Haskap berries or honeysuckles are new to the fruit market; however, they have good potential. These berries are a rich source of phenolic compounds, Iridoids, and anthocyanins. This is the reason haskap berries have unique health benefits. Today, farmers grow different varieties of this fruit that are many times bigger and sweeter than wild haskaps. Researchers breed for selective traits to produce a mouth-watering berry while preserving its high vitamin C content. Because of this, Canada Haskap Producers introduce these fruits to consumers in different forms such as frozen, freeze-dried, and juiced. Others use haskap berries in jams, ice creams, and smoothies and expand their market to a global scale.
Boosting Demand for Haskap Berries
As producers concentrate on marketing haskap more this year, they hope that demand continues to rise. For a not-so-familiar fruit like haskap, demand is a challenge. But this year, the fruit has been the latest buzzword, particularly with chefs. Still, producers need to find more buyers as they will not come on their own.
In addition, pricing for haskap can be a deal breaker. Some consumers may not have a full understanding of the production cost for this fruit and how this cost is different. Haskap berries are more fragile than other berries. This is the reason they can make their way into processing through baked products and jams. This is a major challenge with selling these berries. To overcome this, producers should offer value-added products at a price that people are willing to pay. The strategy includes drawing foodies. These are consumers who like to cook and try new foods.
The Importance of Consumer Education
Growers and producers agree that more education is necessary for consumers to know about the haskap berry and its possible health benefits. While the fruit is a high demand, it is not a known product. Some consumers who come to haskap stores to try the products are curious. Although they want to taste the fruit, they have no idea what it tastes like. However, nobody tastes something they have already tasted before they can eat a haskap berry.
In addition, there should be opportunities to get the latest knowledge about cultivating the haskap berry. This should include views from experts on the fruit’s future and prospects.
Despite haskaps’ small initial market share, their potential is significant. When shareholders are aligned, they have the same quality of berries, assurance processes, and food safety processes. The next step is to establish long-term relationships across the globe to ensure haskap farming stability.
