Grapefruit

Florida Classic Growers to Showcase Premium Grapefruit at SEPC's Southern Exposure

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 21:13:57 GMT

Florida Classic Growers Inc. invites those attending the Southeast Produce Council’s upcoming Southern Exposure event to visit booth No. 207 for fresh sampling of its premium Rubies red grapefruit, including hand-sliced samples and freshly juiced grapefruit.

Rubies grapefruit are known for their deep red color, exceptional interior quality and balanced sweet flavor, the company says. Backed by generations of Florida growing expertise, the brand represents the company’s commitment to delivering consistent, high-quality citrus to retail partners and consumers nationwide.

A key driver behind the Rubies program is Florida Classic Growers’ CUPS (Citrus Under Protective Screen) production system. CUPS is a controlled-environment growing method that protects trees from citrus greening. The result is premium exterior and interior fruit quality, consistent supply and environmentally responsible production using less land, water and fertilizer, the company says.

“Our CUPS program is producing some of the finest grapefruit we have ever grown,” says Derek Rodgers, director of sales and marketing for Florida Classic Growers. “When customers taste Rubies, they immediately recognize the difference in flavor, color and quality.”

CUPS also supports long-term varietal innovation in Florida, unlocking opportunities for additional high-value citrus programs while strengthening supply reliability for East Coast retailers.

“The innovation behind CUPS allows us to deliver a dependable, sustainable Florida-grown product,” says Steven Callaham, CEO of Dundee Citrus Growers Association. “Rubies grapefruit showcase what’s possible when you combine tradition with forward-thinking agriculture.”

How Retail Collaboration and Supply Strategies Drive Citrus Marketing Success

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 20:33:42 GMT

With the U.S. in the middle of its winter citrus season, season, recent weather issues have complicated long-running labor, water and import pressure challenges on the supply side, but there’s a lot to celebrate and anticipate on the marketing side.

Citrus demand has been growing recently; most of the familiar citrus varieties rank in consumers’ top 10 most purchased fruits, and the vitamin-C-heavy citrus offerings are well positioned to meet consumers’ growing interest in healthy, nutrient-dense foods.

Marketing in this mature fruit segment has its challenges, but experts on both the supplier and retailer sides stress the importance of product differentiation, point-of-sale information and collaborative strategies to increase citrus demand.

Supply-side Challenges

You can’t market what you don’t have, so supply-side issues play into citrus marketing even if the consumer knows nothing about it.

Dave Rooke, senior vice president of sales for Wonderful Citrus, highlights supply chain volatility as an overarching challenge for the citrus industry, pointing to the ongoing issues of rising costs of
labor, water and inputs. However, part of the most immediate issues facing the winter citrus crop has been the weather.

“We’ve had significant weather challenges in the month of December with foggy weather in the valley for four weeks,” Rooke said Jan. 7.

Fog has contributed to low temperature differentials, with both highs and lows being in the 40s. This, combined with a lot of rain, has made it challenging, he says.

“Then you add rain to the fog, and it just makes it very, very difficult from a supply standpoint,” he adds.

But it’s not just weather that’s challenging the supply side. Vince Mazzetti, vice president of Blue Banner Citrus — a Riverside, Calif.-based grower-packer-shipper of California citrus — adds import pressure to the list of challenges facing his company, which deals heavily with grapefruit.

“We get a lot of pressure from imports from Mexico, Chile, Argentina, South Africa,” he explains of California grapefruit.

Increasing import pressure on domestic citrus producers is a growing issue . According to the USDA’s Economic Research Service’s Fruit and Tree Nuts Yearbook records on trade, in 2023 (the most recent complete data) imported grapefruit made up 11.4% of the domestic supply, with the largest volumes coming from South Africa. This was down from 16% in 2022 but up considerably from 2% to 5% that predominated from the early 2000s.

In general, imports are growing as a proportion of available citrus in the U.S. For example, in 2013, 9.35% of available fresh oranges in the U.S. were imported, while in 2023 the number was 17.96%. Similarly, imported lemons represented just under 9% of total lemon availability
in the U.S. in 2013, compared to 22.74% in 2023.

Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing for Sunkist Growers Inc., highlights the growth of citrus imports as an interesting trend among consumers who voice strong support for local produce. She says the trend reinforces “that when shoppers find something they enjoy, they are looking to consume it all year-round.”

(Photo: siewwy84, Adobe Stock)

Consumers Love Citrus and Its Health Benefits

On the demand side, the citrus industry today has much to celebrate. Noting that the past two months have been a bit
chaotic due to recent weather issues, Rooke reports that last year was good with demand for citrus overall being up.

“The citrus industry as a whole was up between about 5% to 6%, which is positive,” he says, adding that citrus overall is “a health-first product,” something that is increasingly of interest to consumers.

Dennis Payne, director of merchandising produce and floral for Greensboro, N.C.-based grocery chain The Fresh Market, says health is front of mind for shoppers, especially early in the year when the domestic citrus season is in full swing.

“During this time, we consistently see an increase in demand driven by healthy eating goals and consumers seeking the nutritional benefits of citrus, particularly during the winter months and flu season,” Payne says.

According to The Packer’s Fresh Trends 2026 report, 55% of respondents said they are eating more fruit now compared to two years ago. Those respondents overwhelmingly reported health concerns and seeking more nutrients as the top reason, at 77%.

Additionally, most citrus varieties perform well with surveyed consumers. For example, oranges were the No. 6 most purchased fruit, with 77% of respondents reporting such a purchase in the past 12 months. Lemons came in at a close No. 7, with 76% of respondents saying they bought lemons. Limes were No. 9, with 66% of respondents indicating a purchase.

Rates of reported purchases dropped off with other varieties, with 61% of respondents reporting clementine or mandarin purchases in the past 12 months, for example. Grapefruit saw the lowest rate of reported citrus purchases at only 40%. Still, these reported purchase rates are higher than in past Fresh Trends surveys.

Every citrus category also showed higher rates of reported purchase among younger respondents (Gen Z and millennials) than with older consumers (Gen X, baby boomers and traditionalists) in the Fresh Trends 2026 report. For example, 85% of Gen Z respondents reported buying oranges, compared to only 66% of baby boomers. Similarly, 52% of millennials reported buying grapefruit, compared to only 25% of traditionalists.

Product Differentiation and Consumer Education are Key

While citrus remains popular among consumers, and especially younger consumers, marketing citrus is not without its challenges today. For instance, price can be a marketing problem for citrus in the current economic environment, according to Howard, but she is optimistic.

“What’s interesting is that even as many shoppers feel price-stressed, particularly younger consumers, they are still willing to trade up when the value proposition is clear,” she says.

“The opportunity lies in the fact that produce remains a strong value proposition overall, and citrus has a unique ability to deliver nutrition, versatility and familiarity at a price point consumers still trust. When brands and retailers clearly communicate quality, flavor and usage, citrus can win both trial and repeat purchases — even in a cautious-spending environment.”

Differentiation can also be a marketing issue. During citrus import season, generally summer through early fall for all citrus but limes, Payne says citrus faces stiff competition from stone fruit and apples.

“During this time, it’s critical for The Fresh Market to differentiate citrus by sourcing the best-quality fruit globally and clearly communicating that value to customers,” Payne says. “Strategic merchandising, compelling storytelling around origin and flavor, and targeted promotions can help citrus stand out and maintain consumer interest during highly competitive seasonal transitions.”

Consumer education on varieties is another key challenge that plays into differentiation, Rooke says.

“If a consumer doesn’t know that lemons can be seedless, then they don’t go and ask for them,” he offers as an example, referencing Wonderful Citrus’ seedless lemons. “So, it’s this idea of educating consumers to know what’s available and know what they should even begin to ask for.”

