“Two weeks ago, we received our first shipments of rambutans from Guatemala for the season,” says Andres Ocampo with HLB Specialties. “Volumes are building up quickly and our grower has enough volume to push hard,” he added. There should be enough supplies until mid-November. In September, Honduras will start up and runs through the end of December, providing the North American consumer at least seven months of supply. Typically, supply peaks from the second half of July through the end of August.
From upscale retailers to national chains
The North American market for rambutans is growing and the product is increasingly available at traditional retailers. “It used to be an ethnic product that was mainly purchased by Asian consumers,” said Ocampo. “Just three years ago it was odd for a retailer to carry rambutans, but offering them in clamshells has really driven demand. With the clamshell, we reach more markets,” said Ocampo. There are more and more places where people can find HLB’s rambutans, from upscale retailers to boutique groceries and mass markets.
According to Ocampo, “it is a great product for retailers who want to grow their tropical and exotics category.” Increasingly, retailers want to bring exciting items and cater to niche markets in response to changing dietary habits of Americans. We are in a good position to combine exoticness, our experience with clamshells as well as increased supplies from the grower.”
12 oz. clamshell is most popular
The product comes in three different presentations to tailor different markets, but the most popular packaging is the 12 oz. clamshell. Although information on the demographics of rambutan consumers is not available yet, Ocampo remarks that kids tend to have a special draw towards the product. “Kids are more adventurous than adults and like to try the hairy fruit. They only need to try one to get the whole family addicted.” Geographically, HLB sells its rambutans throughout the US and a little bit into Canada. “At first, I thought the product would only sell in urban areas and it would be difficult to penetrate in non-urban regions. Yet, we are receiving big orders from the latter as well.”
For more information:
Andres Ocampo
HLB Specialties
Tel: (+1) 954-475-8808