Latest News From Citrus

Citrus canker quarantine expanded in Texas
Citrus canker quarantine expanded in Texas

Following positive detections, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture established new quarantine areas and expanded existing quarantine areas.

Sunkist to play matchmaker for National Sunkist Citrus Day
Sunkist to play matchmaker for National Sunkist Citrus Day

The California-based fresh citrus cooperative is offering tools to help consumers use citrus to elevate at-home meals and providing displays to help retailers boost sales.

Report: Fruit and nut production to show mixed trends
Report: Fruit and nut production to show mixed trends

While noncitrus fruit production is predicted to remain relatively stable for the next decade, citrus output will fluctuate and nut production is projected to grow, the USDA says in its long-term outlook report.

U.S. citrus exports up slightly in 2023
U.S. citrus exports up slightly in 2023

Canada was the top export destination for U.S. citrus in 2023, followed by South Korea.

APHIS modifies conditions to move fruit in fruit fly quarantine zone
APHIS modifies conditions to move fruit in fruit fly quarantine zone

The service says the temporary change helps growers for the 2024 harvest season, as growers in the Redlands Oriental fruit fly quarantine area have few options to move citrus fruit outside of the quarantine zone.

export ship
Citrus import growth continues while exports stable in 2023

U.S. exports of citrus in from December 2022 through November 2023 were up 1% from the previous year, while U.S. imports of citrus in the same period were up 4%, according to USDA numbers.

Rate increase proposed for Florida citrus assessment
Rate increase proposed for Florida citrus assessment

A proposed rule from the USDA would increase the assessment rate for Florida citrus for the 2023-24 fiscal year and subsequent years. Comments on the proposal must be received by March 4.

Retail citrus sales showed mixed trends
Retail citrus sales showed mixed trends

Retail citrus sales showed mixed trends in 2023, according to a report from the International Fresh Produce Association. 

Sunkist offers abundant winter citrus options
Sunkist offers abundant winter citrus options

Sunkist Growers offers an ample supply of its year-round conventional and organic citrus in the winter months, but there is more.

Progressive Produce celebrates health and wellness with its organic lineup
Progressive Produce celebrates health and wellness with its organic lineup

Los Angeles-based Progressive Produce is highlighting its commitment to health and wellness through its Nature's Bounty Organic program.

U.S. citrus production shows mixed trends
U.S. citrus production shows mixed trends

U.S. orange and grapefruit crops are forecast up in 2023-24 but lemon and tangerine crops are rated lower than a year ago, according to USDA crop production numbers.

Sunkist offering limited-edition Year of the Dragon carton
Sunkist offering limited-edition Year of the Dragon carton

With the Lunar New Year approaching, Sunkist says the themed 10-pound carton will help keep the citrus category at the forefront of longstanding celebrations domestically and across Asia.

USDA: Fresh market citrus production up, prices down in 2022-23 season
USDA: Fresh market citrus production up, prices down in 2022-23 season

U.S. citrus production for the fresh market reached 3 million tons in 2022-23, up 10% from the previous season, according to the USDA.

U.S. citrus primed for promotion
U.S. citrus primed for promotion

Most fresh citrus prices in early 2024 were comparable to year-ago levels and supply is primed for promotions in the winter months, industry sources report.

California expands HLB quarantine
California expands HLB quarantine

The California Department of Food and Agriculture has added the San Gabriel area of Los Angeles County to its huanglongbing quarantine to slow the spread of the Asian citrus psyllid.

Bee Sweet Citrus offers specialty citrus varieties
Bee Sweet Citrus offers specialty citrus varieties

The Fowler, Calif.-based company says specialty citrus varieties are sought by shoppers aiming to incorporate fresh produce into New Year’s resolutions, while upcoming holidays can be used to market the citrus category.

Winter Sweetz launches annual Sweeter in Texas sweepstakes
Winter Sweetz launches annual Sweeter in Texas sweepstakes

The Texas-based grapefruit brand says the promotion will educate consumers on the state's red grapefruit season, while aiming to drive online sales and inspire increased consumption during peak production time.

