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The 2026 Chilean kiwifruit season is underway with significant growth prospects. According to Carlos Cruzat, president of the Chilean Kiwi Committee, the country expects between 175,000 and 180,000 tons thanks to the start of production in new plantations and good fruit setting. “We believe that we are going to grow by 20% this year compared to the previous one,” he says, highlighting that production in 2025 stood at 147,000 tons.
The growth in production volumes doesn’t seem to be a cause for concern for the sector. Cruzat says that “the global kiwifruit market is very buoyant,” with demand “easily outstripping supply” for several seasons. Even demanding markets such as the United States or Europe have been absorbing a lot of fruit. “New Zealand shipped almost 15% more fruit to Europe, and it was nicely absorbed with very good prices,” he says.
“Factors such as the exchange rate or logistical costs are seen as more important than the increase in production, as these can have a greater impact on prices,” he says.
Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) announces its 2026 season is underway, with the first arrivals expected at U.S. ports in late June.
Approximately 170 containers, primarily Easy Peelers and some Navel Oranges, are scheduled to arrive during the early part of the season. The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerized shipments and dedicated conventional vessels.
“The port of Philadelphia is a critical point of entry for our fruit as many of our importers and repacking facilities are located in New York and Pennsylvania,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “Ensuring reliable shipping partnerships remains a top priority for the program, helping us maintain a steady supply throughout the season.”
Since October 2025, MSC has operated a standalone service between South Africa and the U.S., including a seasonal Philadelphia stop to support distribution throughout the Northeast. New this year, MSC vessels will add weekly stops into Savannah, Georgia, creating an additional entry point for fruit destined for the Southern U.S. market.
“The addition of Savannah expands our ability to serve customers in the south while providing greater flexibility across our supply chain,” Conradie said. “Our focus is on meeting the needs of importers and customers through efficient, reliable logistics solutions.”
Alongside its partnership with MSC, SCSA has renewed its agreement with Seatrade. The first conventional vessel under that program is expected to arrive in Philadelphia shortly after the Fourth of July holiday weekend, further supporting continuity of supply during the summer citrus season.
From a production perspective, the group expects lower volumes this year, especially with Navel Oranges, following the record-volume season in 2025 while continuing to match the available supply with the demand of the market. SCSA continues to follow its long-standing business model of aligning available supply with market demand to help support a balanced and sustainable program.
“It is important to acknowledge the amount of planning and coordination required to execute a program like this. Negotiations and planning workshops with shipping providers begin months before the season starts,” noted Conradie. “By March, retailers are typically ready to discuss imported citrus programs, and from that point forward we build our shipping plan and align all logistics partners to ensure consistent weekly shipments and arrivals throughout the season.”
Fruit quality also remains a primary focus. Only premium-quality citrus is selected for shipment to the U.S. market to help ensure a positive eating experience for consumers and continued confidence in the category.
While parts of South Africa experienced heavy rainfall during May, the impact on the Western Cape, the primary growing region supplying citrus to the U.S., has been manageable with lower volumes predicted for the 2026 season.
Although weather-related conditions caused some minor supply chain delays, the group has maintained its planned volume projections for the season and made only limited adjustments to vessel schedules to keep shipments on track.
About Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA)
Summer Citrus from South Africa represents a group of South African citrus growers who consolidate their logistics, marketing, and sales efforts to bring the finest citrus fruit to market during the U.S. summer season. Established in 1999, the group provides Navels, Midknights, East Peelers, Star Ruby Grapefruit, and Cara-Cara oranges to the U.S. market.
The California Walnut Board of Folsom, CA has released its April 2026 shipment report showing continued growth in walnut shipments during both the month and the 2025/26 marketing season.
Total April shipments reached 142.0 million pounds in-shell equivalent, up 25.1 per cent from 113.6 million pounds in April 2025. Kernel shipments are converted to in-shell equivalent using a 42.5 per cent crackout ratio.
