With demand for citrus growing globally, the opportunity is ripe for Sunkist to preview this year’s Sunkist citrus crop at the 2016 PMA Fresh Summit.
According to IRI Worldwide Data, citrus category growth out-performed fruit and produce category growth in both volume and dollar sales over the past year.
“PMA marks the beginning of a new citrus season, so this is a great time for us to connect with our customers and discuss opportunities to capitalise on demand,” says Joan Wickham, director of communications for Sunkist Growers. “We are excited to kick off the season and showcase trends and marketing initiatives.”
The Sunkist Navel orange season begins in mid-October. Navel oranges are considered the most popular and widely known citrus in the world.
Additionally, Sunkist Satsuma mandarins will be showcased at the company’s booth. These easy-peel mandarins are sweet, seedless and packed full of Vitamin C – with just one Satsuma mandarin providing you with a full day's supply.
Thought to be a cross between a regular lemon and a mandarin, Meyer lemons will also be showcased by Sunkist at PMA Fresh Summit. Sweeter and less acidic than conventional lemons with a 'refreshing herbal scent'.
As consumer demand for organic citrus continues to increase, Sunkist growers are increasing production of organic citrus varieties. The cooperative currently offers a broad portfolio of organics including Navel, Cara Cara Navel and Valencia oranges, mandarins, Minneola tangelos, grapefruit, lemons and limes.
“Consumers are looking for seasonal items in the produce department,” said Sunkist director of retail marketing, Julie DeWolf. “Retailers can generate excitement around citrus season by leveraging point of sale materials such as posters and secondary display units, coupled with sampling, to educate consumers about seasonality, nutrition information and flavour profiles of seasonal varieties.”
