5 produce trends to watch in 2025

ATLANTA — In 2025, consumers will continue their quest for unique, vibrant produce options that offer new flavors and culinary experiences. That's according to Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa’s Produce, who offered insights during a special media presentation during the International Fresh Produce Association's Global Produce and Floral Show, held Oct. 17-19.

Schueller presented a list of three focused areas: top specialty produce, new items and produce trends.

The produce trends list encapsulates “what stores are buying across the United States,” he said. Schueller said his research analyzes sales trends for the past 365 days compared to the previous 365 days, giving a prediction for future trends.

Whether it’s luxury produce such as the Sapūrana mango or the home chef's favorite gemstone potatoes, Schueller said to keep an eye on these five produce items poised to capture consumer interest.





1) Sapūrana mango

Mangoes are the No. 2 fruit globally, Schueller said, though they held the top spot until about five years ago before being usurped by bananas. Still, mangoes are a trending fruit, and Melissa’s imports about 15 varieties, Schueller said. As part of its luxury fruit line, Melissa’s Produce has Sapūrana mangoes on its top produce trends list.

“Not only are Sapūrana some of the newest fruits into the U.S., we call them ‘luxury’ because they’re kind of expensive,” Schueller said.

With a creamy flesh and highlights of sweet honey and hints of lemon, Melissa’s features the Sapūrana mango as the “perfect” mango. Through global sourcing, Schueller said, this mango is available year-round.





2) Gemstone potatoes

Gemstone potatoes are Melissa’s selection of baby varieties — baby red, yellow and purple varieties — in one box, said Schueller, who added that gemstone stands for “many different varieties.”

“This is a foodservice trend that trickled down to retail,” Schueller said.

The potatoes boast thin skin and bursts of flavor, he said.





3) Pinkglow pineapples

The Pinkglow pineapple is a luxury item that Schueller said brings tropical paradise in a pink-colored-flesh pineapple.

From Melissa’s website about the Pinkglow pineapple: “Grown in Costa Rica’s ideal climate and soil, the Pinkglow pineapple is the result of over 16 years of meticulous development by Fresh Del Monte. The result? A pineapple with a uniquely low-acid flavor profile, candy pineapple aromatics and unique pink flesh. Pinkglow contains lycopene, a natural pigment that gives some produce (like tomatoes) its red color, which makes this pineapple pink! Lycopene has been associated with numerous health benefits, such as antioxidant properties including vitamin C.”





4) Yellow dragon fruit

Although there are three different varieties of dragon fruit, “most people know about the varieties with white flesh and red flesh," Schueller said. "But six years ago, Melissa’s introduced the yellow dragon fruit. It looks a little different from the pink one and doesn’t have the large bracts that look like thorns but are soft. However, when you cut it open, it looks exactly like the white flesh one with little black seeds, but it’s night and day between the flavor and taste.

“The texture is the same but in terms of flavor, they’re very mild," he added.

Schueller said yellow dragon fruit is one of the biggest trending items Melissa’s has seen.





5) Baby broccoli

Baby broccoli, or aspiration broccoli, is thinner than traditional broccoli and has an entirely edible stalk, Schueller said. Baby broccoli is a cross between broccoli and gai lan (Chinese broccoli).

“The stalks are less fibrous than broccoli and never require peeling. The bud and stalk are both edible, being much sweeter than broccoli, with a distinctively pleasant hint of mustard aftertaste. When cooked, the peppery flavor is replaced by an increased sweetness,” according to Melissa’s website.



Also of note

Other trending items from Schueller’s list to watch in 2025: ojai pixie tangerines, yellow and orange watermelon, Organic Harry’s Berries strawberries, tasmanian cherries, hatch peppers, figs, WildTwist apples, maitake mushrooms, Charentais melons, Buddha’s hand, mini Marzano tomatoes and Hunnyz apples.