Suppliers of jicama are seeing good quality product arriving, as well as a steady supply. The jicama, a Mexican specialty, grows all year round with no notable low and high season. The majority of arrivals in the US are destined for stores that focus on Hispanic products, however the root does have a regular presence in major retailers as well.
"We are currently seeing good supply and high quality product arriving lately," said Abraham Dajlala of Grande Produce. "Jicamas are grown in tropical areas year round but are currently being received from Nuevo Leon, Mexico. We only receive small quantities at a time, but supply remains steady all year."
"Much of the demand goes to smaller grocery stores, especially those that specialize in Hispanic products," he continued. "It's not a high selling item and we generally sell it by the case to customers that order mixed pallets of fresh produce products. Grande produce have an advantage in that we are a one stop shop, able to sell a few cases of jicama in this way, and as a result, our distribution is nation-wide."
Many benefits of jicama
While it's not a big seller now, Dajlala said that jicama is a product on the rise, and predicts that it can be a more significant retail item if only more people knew about it. According to him, there are many benefits besides being a healthy product. The shelf-life is lengthy, and the taste makes it a popular snack item.
"While it's considered as more of a specialty product, jicama is definitely a product that's on the rise," Dajlala noted. "It's actually very healthy for you, and easy to peel and eat. It's water-based with flesh similar to that of a coconut. Many people like to enjoy it by eating it with chilli powder and lime. Another popular snack is to have it in fruit cups, along with watermelon and cantaloupe."
"Another advantage is that it is not a delicate product," he added. "It's very sturdy, meaning it transports well and has a long shelf life. Along with this, it does not need to be refrigerated after being purchased at the grocery store but will last longer if refrigerated. These factors make it more appealing on the retail level. Already, jicama is present in a lot of major retailers including Albertsons and Walmart. It's just a matter of getting it into people's hands and letting them try it. People who buy and eat jicama like it, and they very often go back to it."
For more information:
Abraham Dajlala
Grande Produce
Tel: +1 (956) 283-7770
