“We’re finished with Florida grapefruit—we finished probably right at the end of February. We knew that going into the season because of the hurricanes and disease,” says G.T. Parris of Vero Beach, Fl.-based Seald Sweet International. “So the only production we’re doing right now is out of Mexico.”
Seald Sweet has been consistently bringing in small loads of Mexican grapefruit, growing largely in the Yaqui valley near Obregon, since November. “It’s not a huge program there—so nothing like Texas or Florida,” says Parris. “It is a growing commodity there and it’s a great piece of fruit.” Parris notes that the program is predicated on exports with smaller and medium-sized fruit being exported to Japan while larger sizes head to the U.S.
Growing program
“They’ve got young trees in the ground down there and the commodity is growing and gaining popularity,” says Parris. “Once people get the fruit they realize it’s a good piece of fruit.”
It also comes at good value Parris notes adding that pricing ranges between $10-$12 FOB.
Parris adds that Seald Sweet will continue to bring in a few loads a week until approximately the end of April.
For more information:
G.T. Parris
Seald Sweet International
Tel: +1 (772) 569-2244
gtparris@sealdsweet.com
www.sealdsweet.com