Citrus imports from Israel to the US are almost finished for the year. Fruit has been harvested, and there are three weeks of shipments remaining. The growing season had some weather issues, but strong demand and problems in other regions meant the market was strong.
"The Israeli citrus season is almost finished for the year," said Eyal Nahoumovich of Gaia Produce, an importer and distributor based in Brooklyn. "It has not really been an outstanding season. We saw lower quality because growers had weather related issues throughout the season. Markets were very strong, however, as demand was good in the US. Other growing regions, including California, Florida, and Spain all had problems at some point. During December, frosts in Spain caused issues with clementines, for example. The fact that we have sent shipments to the West Coast just shows how much of a demand there has been."
Nahoumovich (center) with Felix and Juan of Interterra, persimmon supplier in Spain
Orri mandarin gives balanced taste
One of the notable varieties of citrus coming out of Israel is the Orri mandarin. It is considered as an easy-peeler as well as seedless. Nahoumovich said that this variety has a well balanced flavor profile, which sits well with customers. However, the market presents a lot of competition at the time of year it is available, which presents a challenge.
"The Orri mandarin is a sweet mandarin with the right balance of sugar, acidity and juice," he explained. "It's considered a later season variety, starting in January. At this time of year though, there is a lot of competition from other varieties of mandarins coming out of Spain, California and Morocco. Some wholesale customers will only be looking at price, which presents a challenge to convince buyers to carry the Orri instead of other, cheaper but less tasty varieties. Once they get to know the Orri though, with its consistent flavor, it is often asked for again."
For Gaia Produce, they will have extended availability of Orri from this year. "We will be importing Orri from South Africa for the first time this year which is new for us," Nahoumovich shared. "It is a licensed variety and we are fortunate to have the rights to ship it to the United States. This means it will be coming into a less crowded market at that time of year and we are hopeful of seeing good demand."
Nahoumovich inspects pears at Hebei Jinzhou Great Wall Economy in China
Other fruits
Gaia Produce also imports many other fruits to the United States from across the globe. "This month, the kiwifruit season is just wrapping up now in Italy and Greece, but the Chile season is about to commence," Nahoumovich observed. "Loquats from Spain will also be on the way shortly along with Satsuma from Peru. Next week, persimmons from South Africa will start, followed by pomegranates from Peru a week later. From Asia, we also import coconuts from Thailand all year, and freight durians and mangosteens by air. Korean and Chinese pears are imported from their respective countries while we also will see lychees coming in from China after the Mexico season finishes up."
And it's not just global fruits that the company supplies. For example, this year they will be promoting exotic fruits grown right in the United States. "This season, we are looking at establishing a nice campaign for dragon fruit from Florida," Nahoumovich said.
For more information:
Eyal Nahoumovich
Gaia Produce
Tel: +1 (914) 420-9195