Ecuador's main dragon fruit season is coming up with a new crop cycle starting in November. "We are excited about the new season as growing conditions have been favorable and no issues have been reported," says Jose Roggiero with Freshway Produce. While strong shortages were experienced during the spring/summer season, the new crop is expected to hold enough volume for promotions during the last part of 2025 and the first quarter of 2026.
© Freshway Produce
Aspiring year-round availability
White dragon fruit is Ecuador's main variety and significant volumes are anticipated to hit the market in November and December. "We may experience a small dip in January before supply will come up again in February and March," Roggiero shared. In terms of sizing, medium and large size fruit will be predominant.
The goal is for white dragon fruit to be available consistently for 52 weeks per year. However, supply still tends to fluctuate throughout the year with April through June typically being a period of short supply with high prices. In February and March on the other hand, production tends to see large peaks, resulting in low prices. Ideally, growers would like to see more consistent supply and reasonable pricing throughout the year, benefiting the entire industry.
© Freshway Produce
Elastic demand
In order to prevent dips and offer consistent supply between April and June, some growers are using lights between late February and March, enabling them to extend the season. "Consistent supply is critical for the industry as the demand for dragon fruit is elastic and consumers are very responsive to price changes," said Roggiero. If prices are at a promotional level, consumption immediately goes up. At the same time, consumers shift to other fruits as soon as dragon fruit reaches a prohibitive price point. "Some retailers take dragon fruit out of their assortment when prices become too high."
The yellow dragon fruit variety just finished the harvest that started in September. "Quality was very consistent, and retailers were very supportive." The next harvest round is coming up late November and while volumes will be lower, they should be high enough to cover Freshway's regular business. Growers of yellow dragon fruit are very well aware that quality of their fruit needs to improve in order to grow consumption. "Many have installed shade houses as well as inspection stations to identify diseases. As a result, their yields and quality are increasing, which is very refreshing to see."
© Freshway Produce
Increase in red dragon fruit volume
Red dragon fruit is the smallest out of the three varieties, but volume is expected to increase in the years to come. The production cycles of white and red dragon fruit are similar as both varieties are grown on the coast while the yellow variety is grown in the Amazon rainforest as well as in The Andes.
All in all, strong volumes of dragon fruit will be available in the next few months, offering opportunities around the holidays. "Dragon fruit is a novelty item that's extremely healthy and beautiful to use during the holiday period. If affordable, consumers will be excited to add it to their shopping baskets."
For more information:
Jose Roggiero
Freshway Produce Inc.
Tel: +1 305-431-1300
[email protected]
www.freshwayusa.com