Rooke also gives the example of navel oranges versus mandarins as it relates to health messaging.

“Naval oranges have been around forever in the U.S. Mandarins haven’t been. So, how do we continue to educate consumers that mandarins can be every bit as healthy and packed with vitamin C as the navel orange that everyone grew up with eating?” he asks, adding that he’s often surprised navels are still being sold when compared to the convenience of mandarins.

“If you look at retail price per pound, the price per pound is actually not that different, and so it becomes, ‘what separates that from a consumer standpoint?’” he says.

Grapefruit

(Photo: akepong srichaichana, Adobe Stock)

Focus on Grapefruit Education

Mazzetti also highlights the need for consumer education, particularly when it comes to grapefruit.

“There’s a huge challenge with grapefruit, as it hasn’t really been promoted a lot the last 10, 15 years,” he says.

He says the lack of familiarity with grapefruit among younger consumers is a challenge, but one about which he is quite optimistic. He shares a personal anecdote about bringing grapefruit as part of a rotating class snack system at his oldest son’s elementary school a couple of years ago.

“And for about three weeks, I’d go pick up my kids at school … and I had all these parents coming to me asking, ‘Where do we get this grapefruit? Little Cindy, little Johnny, little Timmy, they all came home screaming that they had this grapefruit at school and they love it,’” Mazzetti recalls.

“If you can get kids to want it, our problems are solved,” he adds.

Rooke also reports that Wonderful
Citrus has also rebranded its Texas grapefruit program, historically known as Sweet Scarlets, in an effort to stand out and differentiate the product.

“We’ve renamed it Sweet Grapefruit, really to highlight the product offering and try to capture a consumer that maybe doesn’t historically interact with grapefruit,” he says.

Direct Consumer Engagement in Stores is a Winning Strategy

Blue Banner Citrus, which just recently parted from Sunkist, now finds itself in the exciting but challenging position of marketing its grapefruit how it wants. Mazzetti says the company is excited to do point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer marketing strategies, such as tastings in stores as an independent packer-shipper.

“At the right time of year, with the right box of grapefruit, we can really do some good promotion on California grapefruit,” Mazzetti says.

According to the Fresh Trends 2026 report, 34% of respondents said sampling would make them more likely to purchase a new produce item or more of a certain familiar item. This reporting rate was equal with “tried it at a restaurant” and just behind the most popular factor, “word of mouth,” at 39%.

Rooke also notes the value of POS information and accessories like bin bases. He says Wonderful has had success with having citrus items outside of the produce section along with special, smaller bins with interchangeable header cards. He gives the example of having these small hexagonal bins of the seedless lemons
in the seafood section, with the header card showing a piece of salmon, as having good results.

“We need to make sure that we continue to have multiple points of offering of the products to a consumer,” he says. “Sometimes it’s maybe not on their list, and we want to make sure that they’re reminded of it, and having those different points of differentiation is important.”

According to Fresh Trends 2026, respondents preferred produce information be close to or on the produce itself when they purchase it. A quarter of respondents listed in-store signage as the most important source for information about that produce, including origin, preparation and proper storage and recipe tips. Another quarter of respondents listed produce packaging as the most important.

Other options, which saw much lower importance ratings from respondents, were growers’ or retailers’ websites, social media and news outlets.

But strategies like tastings, special POS materials and distribution throughout the store take considerable effort and good relations with retailers. Speaking from The Fresh Market’s perspective, Payne notes the most effective of these efforts are built through direct collaboration with growers with customers in mind.

“When POS, tastings and cross-merchandising are thoughtfully executed, they enhance the shopping experience and help bring the citrus story to life,” he says, adding that since each retailer operates differently, a one-size-fits-all strategy is rarely effective.

“Citrus suppliers can make these efforts easier and more appealing by developing customized programs tailored to each retailer’s brand, customer base and operational capabilities. Flexibility, simplicity of execution and clear value to both store teams and shoppers go a long way in building strong, successful partnerships.”

Driving Demand for the Future

Partnerships and cross-industry collaboration are also needed when it comes to growing citrus demand overall, according to sources. Rooke says that starts with growers and suppliers putting the best-quality citrus in the market, day in and day out.

“When we look to put something that’s inferior from a quality standpoint, it doesn’t help any citrus grower, shipper or packer,” he says. “So, learning to have that discipline is one of the key things that citrus growers as a whole need to do broadly.”

Also citing quality concerns, in part, Mazzetti calls for greater protection of the domestic citrus industry.

“We should probably get some heavier tariffs on these offshore companies because it’s killing domestic farmers,” Mazzetti says. “You can get fruit from all these other countries, and maybe the quality is as good or not, but a lot of people buy it with their wallet, especially on an item that’s not a staple. Lemons might be a staple because of foodservice, but citrus in general is a luxury.”

Howard also stresses the value of the fruit itself and expands on what value can mean.

“To grow citrus consumption, the industry needs to make citrus easy, dependable and relevant in everyday routines,” she says. “A consistent eating experience is foundational, but convenience, pack formats and the use of inspiration are increasingly important.”

Howard, along with other sources, also emphasizes the importance of quality communication strategies to growing citrus demand. For example, while acknowledging citrus-growing states have their own state-level citrus groups, Mazzetti recommends the formation of a citrus
industrywide promotional board. Currently, Texas and Florida have federal marketing committees for their produce industry, but there is
no nationwide group .

“I think, collectively, someone’s got to lead this charge to promote U.S. citrus and the seasonality of it and the uniqueness of what we have,” he says.

Payne echoes the sentiment, if not in exact terms: “The citrus industry and retailers should collaborate on a comprehensive, multichannel marketing strategy designed to drive consumption. By aligning messaging across all media platforms and clearly communicating citrus health benefits, flavor profiles and usage occasions, we can strengthen consumer engagement, expand demand and maximize category growth.”

Howard voices optimism on the future for citrus, even in light of spending-cautious consumers.

“Looking ahead over the next five years, we believe citrus has a strong opportunity to grow alongside broader produce trends, especially as health, wellness and fresh food remain priorities for consumers,” she says. “The brands and categories that succeed will be those that build trust through quality, adapt to where consumers shop and evolve their messaging to stay relevant with the next generation of shoppers.”

Sunkist launches combo grapefruit bags

Wed, 28 May 2025 19:16:29 GMT

Valencia, Calif.-based Sunkist Growers Inc. has found a new way to enjoy California-grown grapefruit: 3- and 5-pound grapefruit combo bags.

Demand for citrus is on the rise, the company said in a news release, and so is consumers’ craving for convenience. The combo bags are ideal for fun-filled summertime occasions, Sunkist says.

“Grapefruit brings a bold, refreshing twist to summer,” Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing for Sunkist, said in the release. “While citrus shines brightest in winter, our grapefruit and summer varieties are perfect for warm-weather moments.”

Howard said the combo bags make it easier than ever for families to enjoy Sunkist citrus with convenience and value top of mind.

The newly designed bag is available for California-grown star ruby and Marsh Ruby grapefruit varieties.

“The combo bag is designed with our consumers in mind,” Howard said. “It reflects what shoppers are looking for: flavor, variety, freshness you can see and the trusted quality of Sunkist citrus.”

The combo bag presents an opportunity to drive repeat purchases and new usage occasions, the release said.

More than 80% of fresh fruit consumers eat some type of citrus weekly, which is a six-point, year-over-year increase, according to a Sunkist-commissioned study. And grapefruit is seeing renewed enthusiasm among health-conscious shoppers, with premium perception of Sunkist fruit rising over the past year, the company said.

