The majority of commodities that Veg-Fresh sells are year-round, including their organic citrus program. “We have a consistent year-round supply of organic limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruit for our retail customers. Seasonally, we also have organic minneolas, which are available until late January/early February, and organic navels and cara cara oranges, which have steady availability through April,” said Dino Cancellieri, Jr., Veg-Fresh Farms Partner.
Growing conditions have been favorable; the climate in growing regions has been mild, which has provided a steady, ideal crop. “The fruit that we are seeing coming through is excellent quality. Taste is fantastic, which is what we expect considering that winter is the prime season for citrus. Sizing is good as well, and there have been no dips in supply,” said Anthony Innocenti, Good Life Organic™ Category Manager.
Regarding pricing and demand, “This is the largest citrus program we have put forth at our company to date, and we wouldn’t have taken that approach if the demand wasn’t there with our customers,” explained Cancellieri, Jr. “Because of that, our market prices have been able to remain constantly competitive, with ad opportunities available.”
With the favorable growing conditions Veg-Fresh have experienced and the steady supply coming through, there haven’t been any major challenges with any of their citrus commodities at this time.
According to the Organic Trade Association, consumer demand for organics has grown by double-digits nearly every year since the 1990s – and data for 2016 alone showed that organic produce consumer spend in the US was over $65B. Veg-Fresh Farms capitalized on this increasing consumer demand for organics by expanding the Good Life Organic™ branded programs over the last year – from tomatoes to onions, pineapples to melons. “Our organic citrus program is the latest driver for our organic program. The product quality has been excellent this season and the feedback from customers and consumers has been positive thus far,” said Innocenti. “We’re really excited about it and to see how this program continues to develop and resonate with our buyers.”
For more information:
Anthony Innocenti
Dino Cancellieri, Jr.
Veg Fresh Farms
Ph: (714) 446-8800