Compared with March 2026, total April shipments declined 14.6 per cent from 166.4 million pounds. In-shell shipments decreased from 30.5 million pounds in March to 26.6 million pounds in April, while kernel shipments declined from 57.8 million pounds to 49.0 million pounds.
Year-on-year growth was led by in-shell shipments, which increased from 5.6 million pounds in April 2025 to 26.6 million pounds in April 2026, a rise of 378.0 per cent. Kernel shipments increased 6.9 per cent from 45.9 million pounds to 49.0 million pounds.
Kernel shipments accounted for 81.2 per cent of total volume on an in-shell-equivalent basis, compared with 95.1 per cent in April 2025.
According to market participants, the higher shipment pace reflects improved supply availability and efforts by sellers to move inventory in a lower price environment, rather than stronger consumer demand.
Through the first eight months of the 2025/26 marketing year from September to April, total shipments reached 1.19 billion pounds in-shell equivalent, up 22.9 per cent from 965.6 million pounds during the same period last season.
In-shell shipments more than doubled during the period, increasing 108.7 per cent from 133.8 million pounds to 279.1 million pounds. Kernel shipments rose 9.1 per cent to 385.8 million pounds.
The industry has sold 76.1 per cent of 2025/26 receipts through April, based on total receipts of 1.62 billion pounds, including both shipped volumes and outstanding commitments of 324.4 million pounds in-shell equivalent. Conventional walnuts represented 98 per cent of receipts, while organic walnuts accounted for 2 per cent.
When including carryover inventory from the previous season, the industry has sold 70.1 per cent of the total available supply.
According to industry sources, shipment activity continues to reflect efforts by handlers to move available inventory following last season’s lower production levels.
A brief, unexpected supply gap is emerging in the blueberry market as California heat disruptions, Mexico’s post-peak decline, and a slow Pacific Northwest start converge. We anticipate this to last into early next week and begin to slowly stabilize as the week progresses, relates Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA in a press release.
North Carolina
- Volume is falling rapidly; the season will be ending this next week
- Quality is good; some early breakdown has been reported
- Expect elevated prices for the rest of the season
New Jersey
- Abnormally low temperatures have delayed the season by three weeks
- Growers expect up to 50% damage caused by the freezing weather
- High markets are anticipated for the entire season; stocks are scarce
Mexico
- Supplies are tightening; production is light
- Quality is good; some early breakdown has been reported
- Prices are elevated
California
- California season has ended
Pacific Northwest
- New crop harvesting has begun in a small way this week
- Expect yields to increase as the season progresses
- Quality is good
- Prices will begin at high levels, then inch down as supplies increase
Prickly fruit may soon move out of niche status and into the spotlight as a potential aid to metabolic health, thanks to its unique nutrient and compound mix, according to new research.
The open-access journal Nutrients examines Opuntia ficus-indica, the cactus fruit commonly known as prickly pear, and its potential role in addressing metabolic syndrome, in a recent narrative review. The condition affects approximately 40 percent of Americans, according to US National Survey Data from 2023.
Metabolic syndrome includes conditions such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal lipid levels, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
However, researchers warn that science has yet to catch up with the studies.
According to the review, prickly pears offer a particular combination of nutrients and phytochemicals that may be relevant to metabolic health. The fruit contains about 85 to 92 percent water, which contributes to its low calorie density, and provides between 0.1 and 0.18 ounces of dietary fiber per 3.5 ounces of fresh pulp. Much of that fiber is soluble, including mucilage and pectin.
Soluble fiber is associated with delayed gastric emptying and improved blood sugar control, which could have a positive impact on metabolic syndrome. The fruit also delivers micronutrients such as potassium, folate, calcium, and magnesium.
Beyond basic nutrition, prickly pears contain a range of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and betalains. Seeds, which are typically consumed along with the pulp, provide additional compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols.
Flavonoids and polyphenols, also found in the fruit, have been shown in experimental models to act as antioxidants and influence insulin signaling pathways. These compounds may also play a role in lipid metabolism by reducing fat synthesis and promoting fat oxidation.
