OXNARD, CA - As dragon fruit continues to build momentum with consumers, Freska Produce International is putting a renewed spotlight on its Ecuadorian dragon fruit program, combining consistent supply with a tropical fruit that offers visual appeal, versatility, and nutritional value.

Dragon fruit has continued to gain recognition beyond the traditional tropical produce set, driven in part by consumers’ growing familiarity with the fruit and its use across smoothies, beverages, fruit bowls, and other applications. For Freska, that increasing awareness represents an opportunity to continue building its presence in the category while giving retail partners a dependable source of fruit.

“We’re excited about where the dragon fruit category is headed,” said Tom Hall, Sales Manager of Freska Produce International, in the recent release. “Consumers are becoming much more familiar with the fruit, and once they understand how easy it is to eat and the nutritional value it offers, we think there is a lot of opportunity for continued growth.”

Freska’s Ecuadorian dragon fruit program offers 52-week availability, with several strong promotional windows throughout the year. As production moves through its different peak periods, Freska is positioned to provide customers with consistent year-round supply while identifying opportunities to promote the category during periods of stronger availability.

“Consistency is extremely important to us,” Hall added. “As interest in dragon fruit continues to grow, we want our customers to know that Freska has the relationships and supply program in place to support them.”

The fruit’s nutritional profile adds another layer to its growing appeal. According to research available through the National Institutes of Health’s PubMed Central, dragon fruit is a source of naturally occurring bioactive compounds, including phenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids, which are recognized for their antioxidant properties. Its vibrant appearance and mild flavor also give retailers multiple opportunities to introduce dragon fruit to consumers looking to add more variety to their produce purchases.

For consumers who may be less familiar with dragon fruit, its preparation is relatively straightforward. The fruit can simply be sliced in half and scooped from the skin or peeled and cut into pieces, making it easy to enjoy fresh or incorporate into smoothies, salads, and fruit bowls.

“Dragon fruit has everything you want in a category with growth potential; it stands out in the produce department; it has great nutritional value; and consumers are finding more ways to enjoy it,” Hall said. “Our goal at Freska is to continue building a strong, reliable program behind that demand and give our customers confidence in the category.”

With Ecuador entering another important harvest period, Freska looks forward to continuing to support its customers with dragon fruit while building greater awareness of the category.