Sunkist invites retailers to join its Grapefruit Display Contest, which runs May 1 to Aug. 1. Local Sunkist sales representatives can provide contest rules and participation methods.

Besides grapefruit, the Sunkist cooperative’s seasonal lineup features sweet Valencia oranges and bright, flavorful lemons, the release said. All are available in conventional and organic varieties.

Sunkist, the cooperative has also updated its website, sunkist.com , “enhancing the user experience with streamlined navigation and new resources to better serve both consumers and business partners,” Howard said. “These efforts are part of our continued commitment to providing top-tier products and maintaining strong connections with our loyal customers.”

Star ruby grapefruit available through summer

Thu, 15 May 2025 22:34:38 GMT

The Bee Sweet Citrus team reported May 15 that star ruby grapefruit will be available through summer, even though many California-grown citrus varieties are nearing the end of their season.

“Bee Sweet’s star ruby grapefruit is an excellent commodity to highlight during the summer months because of its availability, versatility and health benefits,” Anders Skooglund, Bee Sweet Citrus Sales Representative, said in a news release. “As one of the sweetest grapefruit varieties on the market, we’re confident shoppers will enjoy grapefruit throughout the summer months.”

Bee Sweet’s star ruby grapefruit is currently harvested in California’s Central Valley and will be available through August, the company said.

“While many people enjoy eating grapefruit fresh, there are so many different ways consumers can utilize them in meals,” said Monique Mueller, Bee Sweet Citrus director of communications. “Their sweet, tangy flavor beautifully complements summer salads, cocktails, parfaits and more.”

In addition to grapefruit, Bee Sweet Citrus has mandarins, lemons and Royal Red oranges available for customers, the company said. Navel oranges remain light as the company prepares to transition to its summer import program.

Salix Fruits offers insights with launch of its summer citrus program

Thu, 15 May 2025 20:58:54 GMT

Global importer-exporter Salix Fruits kicked off its 2025 summer citrus program May 15. This marked the beginning of the Southern Hemisphere’s citrus season, according to the company, and the launch featured products such as lemons, mandarins, oranges and grapefruits.

Salix Fruits CEO Alejandro Moralejo said this season is significant for the company as citrus remains one of its core product categories.

“After a challenging 2024, 2025 presents new dynamics in the global citrus market. As different regions complete their seasons, Northern Hemisphere producers set expectations for exporters and traders in the Southern Hemisphere,” Moralejo said in a news release.

Salix Fruits highlighted several factors shaping this year’s citrus trade landscape. For example, Europe is experiencing lower volumes due to spring frosts in Turkey, impacting the export of lemons, mandarins, oranges and fine fruit, which may also affect the start of the 2025-26 season. Additionally, Spain’s decreased production of verna lemons, the early conclusion of Moroccan mandarin shipments and strong demand for Egyptian oranges indicate that Europe and Russia will be promising markets for exports from South Africa, Argentina, Peru and Chile.

Meanwhile, U.S. citrus production has been significantly high across most varieties, particularly lemons, reducing immediate interest in imports from the Southern Hemisphere, according to Salix Fruits. On the supply side, Argentina and Chile have recovered their lemon production, while Chile reports strong mandarin volumes but lower orange yields. Peru is set to increase its mandarin output, while South Africa anticipates an average production year.

“These production fluctuations create supply and demand opportunities, and this is where Salix Fruits’ global sourcing and sales network becomes a critical advantage for our clients,” Moralejo said, noting that the company has offices in the U.S., Egypt, South Africa, Argentina, Chile, Spain, India and across Asia.

“The U.S. remains a priority market for us, with consistent citrus demand,” Moralejo added. “Our global presence allows us to tailor supply according to regional needs.”

One of the main challenges for 2025 is uncertainty surrounding new U.S. tariff policies, which have delayed sales program closures and created complexities in international trade negotiations, the company said.

Growers give outlook on summer citrus deal

Thu, 11 May 2023 16:10:22 GMT

Good-quality late navel oranges, valencias, lemons and grapefruit will be available from California this summer, said Casey Creamer, president and CEO of Exeter-based California Citrus Mutual .

The navel orange harvest will wrap up in mid-June, when imports start arriving, he said. But supplies likely will be available for some time after picking stops.

“We haven’t had any quality issues,” Creamer said, despite cold temperatures and heavy rainfall during much of the winter and early springtime.

The biggest issue was sizing.

“Three years of drought, low water allocations and extreme heat early in the fall really impacted the growth” he said.

But growers welcomed the rainfall.

“With the amount of rain that we had, the trees are really starting to come alive,” Creamer said. “They look really healthy.”

California’s navel orange volume should be close to the industry’s early estimate: between 66 million and 70 million 40-pound cartons. That figure was up from the 60 million cartons produced in 2022 but lower than the USDA’s projection of 76 million cartons.

Fowler, Calif.-based Bee Sweet Citrus will offer customers navel oranges, lemons, meyer lemons, mandarins, blood oranges, star ruby grapefruit and valencia oranges during the late spring and summer months, said Keith Watkins, vice president of farming. Fruit this summer will have excellent flavor, he said, but size will be below average.

Picking is now underway and will continue through summer. Bee Sweet’s volume this summer should be greater than last year, Watkins said.

Santa Paula, Calif.-based Limoneira now is harvesting lemons out of the coastal district, said John Carter, vice president of citrus.

The large amount of rain California experienced this year “brought blessings and trials,” he said. “That much rain that fast has helped the fruit grow very quickly and large.”

In early May, he said sizing was large out of the state’s San Joaquin Valley, with less small fruit than usual.

“Overall grade for [the San Joaquin Valley district] is down versus historical,” he said. “As we finish up there, we should see more normal size curves out of [the coastal district].”

Limoneira harvests almost year-round in the coastal district. He said volume should be about the same or a little less than usual this summer.

Valencia, Calif.-based Sunkist Growers Inc. offers nearly 40 varieties of conventional and organic citrus, said Trent Bishop, vice president of sales and marketing.

As the weather warms up, the company will ship Sunkist lemons, California Star Ruby grapefruit and valencia oranges, the only U.S.-grown summer oranges.

While growers welcomed the ample rainfall the state received during the winter and early spring, the precipitation also brought challenges, he said.

Still, the size structure is “decent-looking,” Bishop said, and the fruit condition remains strong.

“Overall, our summer crops are in good condition, and we have the supply to meet the needs of our customers,” he said.

A large part of California’s citrus doesn’t stay in the U.S., said Creamer of Citrus Mutual.

“Export markets are an important part of the industry,” he said.

About 30% goes to destinations such as Canada, Korea, Japan, Vietnam, Australia, New Zealand and Australia.

Although exports markets opened up this year after some trade issues were resolved with China and COVID-19 challenges wound down, rain delays and inflation created new challenges, he said.

Grower-shippers were hopeful for better export conditions in the future.

Related news: U.S. citrus global leadership is sliding, Farm Bureau warns

Limoneira plans to promote its summer citrus by featuring colorful characters on bags of lemons, limes, oranges and mandarins with a theme of “Catch the Citrus Wave!”

An easy-to-scan QR code will take consumers to a landing page with a variety of recipes, games, coloring activities and sustainable farming initiatives, Susan Jones-Ng, director of global sales and citrus marketing, said in a news release.

The company also is hosting a summer social media sweepstakes from May to August.

And in addition to its conventional citrus program, Sunkist has a strong organic deal, Bishop said.

The company’s organic portfolio includes navel, blood, cara cara and valencia oranges, lemons, California Star Ruby grapefruit and mandarins.