Betalains, the pigments responsible for the fruit’s color, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in preclinical studies. Researchers report that these compounds may help protect vascular cells and reduce liver fat accumulation in animal models.
While preclinical findings are consistent, human data are still scarce. Small-scale studies in healthy individuals have shown reductions in oxidative stress markers following prickly pear consumption, and researchers have confirmed that some key compounds are bioavailable at typical dietary intake levels.
However, the review notes that clinical trials involving individuals with metabolic syndrome are limited. Existing studies tend to include small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and inconsistent fruit preparations, making it difficult to determine efficacy.
In addition, amino acids such as arginine may support vascular function through nitric oxide production.
Seald Sweet is once again importing lemons from Argentina and volume is expected to be similar to a year ago.
The importer, based in Vero Beach, FL, reports Argentinian fruit is expected to ship through August, quality-pending, mixed in with Chilean fruit starting to arrive in July. Both early reports and early shipments indicate strong quality on lemons, even though rains in the Argentinian season had raised quality concerns.
It is characteristic of Argentinian fruit to peak on 95s, and 115s with less small fruit available. Meanwhile Chile is the opposite with more 140s, 165s.
Keystone Fruit Marketing of Greencastle, Pa, a division of Progressive Produce, got an early June start for the Walla Walla sweet onion season out of Washington state.
Grown in a unique region and cultivated by third-generation growers, Walla Walla sweet onions are known for their exceptional sweetness and consistent quality.
“One of the things that sets Walla Walla sweet onions apart is where and how they’re grown,” said Dan Borer, Keystone Sales and Commodity Manager. “From the region itself to the fact that growers produce their own seed, it all contributes to delivering one of the sweetest onions available.”
Market conditions are expected to remain steady, with key promotional opportunities around Independence Day and throughout July.
The California almond crop is projected to remain steady during the 2026 season, with a total volume of 2.7 billion pounds, down one percent from the previous year. Yield is forecasted to remain steady at 1,940 pounds per acre, unchanged from 2025.
The 2026 season forecast published by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) was made based on subjective grower data compiled between April 24 and May 7 from around 500 participants selected at random.
“This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months,” said Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Clarice Turner.
In a press release published by ABC, the executive emphasized that even with a slightly tighter supply, the Golden State remains the world’s leading supplier of the fruit, a status California growers will defend despite higher costs, regulatory pressures, and supply chain challenges.
Bearing acreage in California decreased one percent by 15,227 acres from the previous year to 1,385,870 million bearing acres.
The Florida Thai guava season is underway at Tierra Suelta, the Homestead-based tropical fruit grower whose 250-acre, family-owned ranch supplies one of the produce category’s fastest-growing specialty items into North American retail.
“Our Thai guava is grown with a full-time agronomist overseeing every crop, which gives us a reliable harvest of crunchy, tart fruit that’s fresh and flavorful,” said Adrian Abreu, CEO of Tierra Suelta.
The executive explained that the fruit’s peak season is late summer, “when people are looking for a crisp, refreshing snack.”
Industry data support the CEO’s summer hunch. A March 2026 industry report from 360 Research Reports says US guava consumption grew by 19 percent from 2019 to 2024, mainly because of higher demand from Hispanic and Asian communities.
Another industry oversight report from Business Research Insights estimates the global guava market, worth about $2.69 billion in 2024, will grow to $4.84 billion by 2033, with a 7.5 percent annual growth rate.
Tierra Suelta grows, packs, and ships its Thai guava from an on-site 15,000-square-foot Primus-certified warehouse on the Homestead farm. Fruit is harvested six days per week and pre-cooled to extend shelf life, reduce shrinkage, and preserve flavor.
Most fresh Thai guava in America is imported, which means longer wait times and less predictable supply.
By offering Florida-grown fruit, Tierra Suelta can deliver faster, provide a steadier supply, and meet retailer demand for locally sourced specialty items.
Food & Function has published a report that pure orange juice produces a slower, lower rise in blood sugar than sugar-sweetened beverages, according to a new clinical trial.
