Sales and growth results for a challenging citrus season

It has been a tough season for California citrus. Freezing temperatures in December wiped out a quarter of California's mandarin, navel oranges and lemons, according to industry group California Citrus Mutual. Estimates indicate a $441 million loss for the $2 billion California citrus industry. Now, California is suffering from a drought that may impact next year's citrus crop.

However, despite the gloom and doom presented by Mother Nature, there is some sunny news. The mandarin category actually grew by +12% season-to-date through December 28th, according to Nielsen Perishables Group.

Mandarins drive the $2.5 Billion citrus category growth. In 2013, the Citrus category grew 12%. Mandarins, the number 2 citrus crop with sales of $792MM, contributed to that growth with a +31% increase vs. YA. Oranges, the number one citrus crop, with sales of $872MM, grew 3%. Mandarins are extremely important in the produce mix, and carrying the consumer preferred brand makes a big difference in sales.
Mandarins drive growth in a tough year for California citrus.

For More Information:
Angie White
Talk Shop Agency
Email: awhite@talkshopagency.com