Consumers are increasingly looking for fruit that not only looks good, but that also has exceptional flavor. Responding to that demand, growers are looking more to hybrid fruit that features the new flavors buyers are looking for.
“Hybrids are becoming more popular,” said Dovey Plain of Family Tree Farms in Reedley, California. “We've steered more toward specialty fruit, and based on our success, I think other breeders are looking to that as well.” One of the hybrid varieties Family Tree Farms has available is the aprium, which is a cross between an apricot and a plum. Unlike the plumcot, which is also a hybrid of an apricot and a plum, the aprium has more characteristics of the apricot. Both of the aprium varieties available, the Rose and the Purple Rose, have been well-received even if they're not the most well-known items.
Consumer education important
“With both retailers and consumers, education is the biggest challenge,” noted Plain. “People haven't heard of the aprium, so education will continue to be a key factor in the growth of this fruit.” Plain added that they started growing and selling hybrids like the aprium because they wanted fruit that better aligned with consumer tastes. If retailers see the advantages of carrying more flavorful fruit, then the popularity of the aprium, and other hybrids, could increase in the future.
“Our motivation with these hybrids has been to provide something that no one else has,” said Plain. “With the aprium, we've been able to breed out the tartness that turns some people off, so the fruit just has a sweet flavor. That gives us an edge, and that can have a big impact for us and for retailers.”
For more information:
Dovey Plain
Family Tree Farms
+1 559 591 8394