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled crossover trial with 25 healthy young men, comparing metabolic responses to four beverages: 100 percent pure orange juice, a 50 percent orange juice drink with added sugar, a sugar-sweetened water drink, and a pure glucose drink.
The findings show that, despite having similar total sugar content, 100 percent orange juice led to a more gradual increase in blood glucose.
The study attributes the difference to the “fruit matrix”—the natural composition of fiber fragments, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds present in juice—which appears to slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream.
The trial found that, while blood sugar levels evened out across all beverages after about two hours, the gradual rise in glucose triggered by 100 percent pure orange juice may help explain why some people experience a gradual feeling of energy after enjoying the beverage, compared with the sharper “spike and dip” sometimes associated with sugar-sweetened drinks.
“People often assume that because fruit juice contains natural sugars from the fruit, it must act in the same way as a sugary soft drink. Our study demonstrates that they do not produce the same metabolic response,” says lead researcher Francisco A. Tomás-Barberán of Spain’s National Research Council.
The results come as glucose monitoring and concerns about “sugar spikes” gain traction among consumers, potentially influencing purchasing behavior in retail beverage categories.
“Some are using wearable technologies, like glucose monitors, to test their reaction to different foods and drinks,” dietitian Carrie Ruxton notes. “While I don’t think this is helpful unless recommended by a doctor, it’s reassuring to know that 100 percent pure orange juice is better for blood glucose control than other types of sweet drinks”.
That could mean more sustained energy levels after your morning glass of juice, Ruxton explains, while there are also health benefits.
“The fruit matrix in 100 percent juices also delivers vitamin C for immune function and skin, potassium for blood pressure, and a range of fruit bioactives for mental function and cardiovascular health,” she adds.
The 2026 Chilean kiwifruit season is underway with significant growth prospects. According to Carlos Cruzat, president of the Chilean Kiwi Committee, the country expects between 175,000 and 180,000 tons thanks to the start of production in new plantations and good fruit setting. “We believe that we are going to grow by 20% this year compared to the previous one,” he says, highlighting that production in 2025 stood at 147,000 tons.
The growth in production volumes doesn’t seem to be a cause for concern for the sector. Cruzat says that “the global kiwifruit market is very buoyant,” with demand “easily outstripping supply” for several seasons. Even demanding markets such as the United States or Europe have been absorbing a lot of fruit. “New Zealand shipped almost 15% more fruit to Europe, and it was nicely absorbed with very good prices,” he says.
“Factors such as the exchange rate or logistical costs are seen as more important than the increase in production, as these can have a greater impact on prices,” he says.
Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA) announces its 2026 season is underway, with the first arrivals expected at U.S. ports in late June.
Approximately 170 containers, primarily Easy Peelers and some Navel Oranges, are scheduled to arrive during the early part of the season. The MSC Carmen will be the first direct vessel into Philadelphia, followed by weekly arrivals through both containerized shipments and dedicated conventional vessels.
“The port of Philadelphia is a critical point of entry for our fruit as many of our importers and repacking facilities are located in New York and Pennsylvania,” said Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa. “Ensuring reliable shipping partnerships remains a top priority for the program, helping us maintain a steady supply throughout the season.”
Since October 2025, MSC has operated a standalone service between South Africa and the U.S., including a seasonal Philadelphia stop to support distribution throughout the Northeast. New this year, MSC vessels will add weekly stops into Savannah, Georgia, creating an additional entry point for fruit destined for the Southern U.S. market.
“The addition of Savannah expands our ability to serve customers in the south while providing greater flexibility across our supply chain,” Conradie said. “Our focus is on meeting the needs of importers and customers through efficient, reliable logistics solutions.”
Alongside its partnership with MSC, SCSA has renewed its agreement with Seatrade. The first conventional vessel under that program is expected to arrive in Philadelphia shortly after the Fourth of July holiday weekend, further supporting continuity of supply during the summer citrus season.
