Fruit World ushers in California citrus season — and a sustainability milestone

As it welcomes the California winter citrus season, Fruit World is also touting a recent Equitable Food Initiative certification for its facility in Reedley, Calif.

The sustainability-focused fresh produce company called the certification a “testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” according to a news release.

"This certification marks a monumental accomplishment. We take our mission of creating an equitable and sustainable food system to heart, and this achievement demonstrates that our actions match our words,” Fruit World founder and CEO Bianca Kaprielian said in the release.

The California citrus season starts two to three weeks later than usual, the release said. While citrus volume is down across the board this year, Fruit World says it is working harder than ever to make every piece count. The company says the increased organic citrus acreage coming into play this season further emphasizes its “commitment to the long haul,” according to the release.

“We can't help but get excited when the California winter citrus season rolls around. We love so much about it — the beautiful pops of orange color, the sweet juiciness, and the real range in varieties and flavor,” Kaprielian said.

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The season commences with the organic lemon program, a year-round favorite featuring fresh fruit from the desert region, according to the release. That’s being accompanied by sweet limes, with grapefruit to follow by month’s end.

November will mark the arrival of navels and mandarins, with minneolas, cara cara, and blood oranges all shipping in December, the release said.

Given the expected shorter season, Kaprielian encourages customers to plan ahead for their winter and early spring promotions, as the citrus program is likely to wrap up by the beginning of April, according to the release. To place an order or to learn more about Fruit World’s winter citrus program, visit fruitworld.com or contact sales@fruitworld.com.

CEO to speak at Organic Grower Summit

During the Organic Grower Summit in November, Kaprielian will join a panel of industry experts to discuss the USDA’s upcoming Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule and how the grower community can prepare for its changes, according to the release.

"The updates to the USDA National Organic Program regulations are significant. The intent to minimize organic fraud is appreciated; at the same time, we see the challenges it will present to growers, buyers, and sellers of organic produce," Kaprielian said. "We are working to make sure we are well positioned to be in compliance once the new regulations go into effect in March, which is the tail end of our winter citrus season. Our hope is that we can help other farmers navigate these changes, too.”