“Lifting on the momentum that papayas have built, we have renewed the category,” says Jose Rossignoli with Robinson Fresh. Papayas have become the sixth best selling item within the tropical category after avocados, pineapples, mangos, limes and kiwi fruit. “We aim to be a full tropical portfolio supplier to our customers and papaya consumption will benefit from being included in our tropical offerings,” shared Rossignoli. “Combining papayas with other tropical products allows us to sell them in lower volumes and higher frequencies. Papayas are not as mainstream as mangos, avocados and pineapples, but at the same time, they aren’t as much a niche item as guava either. They are somewhere in the middle and making them part of our tropical offering will support them in transitioning from niche to mainstream.”
Imperial papaya
As part of its tropical fruit portfolio, Robinson Fresh introduces a new papaya variety: the Imperial papaya. Maradol and Tainung are the two dominant varieties of large papaya in the market. Maradol is a very well-known variety and carried by most retailers. “It is highly preferred by Hispanic consumers and it looks very appealing with its vibrant full color. The disadvantages are heavy skin defects during the ripening process and shorter shelf-life,” shared Rossignoli. “The Tainung variety on the other hand has a great taste profile, beautiful cosmetic appearance, a low odor and a minimal after-taste. However, its lack of skin color even when fully ripe can be confusing and less appealing to the consumer.”
"We have analyzed the pros and cons of both varieties and started working with a seed developer in Mexico who helped us bringing a new variety to market." The Imperial papaya brings the best of attributes of both Maradol and Tainung. “It has the bright coloring like Maradol with a high sugar content and a beautiful cosmetic appearance as well as low odor. We are very excited about this new product and have a lot of trust and confidence in it,” mentioned Rossignoli.
Robinson Fresh continues to offer the Maradol and Tainung varieties. However, the Imperial papaya will become the company’s signature go-to-market item.
For more information:
Jose Rossignoli
Robinson Fresh
Tel: +1 831-333-5868