Earth Source, the import sister company of Ephrata, PA-based Four Seasons Produce, started its organic lime program more than five years ago.

“We created the program based on customer demand as well as growers looking to expand into the organic space,” says Earth Source Buyer Cassidy Baker, noting that demand has continued to increase over the years.

Cassidy Baker, Buyer, Earth Source

“We’ve seen significant growth with organic limes,” she says. “When we started, they made up approximately 10 percent of our total lime business, but now they have surpassed 30 percent of our volume.” 

“We created the program based on customer demand as well as growers looking to expand into the organic space.” - Cassidy Baker

Earth Source offers its organic limes year-round and currently imports them from Mexico, Colombia, and Peru.

“Production from South America continues to increase, creating more opportunities for organic limes in the North American market,” says Baker. “Our primary supply of organic limes comes from our main grower in Peru, and their volumes are set to increase significantly compared to last season. What’s most exciting is that they’re Fair Trade Certified as well. It’s been a collaborative effort, and it’s been exciting to see the growth of this program.”

Green Bee organic limes

Over the last year, Baker says Earth Source has been focused on adding new organic lime growers from Peru and Colombia to its program. “Most of these new farms have not exported to the United States before, and we enjoy the process of helping and mentoring the growers, so they have a successful introduction to the market,” she says. “In addition to seeking out organic South American growers, we’ve also been working with current and new growers to get Fair Trade Certified. We believe this push for organic and fair trade helps not only our customers but the growers and their families as well.”

“Our primary supply of organic limes comes from our main grower in Peru, and their volumes are set to increase significantly compared to last season. What’s most exciting is that they’re Fair Trade Certified as well. It’s been a collaborative effort, and it’s been exciting to see the growth of this program.” - Cassidy Baker

Baker says that for the first half of 2022, Earth Source moved an average of 6,000–7,000 cases of organic limes per month, adding that “volumes are set to increase to 9,000–10,000 cases as we kick off 2023.”

Earth Source’s organic lime customer base is made up of retailers, wholesalers, and foodservice, and the distribution area is primarily the Northeast, though the company can also deliver to Florida.

Earth Source bulk organic limes

“Earth Source’s organic lime program has experienced a steady increase over the past few years, and we believe this has been driven by more informed customers focusing on organic and fair trade,” Baker says. “We’re expecting pricing to gradually decline as more organic volume enters the market, and this will create more opportunities for consumers to access organic fruit.”

When asked whether the organic lime market is very competitive, Baker answers affirmatively, citing increased volume from Peru, Colombia, and Mexico. “As we head into 2023, we’ll have the ability to use these pockets of heavy supply to promote organic limes at retail,” she says.

“Earth Source’s organic lime program has experienced a steady increase over the past few years, and we believe this has been driven by more informed customers focusing on organic and fair trade.” - Cassidy Baker

Brian Dey, senior merchandiser and natural stores coordinator for Four Seasons Produce (a sister company of Earth Source), says he’s seen retail demand for organic limes increase in recent years. “Limes are not just for adding into a Corona or zesting into a drink anymore!” he shares. “They are also great in a lot of recipes—add some zing to a guacamole, chicken, or rice dish, or make a refreshing limeade. Limes are also a nutritional powerhouse, loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity, promote healthy skin, and may reduce heart disease."

Brian Dey, Senior Merchandiser and Natural Stores Coordinator, Four Seasons Produce

"Since the COVID pandemic, customers have really put a focus on increasing the levels of vitamin C they consume to keep their immunity strong. Quite simply, limes add a zesty flavor with high levels of nutrition—a perfect combination for today’s consumer.”

Earth Source offers organic limes under its own label (Green Bee Citrus) in 1-, 2-, and 5-pound bags, and the company also “has the ability to grade, PLU sticker, or package bagged limes to all specs in a retailer’s or wholesaler’s private label,” Baker says.

“Quite simply, limes add a zesty flavor with high levels of nutrition—a perfect combination for today’s consumer.” - Brian Dey

Prior to distribution, Earth Source’s organic limes are stored in Four Seasons’ warehouse in Ephrata, PA, in rooms specifically designed for limes that were completed earlier this year. The temperature in these rooms is maintained at 55 degrees for optimal lime quality and shelf life.

Green Bee lemon/lime bagged combo

When it comes to merchandising organic limes, Dey suggests interspersing them in the citrus section “for an awesome color pop within the sea of orange and yellow.” He notes that “limes can be merchandised both in refrigeration and out on dry tables or racks” and suggests creating “a cool display with ingredients to make an awesome guacamole, with limes tied in. Be sure to add a bagged lime option as well for convenience and a nice easy ring,” he says. “And try a lemon/lime bagged combo for a super attractive package with two consumer favorites!”

In addition to its year-round organic and conventional lime programs, Earth Source offers year-round organic and conventional lemons from the US, Chile, and Argentina. It also offers organic and conventional apples from Chile and the US during the spring through early fall.