“This time of the year, availability of pomegranates is limited in the United States, but this may change as early as next year”, says David Anthony with Ruby Fresh Pomegranates. “Harvest in California is finished, but we are partnering with a major grower in Ica, Peru and their harvest season just started.” Ruby Fresh’ pomegranates from Peru are mainly shipped to Europe, Canada and Asia. Despite demand from the United States, none are coming in as they are not approved to be imported for phytosanitary reasons. On a positive note however, the USDA and APHIS are considering a protocol to allow pomegranates from Peru to be imported. 
Trees will mature in 2017
Ruby Fresh started partnering with Peruvian grower Agro Victoria about three years ago. They planted close to 1,200 acres of the Wonderful variety. This variety is a direct transplant of Ruby Fresh’ pomegranate trees in California. Similar to the California fruit, it is high quality and has a deep red color. The trees in Peru have not yet matured and as a result, production is increasing every year. Last year, 12 ocean containers were shipped. “This year, we expect to ship 120-150 ocean containers and we are hoping for 800 - 1,000 containers in 2017 when the trees have reached maturity,” Anthony added.
Pomegranates from Peru are available from March until late May, early June. They are sold as whole pomegranates in boxes of 3.8 kg or as aril fruit. When properly refrigerated, they can be held for 90-120 days.For more information:
David Anthony
Ruby Fresh Pomegranates
Tel: +1 559-933-0340