point-of-sale materials and all marketing and advertising.

July is right smack in the middle of South Florida’s tropical produce high season, which runs April through November.

About 30% of the company’s annual distribution comes from Florida and the rest is imported, but during this time of year, about 70% of the produce is from Florida, Capote said.

Some grocery stores are even growing produce within the store, such as the mushrooms at Whole Foods Market in Brooklyn, N.Y., where there is also a leafy greens grower on a rooftop greenhouse, Gotham Greens.

Hudson, Ohio-based Free! Leafy Greens, another hydroponic grower in controlled environment agriculture, ships salad greens to retailers as far as 200 miles from the farm, usually within 48 hours after harvest.

The concept for this company’s hands-free, fully automated cultivation method came in 2017, and the greenhouse started operating in February, said Mark Chenoweth, executive vice president of sales and marketing.

“Business has been great. Many retailers are reducing their conventionally grown product, choosing greenhouse-grown product due to the increased safety and freshness,” Chenoweth said.

State-grown brands

Most state agriculture departments offer state-grown, and sometimes certified, marketing tools featuring a logo, such as “Fresh from Florida,” “Maryland’s Best,” “Jersey Fresh,” “CA Grown” and “Go Texan.”

Launched in 1984, Jersey Fresh was possibly the first state-branding initiative of produce grown in the state.

“This year, with the stay-at-home orders in place and reduced traffic on New Jersey roadways, we opted to launch our season with targeted online display and responsive ads reaching primary shoppers who have shown an interest in fresh produce, and introduce billboards and radio as more and more people began to use their vehicles again,” said Joe Atchsion III, director of marketing and development at New Jersey Department of Agriculture.

All participants have access to Jersey Fresh point-of-purchase materials, including banners, price cards, bin wraps, pennants, stickers, truck decals, hats and aprons, along with a digital version of the Jersey Fresh logo in each company’s different marketing efforts.

Direct marketing and farmers markets

The steep drop in foodservice customers for growers has meant finding new revenue streams, such as direct marketing and farmers markets, both which can keep the produce distribution local.

State agriculture departments, such as Georgia and North Carolina, have created interactive maps and lists of where consumers can do curb-side pickup of produce from their local farmers.

Georgia’s department launched a Georgia Grown To-Go program, offering contactless drive-through markets around the state to support the state’s farmers.

The Atlanta State Farmers Market, which is also a wholesale market terminal, saw an increase in consumers shopping at the retail side, said Jeff Howard, markets manager.

“The pandemic, I think it’s brought more people outside. I think they learned to appreciate open-air shopping a little more. I walk this market every single day and talk to different vendors, and everyone’s talking about the uptick in sales,” Howard said.

The same is true in the Northeast.

Farmers markets didn’t close, even in New York City, which was once the epicenter of the pandemic.

“Farmers markets are reporting increases in business year-over-year, which they are attributing to COVID-19 and peoples’ desire for local products,” Atchison said.

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