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.
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.
Lowell, Ark.-based Kimball & Thompson Produce Co. has been awarded a five-year, $165 million contract to supply fresh fruits and vegetables to military installations and schools.
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.
Grapefruit, however, has seen a big decline in per capita fresh availability, dropping from about 4.9 pounds in 2000 to just 1.4 pounds in 2019, USDA statistics show.
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.
