Consumers in North America can still expect to find organic grapefruit from Texas for another couple of months. The season started back in late October, a few weeks after conventional grapefruit entered the market. Growers say winter has been warmer than usual but it's been a good season overall in terms of weather.
"Conventional grapefruit started in early October, but we held off until late October, early November," noted Russon Holbrook of South Tex Organics. "Expectations are for the season to run through March and well into April, depending on volume. It's been a much warmer winter than last year. The ground is already warming up along with the trees and soon they will be ready to start budding."
Smaller-sized fruit in abundance
Volume on organic grapefruit is plentiful, growers say, but sizing is an issue. Unlike last year when there was a considerable amount of larger-sized fruit, this season has produced good volumes, but fruit is on the small side. According to growers, it's likely a function of the natural cycle of the trees. However, smaller sized fruit is not as well received on the fresh market.
"Volume has been good and we are seeing the trees producing a lot of fruit," Holbrook shared. "The challenge has been on sizes because although the trees have produced an abundance of fruit, fruit sizes are very small this year. It seems to be a nationwide issue and perhaps related to production cycles. Last year, there was not nearly as much fruit but the fruit on the trees was much bigger and as a result, our pack-out ratio was excellent. There is not as much of a market for smaller sized fruit and much of it will go to processors and juicers."
Market "competitive"
The organic grapefruit market enjoyed a strong period at the start of the Texas season, fueled by consumer demand for domestic citrus. After the initial burst, the market steadied as more domestically-grown citrus entered from other regions and of other categories, as Holbrook explained.
"Prices on organic grapefruit have been competitive. The season started really strongly because of the void of local citrus from August through the early fall period. Prices were high until late November, early December when more fruit entered the market and it became more competitive. The variety that we offer remains consistent - the Rio Star with its deep red color and pale yellow skin."
Plenty of domestic demand
It has been reported that there is greater interest in Texas grapefruit in some overseas markets as the industry matures and problems are experienced in other regions. For South Tex Organics, they are currently enjoying enough domestic demand to think about any overseas expansions, and moreover value building customer relationships.
"Most of our product is sold domestically, with some fruit also going to Canada," Holbrook said. "We are seeing enough demand domestically and have not seen any need to expand into places like Europe. We like to have a consistent customer base and to be able to establish long-term relationships with our customers. It's something that we feel would be missing if we were to open up to exports."
For more information:
Russon Holbrook
South Tex Organics
Ph: +1 (956) 585-1040
russon@stxorganics.com
www.stxorganics.com