Hello phytosan-ga,
This was a tough search. Starfruit/carambola is a little known and
very exotic fruit in the US. Despite hours of digging I could not find
any information about US consumption. I have a feeling this is because
the amount is very small. I?ve included some general information about
fruit consumption to help you get a perspective on comparable fruits.
I was more successful about gathering the information about US
production of carambola (mostly in Florida and Hawaii) and carambola
imports. I?ve included lots of articles to help you sort out the
market but I also want to draw your attention to some issues that may
be of special concern. Importation of carambola is highly regulated
because of fears of various pest infestations. Since this fruit is
mostly used fresh (not canned or frozen) the quality of the product is
effected by the various methods used to meet the regulatory
requirements. Further research may be necessary on these issues.
I?ve also found some sources for getting the market prices for
carambolas. I?ve included some sample prices but you will have to use
the resources I?ve provided to access information for specific dates.
I hope the research I?ve completed will be helpful. Please don?t
hesitate to ask for clarification on any of this.
Best wishes for your carambola importing project.
~ czh ~
===============================
ANNUAL US CARAMBOLA CONSUMPTION
===============================
http://www.sfc.ucdavis.edu/pubs/brochures/exoticfruits.html
Exotic Fruits -- A Small-Scale Agriculture Alternative
The growing demand for specialty fruits in most large cities means
skilled small-scale entrepreneurs may compete with strong competitors
from New Zealand and Central and South America if they select
varieties carefully and master their marketing homework. The fruits
discussed here may come from many parts of the world. Most aren't
commercially feasible in the United States other than parts of
Florida, California, or Texas and sometimes in Hawaii and Puerto Rico.
Despite the fact that U.S. per capita fruit consumption has been
rising, the experts caution any small-scale entrepreneur who might
want to emulate kiwi success and launch some other little known fruit,
such as the feijoa.
Exotics of Potential
Averrhoa carambola L. ("Caramola" in English and Spanish, and also
"starfruit " in English.) Carambola acreage is growing in Florida,
according to USDA Scientist Knight. A tree will bear fruit two or
three times a year. Some see it as the next kiwi.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.agmrc.org/markets/info/expandingusmarketproduce.pdf
The Expanding US Market for Fresh Produce
http://southeastfarmpress.com/news/farming_robust_consumption_drives/
Robust consumption drives fruits, vegetables
***** These might be good for background information.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.eas.asu.edu/~nfapp/commodities/table/usfruit2.htm
U.S. Fruit and Vegetable Per Capita Consumption
http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/files/datastore/234-66.pdf
US per capita fruit and vegetable consumption/utilization (pounds), 1976-2002
***** General information but it might be helpful.
==============================
ANNUAL US CARAMBOLA PRODUCTION
==============================
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_PI056
Florida Crop/Pest Management Profile: Carambola1
CIR 1416 -- Published September 2002
Production Facts
-- The Florida production of carambola in 1994 (530 acres)
represented 93 percent of all carambola grown in the U.S. Thirty-five
acres of production were reported for Hawaii (1,2).
-- The carambola acreage for 1996 was reported to be 650 acres, which
represents approximately 104,000 trees (1).
-- In the last year for which production statistics are available
(1996), a reported carambola crop worth $17.4 million was harvested.
The average yield per acre was 40,000 pounds, and the price per pound
was $1.40. The packout was reported to be 60 percent (1).
-- An estimated 98 percent of carambola sales ($17.1 million) were
made outside of Miami-Dade County in 1996 (1).
-- The reported carambola acreage in 2000 was 250 acres. This is a 62
percent decline in acreage since 1996 (3).