“Our goal is to provide a consistent, year-round supply of almost every variety of organic citrus fruit to retailers nationwide,” he said.

Organic produce has faced particular challenges this year, since organics is the market segment most affected by economic fluctuations and consumers’ efforts to reduce expenses, he said.

“Despite these challenges, we expect to be competitive in the organic space,” Bishop said.

Sunkist recently named Christine Toy as director of organics business development.

California isn’t the only state that will have a citrus program this summer.

In Florida, Fort Pierce-based DLF International had a smaller crop of grapefruit and valencia oranges than usual this spring as a result of two hurricanes and a freeze, said Jordan Feek, marketing director.

Sizing is smaller than usual, but quality has been good, she said. Picking wound down the second week of May, but the company will ship out of cold storage through June.

Sunkist holding California Star Ruby grapefruit display contest

Wed, 01 May 2024 18:51:03 GMT

Valencia, Calif.-based Sunkist a national display contest for its California Star Ruby grapefruit will run through July.

“We have learned a lot about grapefruit shoppers over the years, and according to a new Sunkist-commissioned study, grapefruit buyers continue to be loyal to the variety, with 50% making repeat purchases multiple times per month,” Cassie Howard, senior director of category management and marketing at Sunkist Growers, said in a news release. “When speaking with shoppers, we also know that pricing, promotions in-store, and a strengthened focus on health are the key takeaways to encourage more grapefruit purchases.”

Retail scan data from Circana shows citrus volume up 6% midway through April, outpacing total produce (up 1%) and total fruit (up 1%) compared with the same time last year.

To build on this momentum heading into the late-spring and summer months, Sunkist says it launched a grapefruit-specific study seeking insight into shoppers’ overall perception of the variety and the determining factors to making a purchase at the store level.

The new Sunkist-commissioned study revealed most shoppers are purchasing grapefruit for its health benefits, followed by taste, and that breakfast and snacking are the most common usages for consumption. These insights can help retailers better position health-focused breakfast options for grapefruit and introduce new ways to incorporate grapefruit into everyday life for shoppers, according to the release.

“A recent webinar from Circana focusing on The Snack Journey showed almost half of consumers snack more than three times per day, with over 70% of snacks being sourced from home,” Howard said. “We aim to be a shopper’s go-to resource for instilling healthy citrus-infused habits at home, and with snacks on the rise, our engaging social media campaigns and website content are great tools for shoppers to reference as they internally battle healthy eating versus indulgence at checkout.”

Sunkist’s shoppable recipe programs and merchandising toolkit feature interactive POS materials with scannable QR codes, providing shoppers with real-time recipe inspiration and utilization tips, according to the release. With bigger sizes this season, Sunkist says it has expanded offerings to fit the needs of its retail partners, providing multiple bag options and customizable merchandising to not negatively impact bulk purchases.

Sunkist’s National Display Contest will award prizes to the produce managers of the top three winning stores, the release said. Sunkist sales representatives have information about the rules and eligibility, as well as sampling opportunities to encourage trial and prompt purchase in-stores, according to the release.

Sunkist touts summer citrus on TikTok

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 15:50:29 GMT

As inflation drives a cultural shift in grocery priorities, Sunkist Growers says it is helping price-conscious consumers, especially millennials and Generation Z, make healthier choices without compromising taste or budget.

And to promote the versatility and flavor of its summer citrus varieties to this segment of shoppers, the farmer-owned marketing cooperative is making moves on one of the world’s most popular social media platforms, TikTok.

Sunkist understands the importance of providing consumers with accessible and nutritious options, Trent Bishop, vice president of sales and marketing, said in a news release.

“That’s why we are committed to offering citrus options that are both versatile and affordable, allowing consumers to reclaim their health without sacrificing flavor or breaking the bank,” he said. “As we focus on striking the right balance between embracing the vibrant energy of summer and educating consumers about new and exciting ways to utilize the whole fruit, we are helping shoppers make their citrus purchases even more worthwhile.”

Sunkist says its summer citrus varieties – valencia oranges, lemons and grapefruit – offer delicious flavors and vital nutrients that enhance overall well-being.

“Our goal this summer is to get inflation-pinched shoppers to make citrus an essential item at checkout,” Bishop said. “Through our impactful marketing programs and interactive in-store tools, we can collaborate with our retail partners to engage with shoppers in real-time and help drive sales.”

Taking to TikTok

With most shoppers planning fruit purchases before entering the store, Sunkist continues to engage shoppers where they are, and right now that’s TikTok, a platform where millennial and Gen Z consumers are spending increasing amounts of time and where culinary inspiration and discovery thrive, according to the release.

The Sunkist Unlimited campaign highlights the versatility and flavor of current in-season varieties, tapping into viral recipes and collaborations with foodie influencers who shared their best citrus-inspired tips, tricks and hacks, the co-op said. Consumers can easily substitute in-season valencia oranges, also known as the “summer orange,” in any trending recipe, as these oranges are perfect for juicing and are available now through October, according to the release.

“Citrus is an important part of the consumers’ shopping basket throughout the summer,” Sunkist Director of Category and Consumer Insights Cassie Howard said in the release. “Citrus is top-of-mind from July through October, according to Circana, where citrus represents 10% of total fruit dollars sold at retail across the U.S.”

Through a series of duets and stitches (combining their videos with others), Sunkist TikTok creators concocted mouth-watering dishes that share innovative ways to bring in-season Sunkist citrus to the table, according to the release.

Whether through trending recipes such as the potato and courgette fritter or the lemony Senegalese-inspired cottage cheese toast or sharing helpful hacks including lemon ice cubes and orange sugar rims, Sunkist says it has demonstrated many ways for today’s consumers to get creative in the kitchen and step up cocktails, baking, recipes and even ways to clean a stubborn microwave.

Showcasing citrus

The co-op said it often refer to its lemons as “culinary superstars” because of the fruit’s diverse range across recipes, serving as a flavor booster, and even as a simple alternative for salt without sacrificing flavor.

Howard said summer is peak season for lemon purchases.

“Circana shows that in the last 13 weeks through June, 5-pound lemon bags increased over 5% versus last year and 20% compared to two seasons ago,” Howard said. “With lemons often planned purchases for consumers as they are versatile and indispensable in the kitchen, it’s important for retailers to provide flexible packaging options to help meet consumers’ needs.”

Rounding out available in-season summer citrus varietals are California star ruby grapefruits.

“We have learned a lot about the grapefruit shopper over the years, and according to a Sunkist-commissioned study, new shoppers are important to the category, representing nearly [one-third] of all grapefruit households, and are predominantly millennials and Gen Zers,” Howard said. “With today’s evolving shoppers relying on the produce department for real-time information, in-store display contests are a great way to capture your consumer’s interest. Be sure to contact your local Sunkist sales rep to learn more.”

An interactive Sunkist Unlimited website was launched to highlight the potential of Sunkist’s in-season citrus, making recipe discovery easier. The website hosts trending TikTok tutorials and incorporates a surprise generator to inspire visitors to use citrus in fun and unexpected ways to “Celebrate Every Bite” throughout the summer, according to the release.

The website’s search filters have been expanded to allow more personalized search results, such as selecting by key ingredients, dietary requirements or prep time, the release said. In addition, Sunkist says it has upgraded the “Where-to-Buy” platform on Sunkist.com so consumers can easily search what stores are carrying in-season, summer citrus varieties.

Related: @SunkistCitrus on TikTok

USDA to purchase fresh grapefruit

Thu, 29 Jun 2023 15:25:18 GMT

The USDA plans to purchase fresh grapefruit for distribution to various food nutrition assistance programs.

