With the winter citrus season in full swing, MarthaStewart.com is keeping the category in the spotlight. Frieda’s Branded Produce says it is empowering retailers to seize this momentum, offering a curated selection of snackable, high-flavor varieties that align perfectly with today’s consumer wellness and budgeting priorities.
Whether it’s the availability brought on by the winter season, a desire for immune-boosting foods rich in vitamin C or healthier eating brought on by a “new year, new me” resolution, winter is when consumer appetite for citrus is at its peak, says Frieda’s, adding that its winter citrus program delivers everything that shoppers want most right now, including easy snacking, everyday wellness and real value.
In a recent seasonal produce roundup for MarthaStewart.com, Frieda’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing Alex Jackson notes that “January is prime California citrus season,” with the best-tasting varieties showing up as winter settles in. Frieda’s says its program is proof, touting a lineup of specialty citrus, including mandarinquats, limequats, calamondins, Tahitian pummelos, meyer lemons and pink lemons that are available now. Most recently back in season in the lineup are Lemonade Lemons and Popjoys kumquats.
Circana’s Fresh Produce Category report for 2026 indicates that the brands positioned to lead will innovate around convenience, health and affordability. Fresh fruit is expected to outpace overall produce growth, with high demand for snack-sized options and unique varieties.
Frieda’s says its winter citrus program enables retailers to design a practical set that’s tailored to how people are shopping this year:
- Grab-and-go snacking — With sweet, edible rinds and tart, juicy flesh, Popjoys kumquats, mandarinquats, limequats and calamondins give shoppers a refreshing, portion-friendly citrus option for lunchboxes, desk snacks and quick cravings.
- Extra zest for everyday eating — Meyer, pink and soon-to-arrive Lemonade lemons fit into cooking, baking and beverages. They also support post-New Year’s wellness routines with vitamin C, antioxidants and heart-healthy flavonoids.
- Nature’s answer to the sour-tart-sweet trend — Consumers can’t get enough sour-tart-sweet candies, drinks and fruits like Frieda’s line of poppable quats. Consumer favorites like mandarinquats, limequats and Popjoys kumquats demonstrate that nature’s candy will not be outdone.
- Must-try cart stoppers that keep produce departments interesting — Tahitian pummelos bring size, a lemon-lime flavor with hints of melon plus trial-driving novelty to winter citrus displays.
Seasonal buzz is key, but Frieda’s says its winter citrus program is also backed by measurable brand performance.
- Frieda’s meyer lemons are outpacing growth in the total lemon category and leading branded meyer-lemon growth.
- Frieda’s citrus growth is ahead of category growth, year over year, with 9.4% unit growth compared to 6.2% for the category.
- Frieda’s Popjoys are more than 15% less expensive than the next leading competitor based on price per unit, delivering strong value and keeping specialty citrus in reach to more customers.
Frieda’s says with its winter citrus lineup, retailers can build a set that is right for the season and right for the shopper.
