Frieda’s lychee and rambutan program capitalizes on 33 percent category surge

Frieda’s Branded Produce has launched its 2026 lychee and rambutan season with a paired retail program, as demand for tropical offerings expands in the United States.

The company said the summer program is designed to help retailers build specialty produce sales and capitalize on rising consumer awareness of exotic fruits.

Lychee and rambutan sales have increased in produce departments over the past year. According to market data firm Circana, the former posted 33 percent volume growth and more than 30 percent velocity growth year-on-year. Frieda’s reported that the product outperformed the category in units sold per store per week.

The company also said its Rambas rambutan line recorded 19 percent growth in units per store per week, outpacing competing brands.

The sales uptick aligns with broader trends. Last year, the Institute of Food Technologists reported in its Flavor Trends roundup that exotic fruits such as lychee and rambutan are becoming increasingly common in foodservice menus.

Controlled lychee and rambutan supply

Lychee availability remains limited, with approximately six to eight weeks of supply from Mexico and eight to 12 weeks from South Africa, the firm notes. 

Frieda’s operates a vertically integrated supply chain with direct grower relationships in Mexico and dedicated packing operations. These efforts are aimed at maintaining consistency and supporting retailer demand during peak periods, company VP Alex Jackson said in a press release.

“Lychee and rambutan are breaking out of the produce aisle,” Jackson said. “Shoppers come into the store curious. Our job, and our retailers’ job, is to be ready for them. We want the lychee and rambutan season to be something that shoppers look forward to every year.”

*Body photos courtesy of Frieda's. | Main photo is referential.

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