This commodity profile was rendered from
knowledge.domain = commodity, key = fennel(GDF v2.0, 2995 attributes, 28 sections).Renderer:
commodity_profile_rendererv1.0.0. Source row version:knowledge_forge_gdf_v2.0_export_2026-04-06.
Identity & Botany
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Canonical name | Fennel |
| Scientific name | Foeniculum vulgare |
| Family / Genus | Apiaceae / Foeniculum |
| Produce category | Herb |
| Produce subcategory | Fresh Herb |
| FSMA 204 covered? | No |
| PLU — conventional | 4515 |
| PLU — organic | 94515 |
| AGROVOC URI | c_2841 |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s01_identity. External: FAO AGROVOC.
Varieties
Estimated commercial varieties: 35.
| Variety | Market share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Florence | 35% | Classic bulb fennel variety with large, white, rounded bulbs; smooth texture; mild anise flavor; bolt-resistant; 80-90 days to maturity |
| Zefa Fino | 25% | Very bolt-resistant; medium-sized white bulbs; excellent uniformity; popular commercial variety; adaptable to various climates; 65-75 days |
| Orion | 20% | Modern hybrid with superior uniformity; large, round bulbs; excellent bolt resistance; strong growth; preferred for commercial production; 75-80 days |
| Perfection | 8% | Large, flattened white bulbs; excellent flavor; slower to bolt; good for fall harvest; 85-95 days to maturity |
| Mantovano | 4% | Italian heirloom variety; elongated bulbs; intense anise flavor; aromatic; popular in specialty markets; 90-100 days |
| Romanesco | 3% | Traditional Italian variety; tender bulbs; sweet flavor; flatter shape; specialty market favorite; 85-95 days |
| Solaris | 2% | Early maturing hybrid; uniform white bulbs; excellent bolt tolerance; good for succession planting; 55-65 days |
| Montebianco | 1.5% | Tender, crisp white bulbs; medium size; good uniformity; reliable performance; 75-85 days to maturity |
| Victorio | 1% | Heavy, uniform bulbs; excellent disease resistance; good storage potential; commercial favorite in California; 80-90 days |
| Rondo | 0.5% | Round, compact bulbs; bolt-resistant; excellent for baby fennel production; uniform maturity; 60-70 days |
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s04_varieties.variety_summaries.
Post-Harvest Handling
Temperature
- Chilling injury threshold: null°F.
- Freezing point: 30.4°F. Hard limit.
- Handling urgency: 5 / 5.
Ethylene
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production class | very_low |
| Production rate (20°C) | 0.3 μL/kg·h typical (0.1–0.5) |
| Sensitivity class | low |
| Sensitivity threshold | null ppm |
| Climacteric? | No |
Agent note: Fennel produces minimal ethylene and shows low sensitivity to external ethylene exposure. Primary quality loss is from water loss and senescence rather than ethylene effects.
Mixed-load compatibility
group_1_high_humidity_vegetables
Operational flags
- Can be top-iced? Yes
- Light-sensitive? Yes
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s07_harvest_post_harvest.
Market Intelligence
Demand
Growing steadily at 4-6% annually driven by Mediterranean cuisine popularity, health-conscious consumers seeking digestive benefits, and increasing use in craft cocktails. Restaurant demand particularly strong in urban markets. Organic segment growing faster at 8-10% annually.
Elasticity
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Price elasticity | -0.85 |
| Income elasticity | 1.2 |
| Organic premium elasticity | -0.45 |
Market share by variety
| Variety | Share |
|---|---|
| Florence Fennel (Bulb) | 92% |
| Common Fennel (Herb/Leaf) | 6% |
| Bronze Fennel | 2% |
Pack sizes
- 24-count carton (standard)
- 18-count carton
- 30-count carton
- 12-count retail clamshells
- 25 lb bulk cartons (processing)
Source: GDF v2.1.1 s09_market_intelligence.
Rendered by commodity_profile_renderer v1.0.0 on 2026-05-15T22:30:00.000Z.