From a production perspective, the group expects lower volumes this year, especially with Navel Oranges, following the record-volume season in 2025 while continuing to match the available supply with the demand of the market. SCSA continues to follow its long-standing business model of aligning available supply with market demand to help support a balanced and sustainable program.
“It is important to acknowledge the amount of planning and coordination required to execute a program like this. Negotiations and planning workshops with shipping providers begin months before the season starts,” noted Conradie. “By March, retailers are typically ready to discuss imported citrus programs, and from that point forward we build our shipping plan and align all logistics partners to ensure consistent weekly shipments and arrivals throughout the season.”
Fruit quality also remains a primary focus. Only premium-quality citrus is selected for shipment to the U.S. market to help ensure a positive eating experience for consumers and continued confidence in the category.
While parts of South Africa experienced heavy rainfall during May, the impact on the Western Cape, the primary growing region supplying citrus to the U.S., has been manageable with lower volumes predicted for the 2026 season.
Although weather-related conditions caused some minor supply chain delays, the group has maintained its planned volume projections for the season and made only limited adjustments to vessel schedules to keep shipments on track.
About Summer Citrus from South Africa (SCSA)
Summer Citrus from South Africa represents a group of South African citrus growers who consolidate their logistics, marketing, and sales efforts to bring the finest citrus fruit to market during the U.S. summer season. Established in 1999, the group provides Navels, Midknights, East Peelers, Star Ruby Grapefruit, and Cara-Cara oranges to the U.S. market.
The California Walnut Board of Folsom, CA has released its April 2026 shipment report showing continued growth in walnut shipments during both the month and the 2025/26 marketing season.
Total April shipments reached 142.0 million pounds in-shell equivalent, up 25.1 per cent from 113.6 million pounds in April 2025. Kernel shipments are converted to in-shell equivalent using a 42.5 per cent crackout ratio.
Compared with March 2026, total April shipments declined 14.6 per cent from 166.4 million pounds. In-shell shipments decreased from 30.5 million pounds in March to 26.6 million pounds in April, while kernel shipments declined from 57.8 million pounds to 49.0 million pounds.
Year-on-year growth was led by in-shell shipments, which increased from 5.6 million pounds in April 2025 to 26.6 million pounds in April 2026, a rise of 378.0 per cent. Kernel shipments increased 6.9 per cent from 45.9 million pounds to 49.0 million pounds.
Kernel shipments accounted for 81.2 per cent of total volume on an in-shell-equivalent basis, compared with 95.1 per cent in April 2025.
According to market participants, the higher shipment pace reflects improved supply availability and efforts by sellers to move inventory in a lower price environment, rather than stronger consumer demand.
Through the first eight months of the 2025/26 marketing year from September to April, total shipments reached 1.19 billion pounds in-shell equivalent, up 22.9 per cent from 965.6 million pounds during the same period last season.
In-shell shipments more than doubled during the period, increasing 108.7 per cent from 133.8 million pounds to 279.1 million pounds. Kernel shipments rose 9.1 per cent to 385.8 million pounds.
The industry has sold 76.1 per cent of 2025/26 receipts through April, based on total receipts of 1.62 billion pounds, including both shipped volumes and outstanding commitments of 324.4 million pounds in-shell equivalent. Conventional walnuts represented 98 per cent of receipts, while organic walnuts accounted for 2 per cent.
When including carryover inventory from the previous season, the industry has sold 70.1 per cent of the total available supply.
According to industry sources, shipment activity continues to reflect efforts by handlers to move available inventory following last season’s lower production levels.
A brief, unexpected supply gap is emerging in the blueberry market as California heat disruptions, Mexico’s post-peak decline, and a slow Pacific Northwest start converge. We anticipate this to last into early next week and begin to slowly stabilize as the week progresses, relates Markon Cooperative of Salinas, CA in a press release.
