Florida-based Southern Specialties, a grower, importer, processor and shipper of a variety of specialty products grown in Central America, South America, Mexico, Canada and the US, has announced that it is increasing its presence in Guatemala for growing and shipping Persian limes.
In 2001, Southern Specialties planted limes in Guatemala as part of a diversification program for coffee farmers, and the company has since planted additional lime groves in the area of Petén where it will begin harvesting 450ha this season.
Production from this area will reach 1,000ha by 2014, the group has said, with total production from Guatemala at 2,000ha.
“We feel our Southern Selects limes from Guatemala are a natural,” said Robert Colescott, president and CEO of Southern Specialties.
'Limes have long been a staple in both the foodservice and retail industry,' he added. 'An expanding demographic base incorporates limes in their daily cuisines. Consumers have discovered the fruit’s versatility as an ingredient used for marinades, drinks, seasonings and garnishes.”
Slightly lighter in colour than Mexican limes, Southern Selects Persian limes have an exceptionally high juice content and are packed with vitamin C.
