SunOpta to distribute the Chinese yumberry
North America, thanks to a supply agreement with the Zhejiang
Yumberry Juice Company.
Yumberry is a native Chinese fruit harvested organically from one-hundred year old trees in the valleys of Xiangu. According to SunOpta, the agreement excludes certain existing customers. The company will be marketing the values of the red colored fruit that has superfruit potential, at a time when novelty in fruits is key, with new exotic fruits getting their moment of fame on the market. "Yumberry is one of those rare "good for you" healthy fruits that actually tastes great on its own or can be blended with other juices to add nutritional value and a unique rich flavour," said Joseph Stern, executive vice president of SunOpta Fruit Group. "We expect Yumberry to grow in popularity much like other high antioxidant fruits, such as acai and pomegranate, have in recent years." According to SunOpta Fruit group, the yumberry (derived from the native name yang mei) is high in antioxidants and contains a wide range of vitamins, including vitamin C, thiamine, riboflavin and carotene. Antioxidant-rich 'superfruits' such as goji berries, acai and pomegranate are in a greater position for mainstream acceptance, reported Datamonitor's Productscan Online recently. These fruits and berries lend well to smoothies and hip functional beverage formats. While being tasty and perhaps filling, they can also bring nutritional value. SunOpta claims yumberry juice has a balance of sweet and tart flavours that can stand alone or be mixed with other juices or flavors.