North Carolina
- Volume is falling rapidly; the season will be ending this next week
- Quality is good; some early breakdown has been reported
- Expect elevated prices for the rest of the season
New Jersey
- Abnormally low temperatures have delayed the season by three weeks
- Growers expect up to 50% damage caused by the freezing weather
- High markets are anticipated for the entire season; stocks are scarce
Mexico
- Supplies are tightening; production is light
- Quality is good; some early breakdown has been reported
- Prices are elevated
California
- California season has ended
Pacific Northwest
- New crop harvesting has begun in a small way this week
- Expect yields to increase as the season progresses
- Quality is good
- Prices will begin at high levels, then inch down as supplies increase
Prickly fruit may soon move out of niche status and into the spotlight as a potential aid to metabolic health, thanks to its unique nutrient and compound mix, according to new research.
The open-access journal Nutrients examines Opuntia ficus-indica, the cactus fruit commonly known as prickly pear, and its potential role in addressing metabolic syndrome, in a recent narrative review. The condition affects approximately 40 percent of Americans, according to US National Survey Data from 2023.
Metabolic syndrome includes conditions such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal lipid levels, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
However, researchers warn that science has yet to catch up with the studies.
According to the review, prickly pears offer a particular combination of nutrients and phytochemicals that may be relevant to metabolic health. The fruit contains about 85 to 92 percent water, which contributes to its low calorie density, and provides between 0.1 and 0.18 ounces of dietary fiber per 3.5 ounces of fresh pulp. Much of that fiber is soluble, including mucilage and pectin.
Soluble fiber is associated with delayed gastric emptying and improved blood sugar control, which could have a positive impact on metabolic syndrome. The fruit also delivers micronutrients such as potassium, folate, calcium, and magnesium.
Beyond basic nutrition, prickly pears contain a range of phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and betalains. Seeds, which are typically consumed along with the pulp, provide additional compounds, including polyunsaturated fatty acids and phytosterols.
Flavonoids and polyphenols, also found in the fruit, have been shown in experimental models to act as antioxidants and influence insulin signaling pathways. These compounds may also play a role in lipid metabolism by reducing fat synthesis and promoting fat oxidation.
Betalains, the pigments responsible for the fruit’s color, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in preclinical studies. Researchers report that these compounds may help protect vascular cells and reduce liver fat accumulation in animal models.
While preclinical findings are consistent, human data are still scarce. Small-scale studies in healthy individuals have shown reductions in oxidative stress markers following prickly pear consumption, and researchers have confirmed that some key compounds are bioavailable at typical dietary intake levels.
However, the review notes that clinical trials involving individuals with metabolic syndrome are limited. Existing studies tend to include small sample sizes, short intervention periods, and inconsistent fruit preparations, making it difficult to determine efficacy.
In addition, amino acids such as arginine may support vascular function through nitric oxide production.
Seald Sweet is once again importing lemons from Argentina and volume is expected to be similar to a year ago.
The importer, based in Vero Beach, FL, reports Argentinian fruit is expected to ship through August, quality-pending, mixed in with Chilean fruit starting to arrive in July. Both early reports and early shipments indicate strong quality on lemons, even though rains in the Argentinian season had raised quality concerns.
It is characteristic of Argentinian fruit to peak on 95s, and 115s with less small fruit available. Meanwhile Chile is the opposite with more 140s, 165s.
Keystone Fruit Marketing of Greencastle, Pa, a division of Progressive Produce, got an early June start for the Walla Walla sweet onion season out of Washington state.
Grown in a unique region and cultivated by third-generation growers, Walla Walla sweet onions are known for their exceptional sweetness and consistent quality.
“One of the things that sets Walla Walla sweet onions apart is where and how they’re grown,” said Dan Borer, Keystone Sales and Commodity Manager. “From the region itself to the fact that growers produce their own seed, it all contributes to delivering one of the sweetest onions available.”
Market conditions are expected to remain steady, with key promotional opportunities around Independence Day and throughout July.
The California almond crop is projected to remain steady during the 2026 season, with a total volume of 2.7 billion pounds, down one percent from the previous year. Yield is forecasted to remain steady at 1,940 pounds per acre, unchanged from 2025.
