Freska enjoying strong Peruvian mango season
Freska enjoying strong Peruvian mango season
As a leading importer of mangos from Peru, Ventura, CA-based Freska Produce International is experiencing heavy volumes, said the firm's Chuy Loza.
"So far, Peru exports are ahead of schedule," Mr. Loza said. "Now through the latter part of the season, the market should stay very strong."
Mr. Loza said that there are good market conditions for February and March. Typically, the company's Peruvian mango deal runs from late December through early March. Its deal in Ecuador runs from the second week of October through mid-January, and its Brazilian mango deal runs from mid- August through late November.
Ninety percent of Freska's mangos from Peru are the Kent variety, with the Tommy Atkins variety making up the other 10 percent.
Mr. Loza said that Freska also is one of the larger importers of Ecuadorian mangos and the company was winding down shipments for the season the week of Jan. 22. He said that he expects Freska to import an average of 20 to 25 containers per week through mid-March and that it would be one of the larger importers of mangos from Mexico this year.
"Mexico is late," Mr. Loza said. "We'll have limited supplies of Ataulfo through March. April should be a lot of fruit."
All Freska fruit is packaged under either the "Freska" or "Bunny" labels. Freska opened an office in Miami Jan. 8. Jim Burnette, who runs that office, is new to Freska but is a veteran of the mango industry.
Product typically comes in by boat to New Jersey, but with its Miami sales office and distribution point, Freska also has product coming into Miami. Freska's Gary Clevenger said that the company would serve its New York and Midwest customers from New Jersey and serve its customers in the Southeast from its Miami location.
By March 1, Freska plans to move its Ventura headquarters five minutes away to an office and cooler location in Oxnard, CA.
"So far, Peru exports are ahead of schedule," Mr. Loza said. "Now through the latter part of the season, the market should stay very strong."
Mr. Loza said that there are good market conditions for February and March. Typically, the company's Peruvian mango deal runs from late December through early March. Its deal in Ecuador runs from the second week of October through mid-January, and its Brazilian mango deal runs from mid- August through late November.
Ninety percent of Freska's mangos from Peru are the Kent variety, with the Tommy Atkins variety making up the other 10 percent.
Mr. Loza said that Freska also is one of the larger importers of Ecuadorian mangos and the company was winding down shipments for the season the week of Jan. 22. He said that he expects Freska to import an average of 20 to 25 containers per week through mid-March and that it would be one of the larger importers of mangos from Mexico this year.
"Mexico is late," Mr. Loza said. "We'll have limited supplies of Ataulfo through March. April should be a lot of fruit."
All Freska fruit is packaged under either the "Freska" or "Bunny" labels. Freska opened an office in Miami Jan. 8. Jim Burnette, who runs that office, is new to Freska but is a veteran of the mango industry.
Product typically comes in by boat to New Jersey, but with its Miami sales office and distribution point, Freska also has product coming into Miami. Freska's Gary Clevenger said that the company would serve its New York and Midwest customers from New Jersey and serve its customers in the Southeast from its Miami location.
By March 1, Freska plans to move its Ventura headquarters five minutes away to an office and cooler location in Oxnard, CA.