Purchases will be made with the purpose of encouraging the continued domestic consumption of these products by diverting them from the normal channels of trade and commerce, according to the release.

Ample availability of fresh grapefruit is projected to increase due to slower movement in the domestic and export markets, the release said.

“This provides a timely opportunity for the [USDA] to purchase competitively priced and nutritious fresh grapefruit in consumer-friendly form suitable for use in domestic food assistance programs, including charitable institutions,” the agency said in the release.

The USDA said the U.S. average terminal market price for grapefruit on June 24 was $25.58 per carton, down from $27.46 per carton compared with the same time a year ago.

Solicitations will be issued in the near future and will be available electronically through the Web-Based Supply Chain Management system, the release said.

The contract type is anticipated to be firm-fixed price, the release said. Deliveries are expected to be to various locations in the U.S. on an fob destination basis.

Grapefruit acquired under this contract must be a product of the U.S., according to the release.

The USDA point of contact for new vendors can be reached at 202-720-4237 or NewVendor@usda.gov. Details of these requirements are available at the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service website .

Fruit World ushers in California citrus season — and a sustainability milestone

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 12:59:43 GMT

As it welcomes the California winter citrus season, Fruit World is also touting a recent Equitable Food Initiative certification for its facility in Reedley, Calif.

The sustainability -focused fresh produce company called the certification a “testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved,” according to a news release.

“This certification marks a monumental accomplishment. We take our mission of creating an equitable and sustainable food system to heart, and this achievement demonstrates that our actions match our words,” Fruit World founder and CEO Bianca Kaprielian said in the release.

The California citrus season starts two to three weeks later than usual, the release said. While citrus volume is down across the board this year, Fruit World says it is working harder than ever to make every piece count. The company says the increased organic citrus acreage coming into play this season further emphasizes its “commitment to the long haul,” according to the release.

“We can’t help but get excited when the California winter citrus season rolls around. We love so much about it — the beautiful pops of orange color, the sweet juiciness, and the real range in varieties and flavor,” Kaprielian said.

Related: Corrugated cardboard packaging industry makes sustainability strides, says report

The season commences with the organic lemon program, a year-round favorite featuring fresh fruit from the desert region, according to the release. That’s being accompanied by sweet limes, with grapefruit to follow by month’s end.

November will mark the arrival of navels and mandarins, with minneolas, cara cara, and blood oranges all shipping in December, the release said.

Given the expected shorter season, Kaprielian encourages customers to plan ahead for their winter and early spring promotions, as the citrus program is likely to wrap up by the beginning of April, according to the release. To place an order or to learn more about Fruit World’s winter citrus program, visit fruitworld.com or contact sales@fruitworld.com.

CEO to speak at Organic Grower Summit

During the Organic Grower Summit in November, Kaprielian will join a panel of industry experts to discuss the USDA’s upcoming Strengthening Organic Enforcement final rule and how the grower community can prepare for its changes, according to the release.

“The updates to the USDA National Organic Program regulations are significant. The intent to minimize organic fraud is appreciated; at the same time, we see the challenges it will present to growers, buyers, and sellers of organic produce,” Kaprielian said. “We are working to make sure we are well positioned to be in compliance once the new regulations go into effect in March, which is the tail end of our winter citrus season. Our hope is that we can help other farmers navigate these changes, too.”

Texas Mexfly finds establish residential citrus quarantines

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:36:48 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and Texas Department of Agriculture has established a Mexican fruit fly quarantine in a resident area in Zapata, Texas.

The quarantine establishes safeguarding measures and restrictions on interstate movement or entry into foreign trade of regulated articles from the area, according to a news release from the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

APHIS confirmed a Mexfly larva from a grapefruit in a residential area on May 11, and three more were found in residential areas nearby on May 12, 13 and 19, according to a news release.

A mated female was found on May 15. The quarantine area is about 80 square miles in Zapata County; there are no commercial groves or packing shed in the quarantined area. APHIS and the state department of agriculture are responding with surveys and treatment protocols, according to the USDA.

The USDA tracks fruit fly quarantines on its website .

Related stories:

Mexfly find in south Texas brings expanded quarantine

USDA lifts Mexfly quarantines in Texas

Fruit fly quarantine covers Southern California ports

USDA, other groups shift HLB research from lab to grove

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:36:28 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture and other groups have invested nearly $47 million in research over the past six years through the Huanglongbing Multiagency Coordination Group.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and other entities in the group — known as HLB MAC — are focused on research and development projects to give citrus growers a way to fight against HLB, also known as citrus greening. The disease doesn’t affect human health, but damages citrus , making it unmarketable.

Projects have focused on controlling the Asian citrus psyllid, which spreads the disease, infected tree therapies, technology to protect new plantings and ways to detect the disease earlier, according to a news release.

This year, the group is focusing on “shovel-ready” projects that are ready to move from the lab to the grove. HLB MAC will announce funding decisions on projects in early July.

Research and development remains a priority, according to the release.

“APHIS is currently working with USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service to establish funding opportunities that will support long-term innovation and further advance methods for combating citrus greening disease,” according to the APHIS release.

Related stories:

Florida researchers find success in citrus greening study

Updated citrus nutrition guide helps growers deal with greening

California increases HLB quarantine areas

District 3 citrus season begins for Veg-Fresh Farms

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:30 GMT

Veg-Fresh Farms, Corona, Calif., is starting its winter citrus season.

The District 3 (D3) region — Riverside and the Coachella and Imperial valleys — starts this month, with fruit shipping into early spring.

Veg-Fresh Farms is in its sixth season packing under the Good Life Organic label, with lemons, grapefruit , minneolas and sweet limes from District 3, according to a news release.

Organic lemons are shipping from the district now through February, peaking in November/December with size 140/115 count, with limits on larger sizes, according to the release. D3 lemon harvest production is down 25%-35% from last season.

Organic grapefruit from D3 begin in mid-October and go through March, with peaks in November-January. Veg-Fresh expects sizes to peak on 48/40/56 counts, ideal for bags, according to the release.

Organic minneolas start in mid-December go through February, peaking in January. Peak sizes are expected in the 100/80/64 counts and will be available in bulk and bags.

Sweet limes from D3 will be available in mid-October through February.

Related stories:

UPDATED: Veg-Fresh Farms packaging contains pathogen fighters

Doc’s Organics to supply Veg-Fresh Farms with citrus

Veg-Fresh Farms to market Redlands Foothill’s citrus

Orange output down, USDA says

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:49:09 GMT

With Florida groves showing the biggest declines, the 2020-21 U.S. orange crop is forecast 11% lower, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s first crop production report.

The USDA said the U.S. orange forecast for the 2020-2021 season is 4.65 million tons, down 11% from the 2019-20 season.

The Florida orange forecast, at 57 million 90-pound boxes (2.57 million tons), is down 15% from last season, according to the USDA.

On average, about 96% of Florida oranges are processed into orange juice, according to Florida Department of Citrus statistics.

The USDA said that Florida’s early, mid-season, and navel varieties are forecast at 23 million boxes (1.04 million tons), down 22% from last season’s final utilization. The Florida valencia orange forecast, at 34 million boxes (1.53 million tons), is down 10% from last season, according to the USDA.

Florida’s 2020-21 grapefruit production also is down, according to the USDA’s crop production estimate. At 4.5 million (85-pound) boxes, the 2020-21 estimate is down 7.3% compared with last season. About 40% of Florida’s grapefruit crop is sold fresh, according to the USDA.

Florida’s production of tangerines and mandarins rose 7.8%, from 1.02 million 95-pound boxes in 2019-20 to a forecast 1.1 million boxes in 2020-21. Just more than half of Florida’s tangerines and mandarins are shipped fresh, according to the USDA.

