Ecoripe Tropicals gearing up for strong volumes of Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins mangos
Ecoripe Tropicals gearing up for strong volumes of Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins mangos
Since opening its South Florida facility in 2004, after cultivating papayas on the Pacific Coast of Guatemala since the 1990s, Ecoripe Tropicals has quickly become a leader in setting the standard for high-quality Asian and Hispanic specialty items in North America.
In order to keep pace with its fast growth and expansion, the company opened its new facility in Medley, FL, in 2010, complete with food-safety certification, cold storage, sales and administrative offices.
“We are now receiving Chinese and Indian eggplants from our main farm in Retalhuleu, Guatemala,” said Marc Holbik, director of grower relations for Ecoripe. “And we are looking forward to strong volumes of both Ataulfo and Tommy Atkins mangos from Guatemala this season, which will begin at the end of March.”
Rambutan, he added, will be starting up in early May. Ecoripe expects volumes of this highly demanded item to increase by about 15 percent this season. The program will run through October.
The company carries a diverse line of Asian fruits and vegetables — a line that was originally developed specifically for the growing demand for Chinese, Indian, Hispanic and Southeast Asian cuisines. Its line of imported vegetables and fruits run year-round with variations in volume and origin based on climatic factors. Green papaya from Belize is only one of the company’s year-round programs.
Holbik acknowledged that these foods have become highly desired by mainstream foodies who want to experience new, interesting and flavorful dishes.
“As the interest and demand has increased in recent years, so too has Ecoripe’s lineup and operation,” he said. “Our extensive line of fruits range from the more commonly known mangos and papayas to the more unique June plum and passion fruit — and just about everything in between. Our vegetable line includes Chinese, Indian and Thai eggplant, long beans, tun, numerous pepper and squash varieties and much more.”
Ecoripe also offers a full line of Asian and Hispanic root items, such as Eddoes, yucca, malanga, boniato and ginger.
“We also have American okra and Snow pea programs from Guatemala,” added Holbik. “We look forward good quality and steady volumes in the future.
“We envision Ecoripe Tropicals as a leader in the produce industry, consistently serving as a catalyst of success for our customers, vendors and employees,” he continued. “All of our company’s actions and decisions are based on the highest standards of integrity and professionalism.”
