Grower-shipper Duda Farm Fresh Foods has revealed that it is to market Chilean Navel oranges in the US this year, compensating for the early-ending and volume-light Californian season.
Duda is taking advantage of the Chilean fruit this year after it was given approval for import into the US for the first time, with the group claiming that the move will offer a 'sweeter, better tasting fruit that consumers will enjoy'.
The first harvest of the fruit is forecast to begin on 25 May, with the fruit set to become available to customers on the US west coast on 15 June and the US east coast on 22 June.
'We are excited to introduce Chilean Navel oranges as a viable and sustainable product to our repertoire of imported citrus products,' said Alberto Cuellar, director of global business development for Duda. 'To provide consistent quality of our products while improving flavour is our goal at Duda Farm Fresh Foods – with the opportunity to provide Chilean navel oranges to fill gaps in our domestic and international navel production, we are thrilled to offer a premium product that we know consumer will enjoy because of the fruit's enhanced flavour and freshness.'
According to Duda, the fruit will be packed under the Dandy brand, with company representatives in Chile ensuring that quality standards are met.
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