The dip in orange output isn’t a sign of continuing decline after years of battling citrus greening, one citrus leader said.

“Florida citrus growers are finding success through innovative mitigation efforts to fight citrus greening in their groves,” Shannon Shepp, executive director of the Florida Department of Citrus , said in a news release. “Today’s forecast is more likely reflective of factors beyond grower control typical of the agricultural growth cycle than any one issue.”

California navels down, mandarins up

In California, where three out of four oranges are sold fresh, the USDA’s orange forecast is 50.5 million 80-pound boxes (2.02 million tons), down 5% from last season’s final utilization. The California navel orange forecast is 42 million boxes (1.68 million tons), down 5% from last season’s final utilization. The California valencia orange forecast is 8.5 million boxes (340,000 tons), down 6% from last season.

California’s mandarin/tangerine output is 23 million 80-pound boxes (920,000 tons), up 4.5% from last season’s output of 22 million boxes. About 75% of California’s mandarins/tangerines are sold fresh.

Grapefruit production in California is projected unchanged from a year ago, at 3.8 million 80-pound boxes. About 40% of California grapefruit is sold fresh, according to the USDA.

Lemon production in California in the 2020-21 season is forecast at 22 million 80-pound boxes (880,000 tons), down 14% from last season. The Arizona lemon forecast is 1.3 million (80-pound) boxes (52,000 tons), down 28% from last season. About 70% of U.S. lemons are sold fresh, according to the USDA. The Texas all orange forecast, at 1.50 million 85-pound boxes (64,000 tons), is up 12% from last season. Four in ten Texas oranges are sold fresh, the USDA says.

The USDA said Texas grapefruit output is pegged at 4.9 million 80-pound boxes, up 11% compared with 4.4 million boxes in 2019-20. About 40% of Texas grapefruit is sold fresh.

Price trends

The USDA Market News Service reported the average f.o.b. price for fresh oranges on Oct. 10 was $35.58 per carton, up from $25.14 a year ago. For grapefruit, the USDA reported the average shipping point price of $33.90, up from $25.90 a year ago. Lemons showed lower f.o.b. markets, with the Oct. 10 price of $30.64 per carton off 13% from the $35.42 per carton a year ago.

The Packer’s Orange Coverage

The Packer USDA Coverage

IMG Citrus invests in packing line grader

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 19:53:28 GMT

IMG Citrus, Vero Beach, Fla., has added an electronic fruit grader to its packing line.

The equipment, a Global Scan 7 from MAF Roda Industries, France, can take 120 images of each fruit, scanning up to 120 fruit per second, with a capability of processing up to 864,000 images a minute, according to a news release.

The fruit grader, a $1.5-million investment, analyzes the images to determine if the fruit meets specifications regarding blemishes, weight, color, shape and density.

“Our customers will greatly benefit from this technology because of much better consistency from carton to carton and from fruit to fruit,” Michel Sallin, IMG Citrus president, said in the release.

The equipment allows the company to improve pack quality by setting specific criteria, identifying and eliminating late blooms, which are less sweet/juicy, and fruit with huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening.

“In a greening environment, it is important to protect the superior taste of Florida grapefruit and eliminate the few outliers,” Sallin said in the release. “… To be successful in the fresh business, each piece of fruit needs to bring happiness to our consumers.””

The company recently acquired Emerald Grove in St. Lucie County, Fla., a 4,000-acre grapefruit grove, renaming it Happy Food grove, after its consumer brand.

“We are excited to bring the latest technology in packinghouse equipment into our facilities,” packinghouse director Todd Haffield said in the release.

Related stories:

IMG Citrus purchases 4K acres of grapefruit groves

Todd Haffield returns to IMG Citrus

USDA seeks comments on South African citrus import rule

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:13:10 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture is seeking comments on a proposal to allow South African citrus imports at all U.S. ports, without the current cold treatment requirement now in place.

South African citrus are allowed at just four U.S. ports now, in Newark, N.J., Philadelphia, Wilmington, Del., and Houston, and must undergo a cold treatment period of about three weeks, to guard against introducing the false codling moth to the country.

The USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service is proposing the measure after monitoring imports over the past two seasons for false codling moths according to a news release. More than 2,000 shipments were monitored, with no detections of a live moth.

The APHIS proposal on the commodity import evaluation document for South African citrus affects imports of grapefruits , lemons , mandarin oranges, sweet oranges , tangelos and satsuma mandarins, according to the release.

Comments will be accepted through the Federal Register through June 1.

Related stories:

South Africa to enter lockdown, but fruit exports to continue

South Africa citrus exports predicted to rise

Taste of Summer promotes South African citrus

Domestic citrus kicks off summer on high note

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:50 GMT

Good news has been a rarity since the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic broke out early this year. But there appears to be a bright spot when it comes to U.S. citrus sales.

Suppliers say citrus movement has been strong throughout the coronavirus crisis, with all categories continuing to show strong weekly increases over the same week last year.

According to data from Chicago-based market research firm IRI for the week ending May 3, sales of oranges were up 68%, lemon sales grew by 42.4% and tangerine movement increased 7.7%.

Suppliers and nutritionists say at least part of the sales surge likely was due to the positive reputation vitamin C has earned when it comes to building a strong immune system.

As summer approaches, major citrus suppliers have made big plans for their summer programs.

Valencia, Calif.-based Sunkist Growers Inc . has California-grown citrus available year-round, said Christina Ward, director of global brand marketing.

“Our summertime favorites include lemons, grapefruit, valencia oranges and limes,” she said.

California- and Arizona-grown cara cara oranges were available through May, and navels should be on supermarket shelves through June.

“Our summer varieties will take over the scene around June, as we wind down on some of the other varieties,” Ward said.

Valencia oranges are the only U.S.-grown oranges available in the summer, and Sunkist is going into the season ready to keep the citrus category and U.S.-grown promotions going strong, she said.

“The fruit tastes excellent,” she said. “We see a good range of sizes for our summer citrus.”

Volume on lemons, grapefruit and valencias should be up this summer compared to last year, she added.

Fowler, Calif.-based Bee Sweet Citrus Inc . plans to offer navel oranges, valencia oranges, cara cara navels, mandarins, lemons and grapefruit this summer, said salesman Jason Sadoian.

Blood oranges also will be available through the end of July.

Bee Sweet’s grapefruit, valencia oranges and blood oranges are grown in California, he said.

The company’s mandarins, navel oranges and cara cara navels are part of its offshore program with Chile.

Lemons are grown domestically and imported.

“Our team anticipates that the quality of our summer citrus line will be excellent,” Sadoian said.

“Every box of fruit that ships out of our facility gets re-packed or re-styled for optimal quality control.”

Volume on all items should be similar to last year.

Visalia, Calif.-based Seven Seas , a division of Tom Lange Co. Inc., Springfield, Ill., will offer a one-source solution for California-grown valencia oranges, grapefruit and lemons this summer, said Brent Young, manager of sales.

“We expect quality to be very good on all items throughout the summer months with size curves ideal for both retail and foodservice markets,” he said.

Volume of valencia oranges likely will be light, and markets should be strong, he said, while lemons look to be near normal volumes with sizes peaking on 140s.

“Grapefruit quality looks great overall with very clean fruit and lots of juice (and) flavor,” Young said.

Seven Seas expects the supply chain to gain stability in retail movement, he said, and is “hopeful that foodservice recovery will come soon.”

“We anticipate strong sales in both export and domestic markets throughout the summer as sales recover from the COVID-19 interruptions,” Young said.

