Dragon fruit arriving in Canada from Southern Vietnam is in good supply and very good quality. Thomas Fresh receives it nearly year round with the occasional exception of a gap in June and July. “Sometimes we even get it 12 months a year,” said Andrea Dubak, marketing specialist. Fruit currently is very good; the fruit stem is three to four inches long but the core is only one inch long, which Dubak says is excellent. “The longer the core the less meat inside. The ones we get have a core that is very small, so there is lot’s of meat”. A shorter core also lends itself to a piece of fruit that stays fresh longer.
Fruit is taking between six and eight weeks to arrive. “We get a very fair price,” said Dubak. Promotion was heavy during Chinese New year but amounts are down to regular loads.
Dubak has noticed an increase in demand. Retailers are asking for more due to consumer trends. “People now know more about dragon fruit and they’re interested in exploring what it has to offer – they’re more open to exotic flavours in general.” She’s also seen many recipe ideas on social media that include dragon fruit smoothies or as an ingredient in salads.
Package rebranding
Thomas Fresh underwent a rebranding about a year ago, which included new potato bags and a refresh of their overall items to give a new, consistent look. They’re also doing convenient packaging for items like ginger, garlic and turmeric. “We want to show the world who we are,” says Dubak. “Our slogan is ‘Grown in trust’ and we want to stay true to that. It’s on all of our packaging and provides consumers with more awareness of where their fruits are vegetables are coming from.
For more information:
Andrea Dubak
Thomas Fresh
Ph: (403) 236-8234 X 106