“We’re actually seeing demand increase over last year’s numbers for a couple of reasons. One of them being the exceptional color the bananas are currently giving off in ripening,” says Patrick Stewart of San Francisco’s Earl’s Organic Produce. “Demand is always triggered by ripeness and who has the best color in the marketplace. Additionally, the supply has increased a great deal since our growers have fully recovered from last year’s hurricane issues, as well as increased general supply volumes.” In addition, Stewart notes consumers are getting over the holiday hump and are now eating in a more health-conscious ways, which also helps sales.
Hurricane bounce back
Those issues included recovering from Hurricane Patricia, which hit in October of 2015. “The hurricane really hindered supply for a good six weeks and a great deal of pressure was put on our program,” says Stewart. While right now, Stewart does note the fruit is in more of an immature phase, part of a cycle that rights itself approximately every six weeks, ultimately the fruit’s color is proving fruitful.
Counting on color
As its competitors have greener fruit this week, Earl’s is able to boost its sales by maintaining a daily volume of four-color bananas (bananas that have more yellow than green). “This is the color of preference for most retailers and proves to be the most steady in demand,” says Stewart. “Maintaining a good color inventory keeps our retailers from wandering the marketplace in search of the right color. If we can stay ahead and maintain beautiful four-color bananas, our business will continue to increase as planned.”
For more information:
Patrick Stewart
Earl’s Organic Produce
Tel: +1 415-824-7419
patricks@earlsorganic.com
http://www.earlsorganic.com/