“Although Guatemala, El Salvador and Mexico are the main growing regions for rambutans, we source them from Honduras,” says Gabe Bernal with Seasons Farm Fresh. “We started looking into Honduras as we feel the quality of their rambutans is superior.” Seasons Farm Fresh is partnering with a grower in the Santa Cruz growing region near the Northeastern coastline of the country. “He grows about 20 acres of rambutan trees and is our main source of rambutan supply,” mentioned Bernal.
Supplies delayed due to drought
Usually, rambutans from Honduras are available from early September until the middle of January. However, drought has resulted in a delay of availability this season. “Shipments started at the end of October and are expected to continue through mid-February,” said Bernal.
Waiting for prices to go up
Guatemala is usually a month ahead of everybody else and their season also ends a month earlier than Honduras. “That last month is our window of opportunity,” declared Bernal. Because so much volume is currently being pushed out of Guatemala, prices are low. “We are waiting for prices to go up and expect to harvest and ship higher volumes from mid-January until mid-February. “The majority of our rambutan volume is shipped into California as they are willing to pay a higher price,” shared Bernal.For more information:
Gabe Bernal
Seasons Farm Fresh
Tel: (+1) 305.213.8087