The Florida dragon fruit season will continue for another month, and it has been a very different season compared to last year. "Due to a mild rainy season during the first part of summer, the quality of the fruit is much better this year," says Jose Roggiero with Freshway Produce. "These rains can be unforgiving, but fortunately, there was no impact on the fruit during the first part of the season."
Harvest started in a small way early July, followed by a big harvest late July. "That was a massive harvest and generated 600 bins of fruit with each bin weighing in at 700-750 lbs." August saw another small harvest and the September harvest that started last week was medium in size. The expectation is for one more harvest late October or early November before the season closes down.
In the past, the fruit was harvested every 15 days, but this year, harvest has been taking place just once a month. The lower harvest frequency caused a big harvest in July, but after that, the ability to create more fruit slowed down. The later harvests were also smaller as a result of August rains that impacted production volumes. On a positive note, the later fruit stayed on the trees longer, which has resulted in a higher Brix level.
© Freshway Produce
Left: Jose Roggiero visiting a Florida dragon fruit farm.
Florida complements Ecuador
Freshway Produce imports dragon fruit from Ecuador year-round and complements their offering with local Florida dragon fruit. "Florida dragon fruit brings a good vibe in summer and allows retailers to support local agriculture," commented Roggiero. The domestic fruit is smaller in size, making it easier for retailers to do promotions and provide value to their customers. Size 14 fruit is better promotable compared to size 7 or 8 as smaller fruit has a lower cost per item. "The smaller sizes offer a competitive advantage as lower prices drive consumption." These promotional opportunities are crucial in summer when consumers have so many fruit options to choose from.
Florida grows three different dragon fruit varieties: white, red, and pink. Increasingly, growers are venturing into new varieties with red dragon fruit being most popular. "This variety allows them to differentiate from Ecuador, which mainly brings in white dragon fruit."
This video shows the process of Florida dragon fruit harvest, from field to packing house.
IFPA Anaheim
Once the Florida season is over, volumes from Ecuador will build up with white and yellow dragon fruit peaking at the end of the year. Leading up to Ecuador's peak season, the Freshway team will be attending IFPA's Global Show in Anaheim from October 16 – 18. Interested in meeting up, contact Jose at the number below.
For more information:
Jose Roggiero
Freshway Produce Inc.
Tel: +1 305-431-1300
[email protected]
www.freshwayusa.com