“Supply of mini eggplants is very good, both from our farm in Ontario as well as Mexico,” says Harold Paivarinta with Red Sun Farms. Canadian production of mini eggplants is peaking currently, but supplies of White Japanese eggplants from Mexico are strong as well. Mini eggplants from both locations are grown in high-tech greenhouses.Red Sun Farms grows four types of mini eggplants: mini purple, mini white, mini graffiti and White Japanese. They are sold to retail chains and specialty retail stores in Canada and in the Midwestern and Eastern parts of the US. Red Sun also sells eggplants to foodservice. “Food trends start out of restaurants and that’s how we got the consumption of mini eggplants going,” Paivarinta said. “Although the demographics of eggplant consumers are wide, the Middle Eastern population represents the largest customer base.”
Red Sun Farms continues to trial new eggplant varieties. “In addition, we are trying different packaging options to extend shelf life and reduce shrinkage at retail level of this delicate product,” mentioned Paivarinta. “At the moment, we are trialing flow wrap and a bagged product for our White Japanese variety.”
For more information:
Harold Paivarinta
Red Sun Farms
Tel: (+1) 519-733-3663