Latest News From Citrus

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

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.

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.

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

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.

The Summer Citrus from South Africa group has reflected on over two decades shipping citrus to the U.S. markets in the summer months and the key partnerships that have supported exports.

Sunkist Growers is using content on the social media platform, popular among millennial and Generation Z consumers, and its Sunkist Unlimited campaign to promote the in-season fruit as a versatile, affordable option.

The July 12 crop production report showed reductions in 2022-23 estimates for oranges, grapefruit and lemons but an increase for tangerines.

The summer promotion will offer shoppers a chance to win prizes and feature a variety of content and campaigns to boost South African citrus.

Analysts expect South African citrus exports to the U.S. to grow in 2023 despite mixed production trends among citrus varieties, according to a USDA report.

Following the recent frosts and rains in Chile, the Citrus Committee of the Chilean Fruit Exporters Association (ASOEX) has revised its export projections for the 2023-24 season.

Summer Citrus from South Africa has started its shipping season with high-quality arrivals in the U.S., the group says.

Congress is funding an additional $1 million to a breeding program in California to identify new citrus varieties best suited for changing climatic pressures, such as drought, and resistant to pests and diseases.

Chilean mandarins are now available from Fowler, Calif.-based Bee Sweet Citrus.

All citrus varieties in Chile will witness greater production and exports in the 2022-23 season, a report says.

Sustainability is a big deal for U.S. citrus grower-shippers, many of whom have gone to great lengths to ensure their operations are environmentally friendly.

The CFFA will offer "tailored, customized marketing support” that will range from banner ads and e-commerce programs to in-store merchandising and sampling, said Karen Brux, managing director.

The Citrus Committee of ASOEX has predicted 345,000 tons of citrus exports for the 2023 season, with U.S. markets remaining the top destination for shipments.

Beyond seasonal: “Southern Hemisphere produce enables consumers to enjoy the great taste and health benefits of citrus throughout the summer and into the fall," said Karen Brux of the Chilean Fresh Fruit Association.

A quality crop is expected despite earlier weather woes, though sizing could be affected in some cases.

U.S. declines in citrus production have diminished the country’s long-time status as a world leader in citrus market share, according to a new report from the American Farm Bureau Association.

New this year, Homegrown Organic Farms’ stone fruit program will be fully Regenerative Organic Certified, says Elise Smith, marketing manager for the Porterville, Calif.-based marketer. 

The farmer-owned citrus cooperative is supporting the inaugural April 8 Encore All-Star Games, featuring basketball talent from the Los Angeles region.

As California’s domestic citrus season reaches its peak, the Fowler, Calif.-based company reports that it will have a good supply of grapefruit, lemons and navel oranges.

Effective April 10, the USDA will decrease the assessment rate for Texas oranges and grapefruit. 

The Valencia, Calif.-based cooperative is celebrating its 130th anniversary with Sunkist Citrus Day on March 1 — a day officially registered in the National Day Calendar.

The USDA predicts U.S. citrus output will decline from 11.2 billion pounds in 2022 to 9.8 billion pounds in 2032.

Economists have confirmed that Florida citrus crops sustained the most extensive hurricane damages, estimated at over $247 million, in a study of Hurricane Ian's impacts to Florida agriculture.

Florida’s orange production estimate was knocked down again in the USDA’s February report.

Bee Sweet Citrus is reporting a strong supply of lemons, cara cara navel oranges and blood oranges this year in time for spring holiday promotions.

Organic citrus volume is up for Reedley, Calif.-based Valliwide Organics, says  Mason Parkinson, owner.

Lone Star Citrus is having a bounce-back year.

The company is the exclusive sales and marketing team for Benzler Farms and markets the Benzler Farms brand of navel and valencia oranges, grapefruit, lemons and mandarins.

With the exception of lemons, the volume of the California citrus crop is up this season, said Zak Laffite, president of Wonderful Citrus.

While the weather has slowed California’s organic citrus harvest, promotion opportunities will be plentiful in the weeks and months ahead, says Elise Smith, marketing manager for Homegrown Organic Farms.

Cautious consumers continue to place value in healthy food options, such as citrus, as economic pressures cause some to reconsider their purchasing decisions.

The USDA will conduct a referendum April 3-May 1 on proposed amendments to the federal marketing order regulating the handling of oranges, grapefruit, tangerines and pummelos grown in Florida.

The USDA’s January crop production report knocked down Florida orange and grapefruit estimates compared with the December forecast.

Doral, Fla.-based PJ Citrus continues to grow its business with a variety of citrus options and a focus on customer service, says Julyann Borges, president.

Sales Manager Keith Wilson noted a strong demand for blood oranges this season, an improvement after lighter demand for that variety in the last couple of years.

Despite California’s weather challenges, the brand doesn't plan on slowing down and is forecasting a historic 2023 season.

The New Jersey-based company anticipates growth in both supply and demand, with its citrus category expected to increase in volume, says Steve Stackhouse, director of operations.

Weather has been a surprise this year, with California’s heavy rains and harvest delays putting demand pressure on alternative supplies from Morocco for the midwinter to late spring months on mandarins and oranges. 

Healthy eating continues to be top-of-mind for shoppers, and Sunkist citrus offerings are in a prime position to meet the demands of consumers, says Christina Ward, senior director of global marketing at Sunkist.

Florida citrus production was staggered by Hurricanes Ian and Nicole last fall, but those setbacks are temporary, says Steven Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association.

For the first time, mandarins are getting the limelight for USDA food program purchases.

Recent rain in California has been fantastic for the long-term interest of growers, said Casey Creamer, president and CEO of California Citrus Mutual.

Demand for fresh citrus is strong for Toronto, Canada-based Fresh Taste Produce, says Tara Glazer, marketing director.

As shoppers dial in on resolutions for the new year, the Fowler, Calif.-based company is encouraging consumers to look to heirloom navels as a healthy addition to their diet.

Bassetti's promotion follows the appointment of Sammy Duda as the new CEO of A. Duda and Sons, parent company of Duda Farm Fresh Foods.