Papaya producers say that winter time is a slower period for papayas. Not only is demand reduced with the cooler weather in North America, but production also eases in the Mexican growing regions. Supplies into the US have been made tighter by rain, which has also resulted in more challenges with shipping.
"We grow papaya year round mostly in Colima, Mexico," said Edgar Millan of Caraveo Papayas. "During the months of November, December and January, it rained a lot and we experienced lower production as well as a reduced shelf life. As a result, this has meant there has been a shortage of papayas over the last two months. Prices have increased but overall movement is slower."
He said this situation is normal however, and with the weather already warming up, the expectations are for greater volumes to start coming into the United States again soon. "Production is improving now with the warmer weather and by March we will start seeing more fruit entering the market. Summer is a better time for papayas when supplies are strong and demand increases as people eat more tropical fruits."
Eden Caraveo (left) and Edgar Millan (right) of Caraveo Papayas at the 2018 New York Produce Show
Demand growing over the long term
While winter in general may be a quieter time for papayas, demand for the fruit has steadily increased in the US, suppliers say. They want to promote the health benefits of papayas to consumers who are seeking out healthy and nutritious snacks that are a little different from the norm. Papayas are also versatile as people tend to use them for a variety of dishes, aside from eating them fresh.
"Demand has been growing over the years as consumers find out that papayas are a very healthy fruit," Millan noted. "Papayas contain a lot of nutrients, particularly for the digestive system. Additionally, papayas have many different culinary uses. They can be eaten fresh or cooked. Papayas can also be made into a smoothies or other drinks, as well as savory dishes or sweet desserts. Each consumer has a different preference and papayas can accommodate these differences."
Improving papayas presence in the US
Millan shared that Caraveo Papayas has recently made some improvements in their supply chain with a new facility in Texas that enables them to distribute all over the United States. According to him, the level of interest in papaya will increase as more people become familiar with the fruit.
"The new facility in Texas complements our farms and packing house already located in Mexico," Millan said. "There is definitely room to grow because there is still a lot of people that are not familiar with papaya. Awareness is growing, however, and we see papayas being promoted more as well as being used in high-end restaurants. Additionally, there have been many improvements made over the years regarding food safety in Mexico. Producers are making significant investments into more quality controls, testing and training in order to raise food safety to a world class standard."
For more information:
Edgar Millan
Caraveo Papayas
Ph: +1 (718) 617-2213
management@caraveopapayas.com
www.caraveopapayas.com