Despite the rains in Florida, production continues on the state's longan fruit. "Rain really has no effect on the longan at this point because they are ready to harvest now," says Dennis Sever of Exotic Growers. "If they were in the flowering stage, that would be different, though longan is one fruit that can be harvested in the rain. It won't affect the quality like it would lychees. It may just delay some picking."
© Exotic Growers
Overall, the supply of longan fruit from Florida is tighter this year due to weather earlier in the season. "Around March or April is when longans are flowering, and then it is harvested around June. However, we had some really bad windstorms at that time, which blew off most of the flowers, so there's less fruit," says Sever.
This follows a very cold winter and, more recently, a dry summer. "It didn't rain. It just started raining now, so it has been really, really dry," he says.
Longan pricing adjusting
That said, pricing is softening on longan, even with strong demand for this short supply. "We started around two weeks ago, and we were selling them for around $100/case for a 20 lb. box. As of today, they're around $75/case for 20 lb. box, so pricing is dropping," says Sever. "It will continue to drop as the season progresses."
© Exotic Growers
Sever feels there's a general slowdown in demand for many commodities. "People just aren't spending as much as they used to," he adds.
Following the Florida season, the winter longan season begins in late October-early November, and that's when the imported longan season will begin. "The Florida season usually lasts about two months, but I'm not sure we'll make that this year," says Sever, adding that he is projecting more of a three to four-week longan season this year for Florida.
For more information:
Dennis Sever
Exotic Growers, Inc.
Tel: +1 (305) 393-1556
[email protected]