Citrus greening quarantine expanded in Louisiana
Citrus greening quarantine expanded in Louisiana

USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service says this move updates the federal quarantine with the addition of Saint Charles Parish and now matches the state-based quarantine.

Salix Fruits strengthens partnerships in the Moroccan citrus industry
Salix Fruits strengthens partnerships in the Moroccan citrus industry

Vince Biasibetti, U.S. sales executive for Salix Fruits, visited citrus producers in Morocco, aimed at securing the necessary volume for programs with clients in the U.S. and exploring possibilities for trading clients.

South Korea orange imports to rise, USDA reports says
South Korea orange imports to rise, USDA reports says

The country's increase in imported orange consumption in the marketing year 2023-24 is helped by the decrease in domestic fruit supply and a recovery in the supply of U.S. navel oranges, a USDA report says.

DiSilva Fruit, Morning Kiss Organic invite retailers to promote citrus in January   
DiSilva Fruit, Morning Kiss Organic invite retailers to promote citrus in January  

With California, Florida and Texas crops in full swing, January is the best time of year to promote citrus, say the Massachusetts-based companies.

USDA amends Florida Citrus Marketing Order
USDA amends Florida Citrus Marketing Order

Some of the amendments include reducing membership of the Florida Citrus Administrative Committee and updating quorum requirements.

Chilean exports of lemons and mandarins will grow in 2024, USDA report says
Chilean exports of lemons and mandarins will grow in 2024, USDA report says

The new report projects that Chilean lemon exports will rise 8.8%, with mandarin exports growing by 7.3%.

USDA designates Alabama as commercial citrus-producing area
USDA designates Alabama as commercial citrus-producing area

Based on feedback from the state, USDA extended the designation of commercial citrus-producing area to Alabama to provide growers with federal protections from citrus pests and diseases.

$11M grant aims to develop scions and rootstocks to fight HLB
$11M grant aims to develop scions and rootstocks to fight HLB

Researchers at the University of California, Riverside, are looking for new ways to combat huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening, through disease resistance.

Tops Friendly Markets to host citrus extravaganza
Tops Friendly Markets to host citrus extravaganza

A California-based citrus brand is gearing up for a zestful celebration Dec. 20-23 at Tops Friendly Markets as part of its nationwide "Peelz on Wheelz" Citrus Road Tour.

10 ways to use 10 pounds of Sunkist oranges
10 ways to use 10 pounds of Sunkist oranges

To help consumers make the most of its festively packaged 10-pound carton of navel oranges this holiday season, Sunkist is offering 10 recipes and tips for making fruit purchases go further. 

Florida citrus forecast up for 2023-24
Florida citrus forecast up for 2023-24

Florida citrus production is up this year, according to the USDA’s November crop production report.

Why industry leaders say Florida citrus is on track for a better year
Why industry leaders say Florida citrus is on track for a better year

Florida citrus volume will be up this year, and industry leaders were pleased with the outlook in mid-November.

How Fox Packaging aims to meet the citrus industry's needs
How Fox Packaging aims to meet the citrus industry's needs

One trend in the fresh produce/citrus packaging space is the increasing demand for sustainable and recyclable materials, says Jacob Fox, sales representative for Fox Packaging, McAllen, Texas.

Bee Sweet Citrus ramping up holiday citrus promotions
Bee Sweet Citrus ramping up holiday citrus promotions

“While the season got off to a late start, the overall quality and flavor of our fruit has been nothing short of excellent," said Bee Sweet Citrus sales representative Jason Sadoian.

USDA expands and establishes Asian citrus psyllid quarantine areas in California
USDA expands and establishes Asian citrus psyllid quarantine areas in California

The USDA, in cooperation with the California Department of Food and Agriculture, expanded the areas quarantined for Asian citrus psyllid in California on Nov. 6.

