On the occasion of World Fruit Day, observed annually on 1 July, we spoke with Suhail Al Ameri, Founder of the A’anab fruit brand, about the journey of sourcing premium fruits, changing consumer preferences, and the simple beauty of seasonal eating.
Sourcing Freshness Across Borders
For Suhail Al Ameri, quality begins long before fruit reaches the shelves. The selection process starts with daily visits to the Central Market in Muscat, where his team carefully chooses seasonal produce based on freshness and availability.
Some premium varieties are imported directly from Thailand, Indonesia, and South Africa, while close partnerships with trusted suppliers ensure that every shipment arrives in excellent condition. “Our priority is to provide customers with the freshest and highest-quality produce possible,” he explains.
The Rhythms of the Omani Summer
Customer preferences naturally shift throughout the year. During the hot summer months, refreshing fruits like watermelon and melon become daily favorites, alongside the highly anticipated mango season.
But the true highlight of the season lies in the mountains. Locally grown fruits from Al Jabal Al Akhdar—such as peaches, pears, apricots, and plums—are especially popular during their short harvest season. Meanwhile, fresh dates remain a timeless seasonal favorite among Omani families.
The Delicate Art of Preserving Quality
In the fresh produce industry, preserving quality through extreme heat is one of the greatest challenges. To overcome this, A’anab relies on advanced refrigerated display systems that maintain carefully controlled temperatures.
These systems help preserve the natural freshness and extend the shelf life of the fruits without compromising their taste or texture, ensuring they arrive on the table just as nature intended.
A Simple Routine for Better Health
Marking World Fruit Day, Suhail encourages everyone to make fruit a natural part of their daily routine. Eating at least one type of fruit every day is a simple way to support a healthy lifestyle.
For the peak of summer, he highlights watermelon as an excellent choice. Its refreshing nature and high water content provide essential hydration and nutritional benefits when they are needed most.
Reading the Fruit with Your Senses
When selecting fruit, Suhail advises shoppers to trust their own senses rather than just appearances. A pleasant, sweet aroma is often the most reliable indicator of ripeness, while color and texture provide additional clues.
Using mangoes as an example, he explains that very firm fruit is usually not ready to eat, whereas fruit with a slight softness is typically perfectly ripe.
As we celebrate World Fruit Day, choosing fresh, seasonal fruit becomes not just a healthy lifestyle choice, but a quiet way to appreciate the dedication and care behind every piece of produce that reaches the table.