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.brookstropicals.com/pages/r_starfruit.html
Starfruit
-- Brooks Availability: All year
-- Brooks Origin: Florida
-- Restrictions: Entry not allowed in AZ, CA and TX unless fruit is treated.
http://www.brookstropicals.com/pages/media4.html
Brooks Tropicals Celebrates it's 75th Year
January 24, 2003
Brooks Tropicals? commitment to increasing product awareness led to
the company?s successful marketing of starfruit. Today, Brooks
Tropicals remains the dominant U.S. producer of starfruit. ? The final
star in the Brooks line-up is shiny, delicious starfruit provided in
sizes 16 through 30 count from June through March.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/proceedings1993/V2-448.html
Crane, J.H. 1993. Commercialization of carambola, atemoya, and other
tropical fruits in south Florida. p. 448-460. In: J. Janick and J.E.
Simon (eds.), New crops. Wiley, New York.
Commercialization of Carambola, Atemoya, and Other Tropical Fruits in South Florida
Facilitation
The capacity for a new crop to be accepted by the general population
is a primary factor in its potential demand and expanded commercial
production. Tropical fruit crops currently seen to have appeal to the
general public include carambola, lychee, guava, and passion fruit.
Others such as jackfruit, pummelo, wax jambu, and white sapote have a
good chance for increased production and commercialization to meet
increasing ethnic demand.
Table 1. Estimated hectares of commercial carambola in Florida from 1971 to 1991.
Year Hectares
1971 4
1983 12
1984 16
1985 24
1986 61
1987 81
1988 137
1989 176
1990 192
1991 243
Table 5. Current estimated hectarage of tropical fruit crops in south Florida.
Carambola 243 Hectares (in 1993)
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/stats/stat-25.pdf.98
TROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUIT 1994-1998
http://www.nass.usda.gov/hi/stats/stat-25.htm
TROPICAL SPECIALTY FRUIT: Number of farms, acreage, number of trees,
production, price, and value, State of Hawaii, 1998-2002 1
Starfruit
***** See table for acreage, farm price and value of sales for the five years.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.hawaii-county.com/bigislandag/exoticfruit.html
Exotic Fruit
Exotic tropical fruits are a new and growing industry in Hawaii. There
are 390 acres devoted to exotic tropical fruit production in the
state, 64% of that is located on the Big Island. Many fruits, most of
them native to Southeast Asia and South America, are included as
exotic tropical fruits. Some of the most popular of these are:
carambola - yellow-orange in color, about 6 inches long, and having 5
wings which form a star shape when the fruit is cross-sectioned;
lychee and rambutan - small, bright red with a sweet grape-like
flavor; atemoya and cherimoya - green colored and shaped like the
human heart, their sweet, white custard flesh make them delicious
fresh-eating fruits; mangosteen - purple with white, soft flesh and
prized by some as the most delicious of fruits; durian - a large
green, spiked fruit, claimed by some to be an aphrodisiac; mango - a
well-known and desired tropical fruit.
====================================
US LOCATIONS OF CARAMBOLA PRODUCTION
====================================
http://www.fl-ag.com/tropical/tips_cara.htm
Carambolas Star in Any Setting
There are many varieties of carambolas available, including Arkin,
Thai Knight, Maha, and Youghans. Florida accounts for all domestic
production of carambolas, since the fruit is not allowed into the U.
S. from other growing areas because of pest restrictions.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.uog.edu/cals/PEOPLE/PUBS/Carambol/MG26900.pdf
http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/BODY_MG269
Fact Sheet HS-12 -- April 1994
The Carambola (Star Fruit)
Scientific name: Averrhoa carambola L.
Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin: Southeast Asia
Carambolas are cultivated throughout many tropical and warm
subtropical areas of the world. In the U.S, carambolas are grown
commercially in southern Florida and Hawaii. In Florida, carambolas
are grown commercially in Dade, Lee, Broward, and Palm Beach counties.
USES
Carambolas are primarily sold as a fresh fruit. However, processing
into pickles, sauces, wine, and jellies is done on a limited scale.
