Ecoripe Tropicals carries a widely diverse line of Asian fruits and vegetables. The line was originally developed specifically for the wide range of Chinese, Indian, Hispanic and Southeast Asian cuisines, but they have quickly evolved to be 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.

Marc Holbik, vice president of the company, said he looks forward to exhibiting for the second consecutive year at the 2015 Southern Exposure Conference & Expo at the Caribe Royale All Suite Hotel & Convention Center in Orlando, FL, on Feb. 26-28.

“I will be joined at our booth, number 519, to greet visitors by Isabel Hurtado, general manager of Ecoripe,” said Holbik. “Our full line of Asian vegetables and tropical specialties will be on display, and we look forward to introducing some of the more unique items to an even wider range of visitors.”

Ecoripe Tropicals’ 2014 PMA exhibition booth. Attendees at Southern Exposure will enjoy the same display. (Photo couresy of Ecoripe Tropicals)In December, Ecoripe Tropicals began harvesting Chinese eggplant grown on its farm in Retalhuleu, Guatemala. Production will run through May.

“This variety of specialty eggplant is less bitter with a very thin edible skin and an elongated shape,” said Holbik. “It is packed in 30-pound boxes, 48 boxes to a pallet. When stored at 50-degrees Fahrenheit, the product has a shelf life of 14 days from the farm.”

Holbik noted that, in addition to the company’s normal extensive line, its import season this year will also include papayas from Guatemala, mangos from Peru, okra from Honduras and various root vegetables from Costa Rica.

Its 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. In recent years, Ecoripe has become well known for its high-quality Rambutan program.

Besides Chines eggplant, its vegetable line includes Indian and Thai eggplant, long beans, tun, numerous pepper and squash varieties and much more.

It also offers a full line of Asian and Hispanic root items, such as Eddoes, yucca, malanga, boniato and ginger. It distributes across the United States and Canada from its refrigerated warehouse facility in Medley.

“Ecoripe Tropicals continues its vision as being a leader in the produce industry by consistently serving as a catalyst of success for its customers, vendors and employees,” Holbik said.

“We are achieving this vision by continuing to provide excellent customer service, sourcing and delivering the best quality fresh produce and by basing all our actions and decisions on the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” he added.