Known for bringing in citrus from Morocco and South America as well as bringing in avocados from Mexico and South America, LGS Specialty Sales also has a niche persimmon program. “We source our persimmons from Spain during December and January,” says James Rasmussen with the company. “It is a very short window, but the timing of the season is great as US supplies are lower, corresponding with California production winding down in winter.”
LGS has been bringing in persimmons from Spain for the past six years. It is a small program and as a result, the protocols are very basic compared to other fruits that are imported into the US. There are no trade restrictions. “Despite the season being so short, it is a valuable program for us as we can extend the window of availability in the US market by offering a high-quality persimmon,” commented Rasmussen. Persimmon demand in the US is increasing as more consumers are becoming familiar with the fruit and the many recipes that utilize persimmons.
In addition to extending the availability, another benefit of the program is that the variety from Spain is unique. It is a Kaki Persimmon that is shaped like a Hachiya (acorn-like) and eats like a Fuyu. Both Hachiya and Fuyu are grown in California, but the domestic market doesn’t offer the Kaki alternative. Kaki Persimmons are grown in the Rivera del Xuguer area in Valencia.
For more information:
James Rasmussen
LGS Specialty Sales
Tel: +1 (718) 542-2200
[email protected]
https://www.lgssales.com/