At a crossover time of year in terms of domestic fruit availability, dragon fruit supplies are at one of their peaks. "In the U.S., we're pretty much ending the summer season of peaches, nectarines, plums, variety grapes and melons. However then there's fall fruit of persimmons, pomegranates, quince, new crop apples and pears and more," says Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa's/World Variety Produce. "During that transitional shift from summer produce and fall produce, there is an excellent supply of mainly imported exotic fruit from around the world. This is when we really promote these "freaky fruit" items in September and October with about 1,500 retailers on board."
Particularly so with dragon fruit. White dragon fruit, which has pink skin, and is available year-round, is currently being sourced from California, and to date, sales represent 55 percent of the crop. "During the fall months, sales increase 10-12 percent due to the Freaky Fruit promotion," says Schueller, adding that this is the most popular dragon fruit variety in the U.S., with a mild sweetness to it with Brix levels of 10-12. The fruit is also available from Vietnam and seasonally from both Ecuador and Florida.
With a slightly higher Brix level of 12-14, red dragon fruit, with its red flesh and pink skin, is also available year-round. It is also currently in its California season but is also available from Vietnam and seasonally from Ecuador and Florida. To date, sales represent 35 percent of the crop though, as the second most popular variety of dragon fruit in the U.S., sales climb 14-15 percent during this freaky fruit season.
Super sweet yellow dragon fruit
Finally, yellow dragon fruit, which is available year-round but only from Ecuador, has sales representing to date 15 percent of the crop. During this time of year, sales climb on the white-fleshed, yellow-skinned fruit by 16-20 percent–likely because of its much higher Brix levels of 18-22.
Right now, following its start in August, California dragon fruit will be harvested until the first frost in the state, which is usually around mid-November. "We can always get supply from Vietnam year round and Ecuador if we need to. We also get some from Honduras and Nicaragua if the other places are short. They're like mangoes–they're coming from so many places that it's about who has the best offerings at that time," says Schueller.
At the upcoming Global Produce & Floral Show this week in Atlanta, Georgia, Schueller and the team from Melissa's will be at their booth, B938, to talk freaky fruit and more.
For more information:
Robert Schueller
Melissa's Produce
Tel: +1-800-588-1281
[email protected]
www.melissas.com