On the lemon scene, Santa Paula, Calif.-based Limoneira Co. currently is sourcing from its California coastal growing area, said Alex Teague, chief operating officer.

If needed, fruit will be brought to the U.S. from ranches in Chile and Argentina.

The company ships lemons year-round.

“For the current coastal crop, growing conditions have been almost ideal,” Teague said.

“We have had average to above-average rain and no frost, so the crop looks very good.”

Volume is the same as last year, he said, with more medium- to large-size fruit because of late-season rains and more fruit available for fresh market than last year.

Related content:
Summer citrus news updates
Marketers to offer array of citrus promotions at retail, foodservice
Citrus plentiful for summer season, marketers say

Psyllid with bacteria found in commercial California grove

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:42:17 GMT

An adult Asian citrus psyllid found in a commercial grove in Riverside County has tested positive for Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas), the bacteria that causes Huanglongbing.

The single adult psyllid is the first one found in a commercial citrus grove in California with the bacteria, according to the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program, which is a grower-funded initiative administered by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

“While a positive (Asian citrus psyllid) detection in a commercial grove is cause for serious concern, as of today, HLB has not been detected in any California commercial groves,” according to the Citrus Pest & Disease Prevention Program’s Citrus Insider , which reported the positive finding on Aug. 7. “That said, it is more crucial than ever that we stop the disease from spreading by eradicating the Asian citrus psyllid in commercial groves. The cost to manage the Asian citrus psyllid is far less than any potential costs or loss to the industry should HLB take hold throughout our state.”

The CDFA is conducting surveys and collecting samples as directed in an ACP/HLB Action Plan, focusing on the perimeters of all commercial groves and all residential host plants within 250 meters of where the pest was found, according to Citrus Insider.

At this point, the best way to stop HLB is to stop Asian citrus psyllids, according to Citrus Insider, and the pest’s movements must be restricted and populations suppressed, according to the release.

“It is critical to follow best practices and review recommendations from the (University of California) on how to protect commercial citrus groves from HLB,” according to Citrus Insider. “Regulations are in place to help prevent the spread of the pest and disease. All growers, packers and haulers must comply with all California Department of Food and Agriculture, county and federal regulations, including quarantines.”

Related news:

University of Florida updates HLB information online

Citrus greening treatment leads to AgTech Innovation Prize

California researchers find promising HLB treatment

Kevin Roberts joins Lone Star Citrus in sales

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:33 GMT

Lone Star Citrus Growers , Mission, Texas, has hired Kevin Roberts to its sales team.

Roberts has 13 years of experience in Texas citrus sales, joining Healds Valley Farms in sales. Healds Valley was purchased by Paramount Citrus in 2012, which was later renamed Wonderful Citrus, where he remained before joining Lone Star Citrus.

Before that, he was in sales at J&D Produce, Edinburg, Texas, for about five years, and at the McAllen, Texas, brokerage office of Greenfield, Tenn.-based SMP Marketing LLC.

“His skills and insight will be an asset to our already seasoned sales staff,” T.J. Flowers, vice president of operations and sales, said in an Aug. 24 news release. “With about six weeks to go until the upcoming harvest, he is coming in at the most opportune time.”

Light shipments begin in early October, with full volume in mid-November for the company, which markets under the Winter Sweetz brand.

Lone Star Citrus Growers is the sole family-owned Texas citrus operation growing and selling conventionally-grown fruit, according to the release.

Related stories:

Texas International Produce Association welcomes new members

Winter Sweetz grapefruit shipping from Texas

Researchers seek help from organic citrus growers to fight HLB

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:46:13 GMT

Researchers are contacting organic citrus growers for help in developing a holistic approach in battling citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing/HLB.

Although the entire citrus industry has been affected by the disease, with Florida devastated and other areas battling to keep it from spreading, organic growers have been hit especially hard because they have few tools to fight it, according to a news release from The Organic Center, which is an affiliate of the Organic Trade Association.

The Organic Center, the University of Florida and the University of California-Riverside, are conducting a survey asking growers and stakeholders about practices used to combat HLB and Asian citrus psyllids, which spread the disease. The survey asks for information on dozens of products used on the pests and trees infected with Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus, which causes huanglongbing, and how effective those treatments were.

Researchers want to equip organic citrus growers with tools to allow them to fight HLB, and determine priorities on research projects that would help them.

“To achieve these objectives, we plan to conduct a needs assessment through this survey and a workshop gathering information on current organic-compliant strategies used to combat HLB, their successes and challenges,” Jessica Shade, director of science programs at The Organic Center, said in the release. “From this assessment we will develop and disseminate research priorities to build additional funding proposals to advance progress in fighting HLB in organic systems, and citrus as a whole.”

The survey is at https://bit.ly/33w2LQj .

Specific goals, according to the release, include:

Gathering information through surveys and listening sessions on current techniques to combat HLB;
Assessing HLB control research priorities at an in-person meeting to determine outreach and education needs for organic citrus growers in the U.S.; and
Using the feedback to develop a systems-based research and extension proposal.

Survey responses are due by Oct. 20.

Related stories:

Psyllid with bacteria found in commercial California grove

University of Florida updates HLB information online

California researchers find promising HLB treatment

Fruit World starts citrus season with bright packaging makeover

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:48:24 GMT

Fruit World , Reedley, Calif., is introducing high-graphic recyclable packaging as it enters the citrus season with increased availability of California mandarins and other citrus.

The family-owned grower-shipper will have organic and conventional mandarins , as well as organic oranges , grapefruit , lemons and sweet limes , according to a news release.

Fruit World is shipping new crop organic Rio Red grapefruit, with organic oranges starting in mid- to late October.

“We’re really excited about our new fun and colorful conventional mandarin packaging design, especially because it’s fully-recyclable,” Bianca Kaprielian, Fruit World co-founder and CEO, said in the release. “We love the extension of the Fruit World brand, and how these bags add to the sustainable values which are core to our company.”

Fruit World has an uninterrupted season-long programs for organic and conventional mandarins.

Orchard yields per-acre statewide is expected to be similar to recent years, according to the release, but Fruit World expects increased availability from its own farms and other growers that supply it.

“On the conventional side, our proprietary sweet Early Dulce and Dulce mandarins will be first to market in mid-October, followed by organic and conventional Satsuma mandarins, then clementines,” CJ Buxman, Fruit World co-founder and an organic mandarin grower, said in the release. “We’ll go all the way into June with our Gold Nugget and proprietary Klondike varieties.”

Navel orange yield is expected to be down 5% this season.

“However, we have added some acreage to our mix, so our supply will increase by about 15%,” Buxman said in the release.

Fruit World has a year-round organic lemon program with promotable volumes starting with lemons from California’s desert region starting in early November, through the end of the Central Valley harvest in March.

“We’re committed to providing the most flavorful fruit, and the best customer service possible,” Kaprielian said in the release. “We excel at working with our retail and wholesale partners and tailoring programs to their needs, so they can best serve their customers.”

Related stories:

Fruit World’s organic Thomcord grapes on the way

Fruit World to offer organic mandarins throughout season

Thomcord marketer Fruit World: ‘Love these grapes? Text me.’

Trio of University of Florida projects seek to beat citrus greening

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:50:56 GMT

The University of Florida has received federal grants nearly $4.5 million in U.S. Department of Agriculture grants to fight citrus greening, aka huanglongbing/HLB.

Three teams of researchers from the university’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (IFAS) will be studying new ways to manage Asian citrus psyllids, the pests that spread HLB, according to a news release. Researchers from other institutions are also working on the projects.

The first project, led by Bryony Bonning, entomology and nematology professor, uses a bacteria-derived pesticidal protein combined with gene silencing to manage the psyllids, according to the release.

