Demand for kumquats is at astonishingly high levels as the petite-sized citrus fruit attracts strong prices. Growers are not able to supply the market with enough product, and right now this is expected to worsen, with volumes expected to drop as the California season finishes.
"In California, kumquats grow in the Temecula and San Diego regions and that season is winding down now," said Cole Firman of Coosemans LA. "Kumquats are very fragile so it's important to inspect each case, especially towards the end of the season. Growers pick them hot and they sometimes have one that's blown out. Right now, demand is very high. As soon as one shipment arrives, it's out the door the same day and we're asking when the next delivery is. Growers simply can't supply enough to meet the demand."
One of the issues facing kumquat production is labor. Firman said it's a delicate balance between price and demand. "It's a very labor intensive crop so it is dependent on being able to hire the workforce to pack supply," he explained. "When there are not enough workers available, prices escalate and if the prices are too high, movement stops."
From bars in Miami to dessert decorations
Kumquats are finding many ways to be utilized, whether eaten directly or not. Due to the high price, they are often regarded as a specialty item and generally available for high-end uses. Nicolas Gomez from Coosemans' Miami office, noted that they are a popular item in bars across the city.
"We sell a lot of our kumquat supply to bars in Miami who use them for specialty drinks and as a garnish," Gomez said. "Kumquats have a strong flavor and people squeeze them into the drinks to add a unique twist. They are also used for decoration on cakes and other deserts. A 5lb case can go for between $40.00 and $50.00, so it is the higher end consumers who will pay that amount for them."
Firman in LA noted that consumers are also using kumquats as an ingredient in a range of products. "People candy them, and use them in marmalades, jams, or as an addition to salads," he said. "Of course, many people also eat them fresh and the great thing is you can eat them whole - skin and all. When people taste them, they get to love them. At produce shows, we tend to have them for people to try and many chefs and other sales reps enjoy trying them and experiencing the flavor."
Looking for year round availability
With the California season about to finish, a gap is appearing in the availability of kumquats. According to Coosemans, the demand is such that the company is looking to establish a year-round program. They are on the way to achieving this with the help of Chilean supply. The Chilean season, however, will not start for another two months.
"Every year, we are seeing an increase in demand," Firman noted. "After the California season finishes, normally there is a gap in supply and we are trying to push for a year round program to meet the demand. We will next move on to the Chilean season which starts in July and August."
"Fresh kumquats are generally found in specialty markets," he continued. "We really would like to see them in more grocery stores and larger retailers. Retailers are still trying to work out how to present them to consumers. They need to make a decision whether to present them fresh, in bulk, or to offer them in clamshell packs, similar to what we see for heirloom tomatoes. Hopefully, kumquats can become a mainstream produce item in the near future."
For more information:
Cole Firman
Coosemans LA Shipping
Tel: +1 (323) 588-1127
Nicolas Gomez
Coosemans Miami
Tel: +1 (305) 545-0824