Rosh Hashana increases demand for new exotic fruits

In September, shoppers will look for “new fruit” to celebrate Rosh Hashana, aka Jewish New Year, beginning at sundown on September 20.

It is a Jewish tradition to try a new fruit during Rosh Hashana to celebrate a “sweet” new year. From tiny cape gooseberries to the giant jackfruit, shoppers rush the stores during the holiday to purchase the newest, most exotic fruits possible—so much so that it caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal last fall.

“Premium pricing on exotic produce is not an issue for shoppers during this holiday,” said Alex Jackson Berkley, senior account manager at Frieda’s Specialty Produce. “Retailers need to make sure they have a wide variety of fruits available for the 10 days leading up to the holiday as shoppers are looking for the newest—and sometimes weirdest—fruit for their celebrations.” 

Some of the “weird” favorite fruit items include dragon fruit, kiwi berries, organic finger limes, cherimoya, and Kiwano® horned melon.