Fresh California figs stretch the season into fall

Angeles-based Melissa’s Produce is rolling out a multi-variety lineup to offer fig enthusiasts a taste of sun even as the weather turns.

California, which accounts for 98 percent of fresh figs produced in the United States, usually follows its customary two-season pattern across two primary production zones. Melissa’s Director of Public Relations, Robert Schueller, told FreshFruitPortal.com that this year’s preliminary harvest, which normally spans May through June, got off to a late start and ran into early July. 

Madera's main, second harvest kicked off in early August and is currently peaking through most of September. Supplies are anticipated to stay strong into October before the first fall freeze brings the season to a close by November.

"Fig season is something people look forward to, and there’s still so much variety to explore," said Schueller. "Seeing the different varieties together really shows shoppers that there’s more to fresh figs than they may realize. Each one brings something a little different to the table."

Among the prominent varieties this year is the Emerald fig, a recently launched commercial cultivar that first gained national distribution during the 2025 season.

"This is a very strong season for the Emerald figs as last year the season was just five weeks between July and August," Schueller explained. "So this year they started in August and will most likely go strong through most of September and hopefully for a few more weeks longer in October, about eight to 10 weeks."

While overall Emerald volumes remain below those of market darlings such as Black Mission and Heirloom, the variety is certainly leaving its mark with its characteristic greenish-yellow exterior, smooth skin, golden interior, and delicately sweet flavor profile with subtle honey notes.

In addition to the aforementioned cultivars, Melissa's also distributed a smaller sample of Tiger Striped, a jam-like fig with distinct raspberry and citrus notes. Schueller noted that supply sold out ahead of schedule.

Merchandising strategy keeps figs top of mind

For grocery buyers and produce managers, late-summer and early-fall figs present key merchandising opportunities, the executive noted. To keep them at the top of grocery lists nationwide, retailers are placing fresh figs alongside other late-season items such as stone fruit, specialty grapes, and seasonal melon varieties.

"Endcap is very effective, as most consumers know that figs are a short-season fruit that is available typically from late summer to early fall," Schueller said.

To protect delicate fruit in the aisle, Melissa's packages all of its retail fresh figs in eight-ounce clamshell containers.

"The bulk packs are only for foodservice nowadays due to the sensitivity and easy bruising when not contained. They have similar sensitivity to raspberries and blackberries," Schueller stressed.

The distributor also supplies organic and conventional options for its Black Mission and Heirloom varieties, with additional grower packaging choices across full tray packs, family packs (half trays), cardboard pints, and eight one-pound packs.

*All photos courtesy of Melissa's Produce.

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