Carambola trees are excellent for home landscaping. The foliage is
dark green, attractive and flowers and fruit are beautiful. The fruit
is valued for its appearance and unusual shape. It is eaten fresh, cut
up in fruit salads, or used as a garnish for meat dishes. The juice
makes a delicious iced drink alone or in combination with other
beverages. The fruit may also be canned, preserved and dried.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.uog.edu/cals/PEOPLE/PUBS/Carambol/He8520.pdf
Fact Sheet HE 8520?March 1995
South Florida Tropicals: Carambola
CLIMATE
Although carambola grows best in tropical lowland climates, it also
does well in warm subtropical areas that experience only occasional
freezing temperatures. In Florida, carambola can be grown in warm
locations along the southeastern (e.g., Merritt Island) and
southwestern (e.g., Tampa Bay area) coasts, Dade, Lee, Broward, Palm
Beach, Monroe, and Collier Counties, and in protected areas in
Brevard, Pinellas, Highlands, and Polk Counties.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/carambola.html
Morton, J. 1987. Carambola. p. 125?128. In: Fruits of warm climates.
Julia F. Morton, Miami, FL.
Last updated: 6/29/2004 by ch
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.echonet.org/eln&herbs/eln_catalog/fruittreesC.htm#Carambola
Carambola(Star Fruit) Averrhoa carambola
FCFS available. This is one of the most productive fruit trees. If
you only know the sour fruit from backyard seedling trees, be sure to
try the sweet grafted varieties! Fruit from grafted trees is one of
the fastest growing new exports from Florida. Cross sections of the
fruit make attractive yellow stars, giving rise to its alternate name
of star fruit. Carambola has a thin skin and crisp, juicy,
non-fibrous flesh. Usually there are two major blooms - one in
April - May and another in September ? October, with harvests June
through February with peaks during August - October and December -
February. The fruit can be eaten fresh, juiced, canned or dried.
Under good conditions, mature trees can yield 200-300 lbs. of fruit
per year.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.agmarketing.ifas.ufl.edu/dlfiles/Findings_Economic-Trends.pdf
Table 13 ? Summary of Miami-Dade County Tropical Fruit Acreage 190-2001
Carambola 600 acres in 1990, 113 acres in 2001
***** See page 27 for explanation of the decline.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.miamisunpost.com/firststoryfrontpage.htm
June 24, 2004 -- Tropical Fruity
And, yes, all these fruits are grown locally on small farms in
Homestead and The Redlands. Small farms? Well, three- to
one-hundred-acre farms are small, but their production is impressive.
Two million pounds of mangoes will be picked and shipped nationwide
between May and September. Five million pounds of carambola (star
fruit) will be sent cross country this year.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.hawaii-county.com/bigislandag/faqs.html
County of Hawaii Agriculture ? FAQ
What pest quarantine treatment do we have available for our fresh products?
Presently, we have three approved quarantine for fruitflies. The vapor
heat treatment for papaya, cold treatment for starfruit and
irradiation for lychee, papaya and starfruit.
-------------------------------------------------
March 8, 2000 -- hearts & stars
Big Island farmers are harvesting success with specialized products
such as hearts of palm and starfruit
Hula Bros. is the commercial fruit producer and right now, starfruit
is the principal crop. But the farmers have been slowly replanting
their land in rambutan as the specialty food market evolves.
The plan was to start with starfruit trees because they begin
producing in about a year. ? At first, the starfruit was sold in the
gourmet market, said sales manager Jaime Runnels. ? But its thin skin
and shape blemished easily. "You have a No. 1-graded fruit, then all
it takes is one fingernail, and, oops, it goes into the seconds bin,"
she said. ? Starfruit also is labor intensive. Gloved workers push
between branches to find the fruit clusters, harvesting only the ripe
ones and gently lowering them into a bag slung across their bodies. ?
Then there is the fruit fly problem, Runnels said. ? To export
starfruit to the mainland, it must be chill-treated for three weeks to
kill any flies. ? "The fruit really took a beating," Runnels said. "It
spent two weeks in the cold in Hilo and a week on the barge to the
West Coast, completing the treatment en route."
So they turned to juice production.
