“The season goes from October through February with peaks in November and December,” says Alex Jackson Berkley with Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “It seems like the season is ending earlier, but we have seen a large increase in the amount of cartons shipped during the season.”
Supply of Buddha’s Hand, which Frieda’s says is sometimes described as “lemons with fingers” hails from a variety of regions throughout California, including the desert, San Diego, the Valley and more. “Supplies are winding down now so I doubt we’ll see any significant production in the next few weeks,” adds Jackson Berkley. “The current heat wave also affects the crop.”
Winter opportunities
Meanwhile demand for the fruit, which is all rind and pith and has little or no flesh or juice to use, comes from retail markets, especially during winter citrus and Chinese New Year promotions.
As for pricing, they’re firmer than in the past says Jackson Berkley.
Looking ahead, the unpredictability of this commodity remains its biggest challenge. “Weather dictates much of the season--when it’s going to color up, how much volume is going to come off at any given time, etc.,” says Jackson Berkley. “Because the crop is smaller than other citrus commodities, it’s much less predictable.”
Contact:
Oakley Boren
Frieda's Specialty Produce
Tel: +1-714-733-7660
oakley.boren@friedas.com
www.friedas.com