As retailers transition into the late-season citrus window, Melissa’s Produce begins shipping 2026 Ojai Pixie tangerines in early March, positioning the program to extend category momentum into spring.
According to Melissa’s, Pixie tangerines delivered more than 25% sales growth in 2025 versus the prior year, outperforming the broader citrus category, which is up 17% year over year in the first quarter. The March through May availability window allows retailers to sustain citrus performance as early-season mandarins taper.
“Ojai Pixies aren’t just another tangerine,” says Robert Schueller, director of public relations for Melissa’s. “They’re seasonal, they’re grown in California by a small co-op of family farms, and the flavor is second to none. Retailers who highlight that story through our program assets tend to capture the strongest performance during the spring window.”
Grown by a small cooperative of family farms in California’s Ojai Valley, one of the few east-west-facing valleys in the world, Pixies benefit from extended daily sun exposure that supports sugar development and balanced flavor, Schueller says. The fruit is naturally seedless, low in acid, unwaxed and easy to peel, offering an exceptional eating experience.
The 2026 crop is forecast to be lighter due to the variety’s natural alternate bearing cycle, with strength in larger sizes early in the season. Due to warmer winter conditions, some early shipments may show more external green coloration. Melissa’s notes that peel color is cosmetic and not indicative of internal maturity. Eating quality remains strong, and the company says it is working closely with grower partners to manage grading and supply.
Ojai Pixies are available March through May, offering retailers a defined seasonal citrus program during spring resets and holiday promotions. Recommended merchandising strategies include bulk displays supported by high-graphic grower bins and 1-pound grab-and-go totes that support e-commerce and convenience shoppers.
