The demand for fresh fruit of peach palm (Bactris gasipaes Kunth) has remained stable through 50 years of research and promotion in the Brazilian Amazon. Interviews with 30 consumers at the principal market in Manaus, Amazonas, during the second harvest determined that red (by 53%), medium weight (67%), moderately oily fruit (53% oily and 40% moderately oily), in large bunches (50%) with a reasonable price (R$5 = US$2 / bunch in October 2001) is preferred, which is different from the fruit used in promotion (large, dry, higher price) and difficult for breeders to create. Quantifying and detailing these preferences are essential to guide future research and promotion.
fresh fruit; appearance; color; texture; price