==============================
ANNUAL US IMPORTS OF CARAMBOLA
==============================
http://www.ceris.purdue.edu/napis/pests/ffmd/freg/fr010828.txt
[Federal Register: August 28, 2001 (Volume 66, Number 167)]
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
Importation of Fruits and Vegetables
Carambola From Mexico
Comment: Increased imports of carambolas from Mexico would hurt U.S.
carambola producers.
Response: In our initial regulatory flexibility analysis for our
August 21, 2000, proposed rule, we stated that there were no data
available regarding production of carambolas in the United States, and
Mexico's Center for Agricultural Statistics does not believe that
there are any commercial carambola production areas in Mexico. Based
on the lack of available data, we stated that imports of carambola
from Mexico would be unlikely to have any measurable economic effect
on U.S. producers or consumers. However, since the proposed rule was
published, we have gathered additional information related to domestic
carambola production. The information is discussed below in our final
regulatory flexibility analysis.
[[Page 45156]]
Carambola From Mexico
Carambola is grown in both Florida and Hawaii. Florida has
approximately 10 producers, with a total of 250 acres of carambola.
One firm accounts for approximately half of the total acres. Most of
the other firms would meet SBA guidelines for small agricultural
businesses (less than $750,000 in yearly receipts).
September through February is the major picking time for
carambola. However, trees are productive throughout the year. April
through June is the slowest season for picking. Trees can start
producing in as little as 13 months under ideal conditions, and within
3 years under normal circumstances. Trees must be sheltered from the
wind, and erecting and maintaining windbreaks is a major expense in
carambola production. Production costs range from $1,500 per acre to a
more typical cost of $2,700 per acre.
An acre of carambola trees can produce 30,000 to 40,000 pounds of
fruit. The average packout, or amount of fruit that is suitable for
the commercial market, is approximately 60 percent of the total
production. With proper handling, the fruit can be stored up to 30
days. Prices for carambola have fluctuated from a low of 16 cents per
pound up to $1.50 per pound. Forty-five cents per pound is a typical
price. In 1995 to 1996, the estimated annual value of Florida
carambola production was $17 million.
[[Page 45157]]
Hawaii had 25 producers in 1999 with a total of 20 acres of
carambola. The total value of sales was $66,000. All of Hawaii's
producers would likely meet SBA guidelines for small agricultural
businesses. The table below provides details about Hawaii's carambola
production. (See table for 1994-1997)
Any projections of possible imports from Mexico are merely speculation
at this point. It is not believed that there currently is any
commercial production of carambola in Mexico. However, because
carambola can come into production quickly, whether or not there is
current commercial production in Mexico does not alter the potential
economic effect of the rule. Carambola imports will directly compete
with domestic production and domestic producers may lose market share.
Domestic consumers will benefit if imports increase the availability
of fruit and if increased competition results in lower prices.
The costs associated with increased imports will be borne by a
small group of domestic producers, while the more diffuse group of
consumers will enjoy the benefits. Because the costs are concentrated
among a small group, they are more apparent. Benefits enjoyed by
consumers, while real, will likely be too small to be measured or even
noticed.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.rirdc.gov.au/reports/NPP/DAQ-W5967-19.doc
Opportunities for Commercially Under-exploited Tropical Fruits,
Vegetables and Nuts
Methodology and outcomes of a workshop held in Cairns in July 1997
Prepared for the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation
By Phil Ross, Queensland Horticulture Institute Centre for Wet Tropics Agriculture
Carambola
Production
Carambola production is widespread. In Asia, Malaysia, Taiwan, and
Thailand are major producers, whilst there is emerging production in
the Caribbean, Mexico, Brazil, and the United States. Malaysia is
probably the biggest producer with its production increasing beyond 40
000 tons whereas that of Taiwan, the second largest producer, is
declining from that level. Malaysia is able to produce year-round but
is suffering from a number of structural challenges.
Exports
Apart from Malaysian product going to the entrepots of Hong Kong and
Singapore, world trade is based around supplying Europe. Although
Israel appears to be the initiating exporter to Europe, Malaysia is
now the benchmark. Its exports have increased to around 10 000 tons
annually, albeit in an inconsistent manner. Malaysian carambola have
penetrated most European markets but trade is centred on the
Netherlands? role as an entrepot, and the French and English wholesale
systems.
