WP Produce is seeing strong alignment between supply and demand this spring, particularly within the growing tropical fruit category. The company, known for its Desbry brand, is capitalizing on shifting consumer preferences and a broader push toward variety, usability and consistent quality.

“We’re seeing more intentional purchasing behavior from both retailers and foodservice—less about single items and more about building a broader, differentiated assortment,” said Chris Gonzalez, vice president of sales. 

That shift is helping drive momentum for several key items, most notably Tropical Avocados, which continue to be a core component of WP Produce’s portfolio.

“Tropical avocado continues to stand out,” Gonzalez said. “As the original avocado, it brings a different value dynamic—not just in size, but in how it’s used and merchandised.” 

Sold under the company’s Desbry label, Tropical Avocados are naturally grown and non-GMO, attributes that resonate with today’s consumers while offering retailers a differentiated product at shelf.

Beyond avocados, the company is seeing steady demand across the tropical set.

“Mangos remain a staple, but we’re also seeing increased interest in fruits like guava, passion fruit and Manzano bananas,” Gonzalez said. “Consumers are becoming more comfortable incorporating tropical flavors into everyday consumption.” 

Weather conditions in Florida have supported relatively stable production this season, but WP Produce’s diversified sourcing strategy plays a critical role in maintaining consistency.

“Because our sourcing strategy extends beyond Florida, we’re less exposed to single-region variability,” Gonzalez said. “That’s especially important for items like Tropical Avocados, where continuity of supply is critical.” 

This approach allows the company to deliver uniform quality across its product lines, giving customers greater confidence in planning and merchandising.

Branding also remains a key driver of success, particularly within categories that may be less familiar to consumers.

“Branding in produce is about reducing uncertainty,” Gonzalez said. “With Desbry, we’re signaling a level of consistency that retailers can rely on and consumers can trust.” 

Programs like Fresh From Florida further enhance that messaging by reinforcing local sourcing and quality during the peak season.

At the same time, WP Produce is seeing evolving expectations around convenience and value.

“Consumers still want ease, but they’re also thinking about value over time—how long a product lasts, how many occasions it serves and how much waste it creates,” Gonzalez said. 

That mindset is contributing to the growth of products that deliver versatility and performance at retail.

“Items that perform better at the store level, whether through shelf life, yield or versatility, are becoming more valuable,” Gonzalez said. 

To meet those expectations, WP Produce has built a supply model that integrates regional production with imports, ensuring continuity throughout the year.

“Consistency today is less about a single strong crop and more about system design,” Gonzalez said. “We balance regional production with imports to maintain continuity and avoid disruptions.” 

Looking ahead, Gonzalez sees significant opportunity in the continued evolution of the tropical category, particularly as consumers move from occasional purchases to more regular consumption.

“The opportunity is not just about individual items, but how the tropical category evolves,” he said. “Consumers are expanding their preferences, and retailers are responding by giving more space to these products.” 

As that trend continues, WP Produce is focused on helping shape how tropical fruits are presented and experienced at retail. “The next phase of growth will come from how well the category is curated,” Gonzalez said. “It’s about not just what’s offered, but how it’s positioned for the consumer.”