Supplies of papaya look to be strong currently.
“A few weeks ago we had some issues because it seemed like they were changing growing areas or something. There was a disruption in the supply chain. But now there’s plenty of volume on Maradol papayas,” says Jesse Garcia of LA Produce Distributors in Los Angeles, California.
Garcia notes that the volume coming in currently is similar to last year at this time. “They seemed to match pretty closely year to year unless they have a drastic weather catastrophe down in Mexico,” he says, noting current that supplies are coming from Colima.
At the same time demand is steady for papaya. “We have a couple of good ads with some retailers and they’re pulling pretty good numbers so we’ve been moving a good amount of papaya,” says Garcia. “Demand for papaya is always based on ads. That’s what pushes the papaya volume. It’s on everything actually these days--not just papayas.”
Promotional board possibility?
He does note that in general year over year, papaya consumption has increased. He also says that papayas could also benefit from a promotional board similar to what the National Mango Board does for promoting mango consumption.
As for pricing, it’s between $19-$21, which is similar to last year at this time. “Usually pricing stays pretty reasonable through the summer. Then when they start getting into bad weather is when we see prices jump a little bit. But for the next month or two we should be okay at these prices,” Garcia says.
Garcia does note that the increased freight rates tied to the higher fuel pricing are keeping prices stronger on papayas too. “That’s affecting everything and it’s trickling down to the end consumer,” he says.
For more information:
Jesse Garcia
LA Produce Distributors
Tel: +1 (562) 448-5555
[email protected]
www.laproducedistributors.com