The goal is to create an environmentally-benign way for growers to control the Asian citrus psyllid with an integrated pest management strategy.

The second project, led by Amit Levy, assistant professor of plant pathology, examines how the bacteria that causes citrus greening disease — Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) — interacts with phloem, tissue that’s buried in the stem of citrus trees. There is a significant gap in understanding how the bacteria interacts with the phloem, according to the release.

The third project, led by UF/IFAS microbiology and cell science professor Zhonglin Mou seeks to speed up the process to release HLB-tolerant/resistant trees to growers. Research has generated transgenic lines that are tolerant, but they must go through an extensive approval process. Researchers are reproducing greening-resistant makeup in non-transgenetically modified plants through gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9 .

“These grants build on an existing portfolio of success in finding solutions to combat citrus greening throughout Florida’s citrus groves,” Michael Rogers, director of UF/IFAS Citrus Research and Education Center and coordinator of the UF/IFAS statewide citrus program, said in the release. “They will contribute to the solutions we are providing that support citrus growers in sustainably and profitably growing citrus throughout the state.”

Related stories:s

Geneticist develops potential HLB treatment

Genome project brings citrus industry closer to stopping greening

Researchers seek help from organic citrus growers to fight HLB

TerraFresh Organics starts Mexican citrus season

Mon, 16 Nov 2020 16:47:48 GMT

MILL VALLEY, CALIF. - TerraFresh Organics (TFO), an organic fruit company supplying organic citrus, mangos, stone fruit and grapes to North America, is prepared for a solid organic Mexican citrus season. TerraFresh Organics will provide a consistent supply of organic citrus throughout the 2021 season.

TerraFresh Organics is providing Sweet Valencia Oranges from November 2020 through June 2021 and Rio Red Grapefruit from November 2020 through April 2021. The citrus is grown and packed in Sonora, Mexico and will be packed in TFO’s Earth Greens label. The grower co-op is the largest organic citrus co-op in Mexico and is seeking to continue its growth in future seasons.

“Citrus season is upon us and TerraFresh Organics is prepared for our strongest season yet,” said Greg Holzman, co-founder and managing partner of TerraFresh Organics. “This year especially, shoppers are seeking out citrus for its health benefits and fresh flavor and we’re excited to meet that need with a strong supply of organic citrus fruit.”

Terra Fresh Organics will have a consistent supply with ample volumes to support programs and ad promotions in various pack styles. This season, retailers can capitalize on the significant volume of Valencia oranges in bags. From direct-to-retail sales to ecommerce and in-house juice programs, TerraFresh Organics ensures a diverse variety of customers’ needs are met. The program will be available to load out of Nogales, AZ.

If you are interested in learning more about TerraFresh Organics or contacting a salesperson, please email: sales@terrafreshorganics.com or call 415-547-8300.

Progressive Produce expands organic heirloom navel program

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:34:44 GMT

Los Angeles-based grower/packer/shipper Progressive Produce will see an expanded organic Heirloom Navel orange program towards the end of the year and into the first quarter of 2021.

Sold under the recently refreshed Nature’s Bounty Organic label, the company’s perfectly sweet and locally grown organic Heirloom Navels will be available from late December until March. Product can be packed in 3-pound bags with bulk sizes also available.

Speaking of Nature’s Bounty Organic, Director of Marketing and Sales Oscar Guzman says, “We updated the label and brand with a sleek, simplistic design and bright, bold colors to catch consumers’ attention from a distance.” Packaging for lemons, grapefruit, Valencia and Navel oranges and Heirloom Navel oranges will feature the new design.

Progressive’s extensive organic citrus line also includes organic Navel oranges, organic Valencia oranges, organic Cara Cara oranges, organic grapefruit, organic lemons, and specialty citrus. “We are very proud of our grower-partner network that supplies us with the best produce,” says Guzman. “Most of our citrus is grown locally in California, with seasonal gaps covered by imported citrus.”

With close to 100 years of produce industry experience combined, the new citrus office in Visalia, CA, is staffed by industry veterans including Howard Nager, Vice President-Business Development and Marketing, Jonah Reardon, Sales Manager-Citrus, Christine Toy, Sales Manager-Citrus, and Seth Tiller, Sales/Grower Relations-Citrus.

As an essential food business, Progressive has been working nonstop to provide a steady supply of fresh produce this year. “Our team strives to bring energy and a great attitude every day, ensuring our consistent product quality and superior customer service continues to be paramount in our dealings with our customers,” says Guzman. “And we’re proud to say that our mission has never shined so brightly.”

Citrus interest big on PMG

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:34:44 GMT

Organic pears maintained the top spot on PMG the week of Nov. 30, but citrus showed strong interest overall, taking six of the top 20 spots. Oranges came in at No. 2, lettuce took No. 3, and lemons took the No. 4 spot. Carrots completed the top 5.

The PMG platform connects produce buyers and sellers. Below, find the top 20 searched commodities on PMG during the week of Nov. 30.

Potatoes were No. 6, and avocados took the No. 7 spot. Pummelos came in at No. 8, and eggplant returned to the list at No. 9. Mushrooms rounded out the top 10.

Sweet potatoes took the No. 11 spot, and mandarins came in at No. 12. Apples were No. 13, and cucumbers were No. 14. Mangoes completed the top 15.

Strawberries were No. 16, and broccoli came in at No. 17. Okra was No. 18, and navel oranges took No. 19. Specialty Seville oranges completed the top 20.

South Africa citrus promotion boosted by pandemic demand

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:25 GMT

Summer Citrus from South Africa has finished another successful consumer promotion, Here Comes the Sun.

The eight-week promotion offered consumers chances to win prizes and highlighted new recipes to capitalize on increased social media use and citrus demand from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a news release.

Here Comes the Sun is the first social media-only campaign from Summer Citrus from South Africa and brought high impression numbers, included national influencers and increased Instagram followers.

Suhanra Conradie, CEO of Summer Citrus from South Africa, said the group saw an all-time consumption peak.

“Our summer promotion came at an interesting time in history when people are looking for extra ways to indulge in sweet, comforting treats while boosting their immune health,” she said in the release. “We were pleased to be able to engage with our followers and attract new shoppers during this time and offer positive and encouraging messaging throughout the summer months.”

With more than five million media impressions, the Summer Citrus from South Africa promotion was boosted by influencers, who received multiple messages about the brand and possible partnerships, according to the release.

South Africa citrus shippers have three months of the season left.

“The team at SCSA is committed to implementing an ongoing marketing program to keep shoppers engaged throughout the rest of the crop and encourage them to ask for citrus from South Africa when shopping at their local market,” according to the release.

Related stories:

South African summer citrus begins weekly arrivals

Taste of Summer promotes South African citrus

USDA removes Mexfly quarantine in Texas citrus area

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:48:28 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, through its Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, has removed a Mexican fruit fly quarantine area in Harlingen, Texas.

APHIS and the Texas Department of Agriculture established the quarantine that restricted interstate movement of regulated articles on Feb. 3 after multiple detections of adult and larval Mexflies, according to a news release.

Since then, three Mexfly life cycles have elapsed with no additional detections. The 162-square-mile area included almost 2,300 acres of commercial citrus. The area’s citrus harvest is just starting for the season in a few weeks.

APHIS continues to work with the Texas ag department to eradicate Mexflies in a quarantined area of Brownsville, in Cameron County, according to the release. Maps of fruit fly quarantines are available on the APHIS website.

Related stories:

Texas Mexfly finds establish residential citrus quarantines

Mexfly find in south Texas brings expanded quarantine

USDA lifts Mexfly quarantines in Texas