The 2026 season forecast published by the US Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (USDA-NASS) was made based on subjective grower data compiled between April 24 and May 7 from around 500 participants selected at random.
“This is an early estimate, and we will see how the crop progresses over the coming months,” said Almond Board of California (ABC) President and CEO Clarice Turner.
In a press release published by ABC, the executive emphasized that even with a slightly tighter supply, the Golden State remains the world’s leading supplier of the fruit, a status California growers will defend despite higher costs, regulatory pressures, and supply chain challenges.
Bearing acreage in California decreased one percent by 15,227 acres from the previous year to 1,385,870 million bearing acres.
The Florida Thai guava season is underway at Tierra Suelta, the Homestead-based tropical fruit grower whose 250-acre, family-owned ranch supplies one of the produce category’s fastest-growing specialty items into North American retail.
“Our Thai guava is grown with a full-time agronomist overseeing every crop, which gives us a reliable harvest of crunchy, tart fruit that’s fresh and flavorful,” said Adrian Abreu, CEO of Tierra Suelta.
The executive explained that the fruit’s peak season is late summer, “when people are looking for a crisp, refreshing snack.”
Industry data support the CEO’s summer hunch. A March 2026 industry report from 360 Research Reports says US guava consumption grew by 19 percent from 2019 to 2024, mainly because of higher demand from Hispanic and Asian communities.
Another industry oversight report from Business Research Insights estimates the global guava market, worth about $2.69 billion in 2024, will grow to $4.84 billion by 2033, with a 7.5 percent annual growth rate.
Tierra Suelta grows, packs, and ships its Thai guava from an on-site 15,000-square-foot Primus-certified warehouse on the Homestead farm. Fruit is harvested six days per week and pre-cooled to extend shelf life, reduce shrinkage, and preserve flavor.
Most fresh Thai guava in America is imported, which means longer wait times and less predictable supply.
By offering Florida-grown fruit, Tierra Suelta can deliver faster, provide a steadier supply, and meet retailer demand for locally sourced specialty items.
Food & Function has published a report that pure orange juice produces a slower, lower rise in blood sugar than sugar-sweetened beverages, according to a new clinical trial.
Researchers conducted a randomized controlled crossover trial with 25 healthy young men, comparing metabolic responses to four beverages: 100 percent pure orange juice, a 50 percent orange juice drink with added sugar, a sugar-sweetened water drink, and a pure glucose drink.
The findings show that, despite having similar total sugar content, 100 percent orange juice led to a more gradual increase in blood glucose.
The study attributes the difference to the “fruit matrix”—the natural composition of fiber fragments, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds present in juice—which appears to slow sugar absorption into the bloodstream.
The trial found that, while blood sugar levels evened out across all beverages after about two hours, the gradual rise in glucose triggered by 100 percent pure orange juice may help explain why some people experience a gradual feeling of energy after enjoying the beverage, compared with the sharper “spike and dip” sometimes associated with sugar-sweetened drinks.
“People often assume that because fruit juice contains natural sugars from the fruit, it must act in the same way as a sugary soft drink. Our study demonstrates that they do not produce the same metabolic response,” says lead researcher Francisco A. Tomás-Barberán of Spain’s National Research Council.
The results come as glucose monitoring and concerns about “sugar spikes” gain traction among consumers, potentially influencing purchasing behavior in retail beverage categories.
“Some are using wearable technologies, like glucose monitors, to test their reaction to different foods and drinks,” dietitian Carrie Ruxton notes. “While I don’t think this is helpful unless recommended by a doctor, it’s reassuring to know that 100 percent pure orange juice is better for blood glucose control than other types of sweet drinks”.
That could mean more sustained energy levels after your morning glass of juice, Ruxton explains, while there are also health benefits.
“The fruit matrix in 100 percent juices also delivers vitamin C for immune function and skin, potassium for blood pressure, and a range of fruit bioactives for mental function and cardiovascular health,” she adds.