Unique tropical fruits continue to increase in demand says one Florida grower-shipper. An example is Thai guava which Delina Fresh grows on an 80-acre farm in Homestead, Florida. “It’s a year-round product and it has really been taking off in the marketplace. Demand is much stronger. People are learning how to use it and we’re seeing big increases in demand with our wholesalers and mid-size retailers,” says Delina’s Steve Stutz. Along with the farm, Delina also has a grower coop producing Thai guava which is another 200 acres.
Stutz says Delina is seeing demand gain on both starfruit (left) and Thai guava.
Overall the crop is similar in volume to last year at this time. “There are also a lot more people getting involved in Thai guava because they see it gaining traction so more and more people are planting acreage,” says Stutz, adding that the fruit is also a hand-harvested crop. That said, plantings take up to 1.5 years to produce fruit so fruit via extra acreage isn’t anticipated to be available until next year.
Along with production in Florida, which peaks in production from July-August, California also has a smaller Thai guava season running July-August as well.
Pricing becoming more consistent
As for pricing, it’s stronger than last year. “It varies though. Since we grow so much, we just have to follow market demand,” says Stutz, adding it has recently seen more scarring on some fruit post-hurricanes in the state, though that fruit is destined for #2 boxes. “It has been more consistent than last year.”
Stutz says production on starfruit is down a little bit this year because of hurricane-related culling.
At the same time, Delina is also seeing demand strengthen on starfruit, which it grows on 124 acres. Stutz says its production continues until February when it pauses for a few months and picks back up in May. “Production is down a little bit this year because we’re having to cull a lot from the hurricane,” he adds. Starfruit pricing is up given the culling trimming back the crop’s volume. Increased costs are also factoring into that stronger pricing.
For more information:
Steve Stutz
Delina Fresh
sstutz@delinainc.com
www.delinainc.com