Citrus
Citrus and grape producer Fowler Packing expands citrus program with a 10,000 acre acquisition of California farmland.
Citrus growers in the Southwest U.S. forecast a strong 2022/23 crop, rebounding from last years’ soft season.
Record-breaking drought continues to impact irrigation options for citrus growers in California and Arizona.
The Dole Performance Recipes and Resources Page features seven smoothies, snacks, sides and energy bites rich in fresh fruits and vegetables intended to fuel pre-race training and aid in post-workout recovery.
California’s Citrus Research Board has signed a $900,000 agreement with the Israel-based company that includes delivery of an AI-powered, citrus-harvesting robot after a series of field trials.
“Since 2005, citrus growers have been plagued by citrus greening—a yield- and quality-robbing disease complex that has devastated the industry—causing farm gate losses of more than $8 billion,” says Ryan Bond.
The expansion of U.S. citrus imports over the past 20 years has been fueled by Southern Hemisphere supply during the spring and summer months.
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.
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.
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.
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.
USDA is reporting the Florida all orange forecast at 17.9 million boxes. See what that latest snapshot means to the state’s citrus industry.
The company will offer several different sizes of its mandarins, navels and lemons to meet customer demand.
A quality crop is expected despite earlier weather woes, though sizing could be affected in some cases.
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.
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.
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.
Florida’s 2023-24 citrus crop should be significantly more robust than last season’s, according to the latest USDA forecast.
Dale Murden, president of the trade association Texas Citrus Mutual, shares an outlook for fresh citrus output and how it compares with last season.
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.
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.
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.
Following detections in Hidalgo and Cameron counties, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and the Texas Department of Agriculture added four new quarantine areas and expanded one existing quarantine area.
California Citrus Mutual said the proposed farm bill would allocate more than $25 million in funding to the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture to discover a cure for Huanglongbing.
The July 12 crop production report showed reductions in 2022-23 estimates for oranges, grapefruit and lemons but an increase for tangerines.
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 summer promotion will offer shoppers a chance to win prizes and feature a variety of content and campaigns to boost South African citrus.
Sunkist Growers has redesigned packaging and merchandising for cara cara oranges, leaning into the fruit’s unique, pink hue.