Sunkist is kicking off its 125th citrus season at this year’s PMA Fresh Summit, showcasing the organisation’s marketing programmes and its large offering of traditional and specialty varieties.
“Sunkist is proud to commemorate its 125-year history at PMA Fresh Summit because we share this milestone with the entire produce industry,' said Joan Wickham, Sunkist director of communications. 'Our cooperative was founded on the principle that we are stronger together, and we approach our trade relationships with that same sentiment.
“This milestone season begins as citrus demand soars,'Wickham added. 'Sunkist offers customers the trusted quality, service and marketing support to continue building demand and sales for the category – We Are Citrus.”
Sunkist offers over 40 varieties of fresh, premium citrus and the season begins with the arrival of California-grown Navel oranges.
The cooperative will also introduce trade to Sunkist Delite mandarins, which begin shipping in early November.
Sunkist will also be previewing speciality varieties that will be available soon, with the Cara Cara Navel orange season beginning in December.
Growing in demand, Caras are seedless and sweet with a pink interior, offering 20 per cent more Vitamin C and nearly 30 per cent more Vitamin A than traditional Navel oranges.
Rich crimson blood oranges, tangy, juicy Minneola tangelos and sweet-tart pummelos are also coming into season in the months ahead.
In addition to seasonal specialties, Sunkist offers lemons, limes and grapefruit year-round. These citrus varieties continue to grow in demand for their versatility, according to the cooperative.
