The Shanley Family of Morro Bay in California have a passion for growing their Citriburst Finger Limes. In the early 2000’s Jim Shanley went to a Citrus Exhibition hosted by a group of researchers from UC Riverside where he was introduced to Australia’s native finger lime. That began the generational focus for Shanley Farms on their Citriburst Finger Lime program. The Shanleys came up with the name Citriburst. “My father and I were trying to convey the texture and essence of the finger lime and between Citrus and Burst we cobbled that word together,” Megan Shanley Warren said.
Shanley Warren joined her father at the farm in 2010 in sales and marketing. Committed to Layered Agriculture, a farming technique that skillfully utilizes all available land by pairing symbiotic crops, the Shanley Farms program includes Citriburst finger limes and pearls, Morro Bay Avocados, Gator Eggs Avocados, Goji Berries, Passion Fruit, and specialty varieties of coffee.
Jump in online sales
“Citriburst Finger Limes have really peaked consumer interest in both flavor and appearance,” said Shanley Warren. The company sells to consumers as well as having distribution to retail and foodservice that cater to food lovers, cocktail artists, and culinary adventurers. “Here at Shanley Farms we are big believers in communicating directly with our consumer fans,” said Shanley Warren. The company has an online store and its online Citriburst sales have exploded due to the pandemic. “We did see an approximate 50 percent jump.”
Shanley Farms reaches out and communicates on a regular basis with all the consumers that have been buying Citriburst Finger Limes. “We call them our Citriburst Champions and we intend to share their passion with our retail and foodservice partners.” Finger limes are high in vitamin C which is a key element for immune health and has driven consumer interest for this unique item.
Citriburst Finger Limes cross merchandised with seafood.
Versatility
Citriburst Finger Limes are also versatile and can be used in a number of different ways from sauces to smoothies, main courses to desserts and drinks. “They are a great item to cross merchandise with other key items,” Shanley Warren mentioned.
The volume has begun to ramp up in the Shanley Farms Visalia and Morro Bay groves. Peak volumes run July through September.
For more information:
Patrinka Porter Crammond
Shanley Farms
Tel: 928.710.8301
patrinka@shanleyfarms.com
www.shanleyfarms.com