Grapefruit least popular when it tastes best

Florida had a hot and relatively wet summer and as a result, the minimum maturity standards for brix and acid levels are not being met as early as they normally are. This year’s harvest is delayed by about two to three weeks and fruit sizes are expected to be smaller. Some growers who have met the standards have started picking as prices for a carton are in the $30 range at the moment. Once supplies pick up, prices will settle down to about $12-$14 per carton. 

The Indian River region, known for the world’s best quality grapefruit, will start harvesting around October 5. Peak maturity for Florida grapefruit is not until January and February. That time of the year, the quality is at its best.

"When the industry starts harvesting in October, demand will be strong until Thanksgiving and hopefully through Christmas," says an industry source. After the holidays, demand goes down while ironically quality of the fruit is at its best. In general, US grapefruit consumption is going down. Older people tend to like grapefruit, but because of changing demographics, the industry is losing the older customer base. Younger people do not prefer the taste of this citrus variety. Consumption is also suffering from bad publicity during the past five years as the fruit is believed to interact with certain medications. Contrary to the US, Asian markets go crazy for grapefruit. Culturally, the citrus variety is more significant and it is very popular for the Chinese New Year for instance.

Florida grows two types of grapefruit: white and red. The white variety is almost a thing of the past and out of the red varieties, the dark reds are most popular. This includes the Star Ruby, Flame and Rio Red varieties. For the domestic fresh market, the Florida grapefruit industry competes with Texas. All recent growth in the industry is coming from Texas with acreage expansion limited to the dark Rio Red variety. When it comes to exports, Florida plays a more significant role.