The supply of imported red fruit carrots (also known as Indian red carrots) into Western Canada is good now but could tighten towards the end of the month. "We're importing it from China and while it's available year-round domestically there, in terms of quality for export, supply will likely taper towards the middle to the end of April as we re-evaluate the quality," says Gopal K. Gupta of City Wide Produce, noting it introduced this program within the last three to six months.
Gopal Gupta (center) says the red fruit carrot has been received really well in the market and that while it is different, it is also similar enough that people are willing to try it out.
While the carrot looks like a conventional carrot, it has a deeper red color and also a higher sugar content. It too can be eaten raw or cooked and Gupta says those who know the product often cook it down to use in dishes such as a curry.
As for the demand for this carrot, it has been strong. "It's been received really well in our market. It's different but similar enough that people are willing to try it out," he says. He also notes that ethnic communities who know the carrot know it as an air-freighted product from India that comes with a more premium price tag. "However the price point of this product gets more attention from the consumer. So while it could first be treated as a novelty item, it will get into the normal ebb and flow of regular consumption."
Pricing on the red fruit carrot is fairly stable albeit slightly higher than last year.
CPMA hopes and expectations
The carrot is just one of the things City Wide Produce will have on display at its booth, #1415, at the upcoming CPMA Convention + Trade Show taking place in Vancouver from April 23-25. "This is a key item and a bit different than what most people are carrying," says Gupta, noting it will also have on display some of its other produce items from China such as ginger, along with vegetables from California and Mexico. "We will also have a 'flower wall' with our logo made entirely out of produce," he says. The booth will also host a giveaway for a Nintendo Switch to visitors who enter the draw.
Like conventional carrots, the red fruit carrot can also be eaten raw or cooked and Gupta says those who know the product often cook it down to use in dishes such as a curry.
Though City Wide Produce has attended trade shows like CPMA many times, this show marks the second time that it will be there as an exhibitor specifically. "We're hoping to make some good connections. We will have our knowledgeable and friendly team there and they are excited to engage with prospective buyers and chat about produce," says Gupta.
The team also received its Food Safety Certification six years ago–a development that has helped with the company's growth. It's also something Gupta and the team will be discussing at the show, along with its move in about a year and a half into a new facility that is approximately four to six times the size of its current one.
For more information:
Gopal K. Gupta
City Wide Produce
Tel: +1 (604) 710-1789
sales@citywideproduce.com
https://citywideproduce.com/