Vernon, Calif.-based World Variety Produce/Melissa's has seen impressive growers in organics, exotics and staple ingredients during the past year, said Robert Schueller, director of public relations.
Schueller said pantry staple ingredients that have performed well include:
- Baby Dutch yellow Potatoes, baby Dutch red potatoes;
- Baby Red Potatoes;
- Gemstone potatoes (which is a mixture of yellow, red, purple );
- Mixed Fingerling Potatoes;
- Shallots;
- Peeled Garlic;
- Steamed Lentils;
- Steamed Beets; and
- Turmeric.
Organic items that have seen strong demand during the pandemic include:
- Ginger;
- Zucchini;
- Bell Peppers;
- Mini Cucumbers; and
- Navel Oranges.
Meanwhile, exotic fruits that see strong demand in the past year include:
- Dragon Fruit (3 types: yellow skin, white flesh and red flesh);
- Mango;
- Passion fruit;
- Red Caribbean Papaya; and
- Jackfruit.
Retail demand grew significantly starting in March 2020 and has continued to increase, Schueller said.
“Being short on product was a problem the first six months of the pandemic due to uncertainty in the marketplace,” he said. Demand hasn’t slowed down much in 2021. However, logistics have been a bigger issue globally, especially at ports like Los Angeles, introducing cargo shipment risk and new expenses for transportation, he said.
Domestic retail demand has been solid for produce and will continue to grow, Schueller said.
E-commerce sales are up 300% at Melissa’s, he said, especially for potatoes, onions and other staple pantry items. “Our produce boxes and gift baskets have enjoyed a significant increase during the pandemic,” he said.
Foodservice demand in the Southern California and Las Vegas regions is building slowly, though Schueller said restaurants have still not fully recovered. Foodservice demand now is running about 70% of pre-pandemic levels. “(Foodservice demand) is growing finally, but slowly.”
For the holidays, Melissa’s Produce is offering Holiday Kettle Corn, Holiday Caramel Apples and Cinnamon Spice Clean Snax and is promoting holiday cooking and baking recipes that include specialty produce to shoppers.