Prices
Malaysian export prices have increased over the past eight years to an
average annual price of AUS$2.50 /kg, albeit in an erratic manner. The
United Kingdom, Germany, and France are the high priced markets
whereas the entrepots of the Netherlands, Hong Kong, and Singapore are
much lower in price. Prices in the United Kingdom are relatively
stable around £3.00 / kg. Australian annual wholesale prices are
around AUS$4.25 /kg.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.newhope.com/nfm-online/nfm_backs/Oct_03/fruit.cfm
October 2003 -- Exotic Fruit Brightens Winter From Seattle to St. Cloud
Among the more familiar exotics, Schueller also likes starfruit. A lot
of people have had bitter experiences with the ones grown in Florida,
he says, but the starfruit now being imported from Taiwan have a
bright taste that matches their appearance. Unlike the domestically
grown specimens, Taiwanese starfruit are yellow to orange in color,
not green, and are at their peak from August through November.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.agribdc.com/index.php?ch=63&pg=403&ac=1623
Starfruit/ Carambola (Averrhoea Carambola L)
Malaysia is the largest exporter of starfruits in the world since
1989. The country has been exporting starfruits to Europe, one of the
world major destinations for the commodity. Over the years,
significant export growth has been recorded. Our export figures for
2000 and 2001 are 8,745MT and 9,182MT respectively. This is more than
60% increase from our export in 1991, which was 2,723MT.
-------------------------------------------------
http://agrolink.moa.my/fama/bdc/ebelimbing.html
http://agrolink.moa.my/fama/bdc/potensi/ebelimbing.html
MARKET POTENTIAL FOR MALAYSIA 2002
Commodity: Star Fruit
***** Follow links for detailed information about Malaysian export of carambolas.
------------------------------------------------
http://www.agribusinessonline.com/stats/
US Crop Import Tables
Select a link below to access US import statistics for individual
crops that are available from Agribusiness Online. Products are
ordered by 8-digit Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) codes, which vary by
country and are subject to change. Additional US trade statistics are
available from the US International Trade Commission website:
http://dataweb.usitc.gov/scripts/user_set.asp
***** I?m not sure what category carambola belongs to but the tables
should provide some useful information for you.
============================
US MARKET PRICE OF CARAMBOLA
============================
http://www.hawaiiag.org/news/pdf2002/FF110602.pdf
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market News
November 5, 2002
Hawaii ? Fruits and Melons
Carambola $1.00 LB
***** I found this report showing the market price. I then looked for
more up-to-date reports and found the following links.
http://www.hawaiiag.org/news/
HAWAII AGRICULTURAL MARKET NEWS REPORTS
The links below take you to a calendar of current and historical
Hawaii Market News Reports for the month indicated.
NI PRICES = Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market News - Island of Hawaii, Kauai, and Maui
***** Use the calendars to locate historical price information.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.agribusinessonline.com/prices/
Market Prices
This section provides wholesale market reports for fresh fruits and
vegetables in major world markets. Use the internal links below to
jump to the market of your choice:
***** I didn?t have time to explore this site to see if I could find
carambola import figures.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.statpub.com/vegwire.html
Fruit and Vegetable Wire Service for the period ending Jun 29, 2004
***** Click on Visitor?s Version to access the daily reports or sign
up for a short subscription period.
-------------------------------------------------
http://www.freshlookmarketing.com/pCATS.htm
http://www.freshlookmarketing.com/measures.htm
FreshLook Marketing Group
Sales Data for Perishables ? Carambola
FreshLook Marketing's Perishables Sales Tracking Service
Based on all-store census data from supermarkets across the US.
FreshLook Marketing's reports are the most accurate, most complete,
and most actionable perishables information available.
***** This company looks like a good contact if you want up-to-date
and detailed information about carambola sales.
===============
SEARCH STRATEGY
===============
carambola production
carambola fruit production
starfruit production
starfruit marketing |
