Press Release - Caribbean Red Papayas Are Back!

HOMESTEAD, FL ─ April 7, 2008
Brooks Tropicals is nearing pre-hurricane volumes of its Caribbean Red papayas.

“We’re back,” said Craig Wheeling CEO, Brooks Tropicals, LLC. “And back with a great Caribbean Red papaya program.”

“Delivering a quality papaya consistently is what customers expect from Brooks” said Vice President of Sales and Marketing Bill Brindle. “Vertical integration from our fields to your retail distribution centers allows for maximum quality control.”

Right after Dean – a Category 5 hurricane – the company not only told its customers that it was committed to coming back, but that it was coming back even stronger. As the largest importer of papayas in the North American market before the storm, this customer commitment entailed more than just replanting fields and repairing storm damaged buildings.

Brooks used the downtime to improve systems and infrastructure. As Caribbean Red papaya monthly volumes steadily climbed back up, new buildings were being built, new machinery was being installed, and new levels of food safety standards were being reached. Even the work of replanting the papaya fields took on new significance as a new stock of seedlings – backed by five years of research and development – was put into the ground for the first time.

“The hurricane gave us a chance to get these new seedlings in the ground ahead of schedule,” said Mr. Wheeling. “The solid columns of beautiful fruit we’re picking are proof positive these plants were ready.”

“The timing could not be better,” said Mr. Brindle. “Spring is a great time to make an entry back into the market. Retailers are looking for ‘springtime’ produce that will excite shoppers; Caribbean Red papayas do just that.”

Historically, this time of year has been great for papaya sales. By the end of 2008 Brooks Tropicals may be making a little history of its own; end-of-year harvesting forecasts show weekly papaya volumes will be higher than ever.

Take that Hurricane Dean!