What's expected for Texas citrus production in 2023-24 season
What's expected for Texas citrus production in 2023-24 season

Dale Murden, president of the trade association Texas Citrus Mutual, shares an outlook for fresh citrus output and how it compares with last season.

Florida citrus crop expected to top last year’s
Florida citrus crop expected to top last year’s

Florida’s 2023-24 citrus crop should be significantly more robust than last season’s, according to the latest USDA forecast.

Bee Sweet Citrus offers expanded mandarin output
Bee Sweet Citrus offers expanded mandarin output

California citrus harvest will be down slightly this year, says Randy Stucky, director of harvesting and grower relations for Bee Sweet Citrus, Fowler, Calif.

Citrus export numbers show mixed trends
Citrus export numbers show mixed trends

USDA data for the marketing year of September through August show total citrus exports of grapefruit, lemons and limes and oranges and tangerines totaled $751 million.

California navel crop to see more choice fruit
California navel crop to see more choice fruit

While greater amounts of rain were welcome in California citrus-growing regions in the past year, the downside has been exterior fruit damage caused by increased thrip populations.

Sunkist set with citrus portfolio, tools to help boost retail sales
Sunkist set with citrus portfolio, tools to help boost retail sales

Sunkist has a robust portfolio and steady supply extending to 40 varieties of both conventional and organic citrus, says Cassie Howard of Sunkist Growers Inc.

Sunkist unveils ‘Everywhere, Every Day’ strategy
Sunkist unveils ‘Everywhere, Every Day’ strategy

The California-based fresh citrus cooperative is kicking off its new sales strategy and streaming commercial at the upcoming International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show.

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

The company is celebrating the recent Equitable Food Initiative certification of its facility in Reedley, Calif., as its winter citrus program gets underway.

Citrus thrips decreasing California estimates
Citrus thrips decreasing California estimates

California citrus growers faced significant pest challenges this season due to unprecedented rainfall and an explosion of citrus thrips in groves, according to an industry group.

Sunkist Growers gives cara cara oranges a refresh
Sunkist Growers gives cara cara oranges a refresh

Sunkist Growers has redesigned packaging and merchandising for cara cara oranges, leaning into the fruit's unique, pink hue.

Florida citrus marketing order changed
Florida citrus marketing order changed

The USDA says Florida citrus producers voted to amend the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in the state.

Sunkist expands category management and consumer insights program
Sunkist expands category management and consumer insights program

The Valencia, Calif.-based fresh citrus cooperative is allocating additional resources to its category management and consumer insights program by appointing a senior director of category management and marketing.

Invaio achieves key step for citrus greening solution featuring Trecise technology
Invaio achieves key step for citrus greening solution featuring Trecise technology

Invaio Sciences says the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has approved its application technology that aims to suppress citrus greening in oranges.

Oppy cultivates growing citrus volume from Australia
Oppy cultivates growing citrus volume from Australia

The Vancouver, British Columbia-based marketer also is unveiling its seedless Daisy and Dekopon mandarin citrus selections from Australia.

Bee Sweet Citrus joins Healthy Family Project in offering back-to-school ideas
Bee Sweet Citrus joins Healthy Family Project in offering back-to-school ideas

The Central Valley-based citrus grower is sponsoring the Healthy Family Project this August to help families with tips and healthy recipes in its eighth annual back-to-school campaign.

Photos: Merchandising sunshine
Photos: Merchandising sunshine

For your inspiration, let’s shine a light on some winning and notable citrus displays entered in the winter 2023 contest of PMG’s Produce Artist Award Series.

Sweetums and Mr. Squeeze brand citrus imports hit North American markets
Sweetums and Mr. Squeeze brand citrus imports hit North American markets

The first shipment of citrus imports from South Africa and South America has arrived, says importer William H. Kopke Jr.

Bee Sweet Citrus touts summer citrus
Bee Sweet Citrus touts summer citrus

Summertime means citrus for the Fowler, Calif.-based Bee Sweet Citrus. The company has star ruby grapefruit, royal red oranges and several other citrus varieties available for customers.