US: Could guava be the next staple tropical fruit?

With high vitamin C content and bright flavors, tropical fruits can bring a healthy burst of the exotic to the mid-winter months. But for Marc Holbik and the team at Ecoripe in Florida, guava looks poised to become more than just a special delicacy in cooler climates. 

“Consumption is increasing, with high demand in markets serving Asian and Hispanic consumers,” said Holbik. “Because of its year round availability, we hope to see it join bananas and pineapples as a staple in the tropical fruit section in all markets.”

Although prices are rising as we move into winter and the volume decreases, Holbik and his team are able to stock both Pink and Thai varieties, all sourced locally. 

“We source our guava from local farms right here in South Florida. Production is year-round, with promotional volume and pricing in the spring and in the fall,” Holbik says.

There is some competition for Florida-grown guava, with it being “grown in small volumes in Puerto Rico and Hawaii, and imported from Mexico,” according to Holbik. But for Ecoripe and the many families who already love guava, the item can only become more popular.

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Marc Holbik