The 2nd annual National Sunkist Citrus Day is coming up on March 1st and the fresh citrus cooperative is celebrating with a culinary challenge and multi-variety display contest.
This winter, Sunkist Growers is making California-grown citrus the star through a game show-inspired digital series, 'Sunkist Matchmakers.' The cooperative is also revamping its website with an informative, interactive custom landing page. The website's 'Matchmaker' feature allows consumers to pair a Sunkist varietal with a surprise ingredient, sparking recipe ideas.
"Many shoppers see citrus as a stand-alone snack, juice, or simple garnish, limiting the potential ways to enjoy the fruit's flavors," says Cassie Howard, sr. director of category management and marketing. "We want to shift the perception of citrus as a one-dimensional ingredient and showcase its ability to complement and transform a range of meals and occasions."
Left: the new grove bin wraps and classic blue quarter bins are available for large bulk fruit offerings this season; right: Sunkist has teamed up with food and lifestyle influencers to create dishes featuring in-season citrus varietals, such as this Blood Orange Snack Plate.
Sunkist has teamed up with food and lifestyle influencers to create dishes and crafts featuring in-season citrus varietals. It also includes a mystery ingredient to prove that unexpected pairings can create recipe results. Episode one, 'Kid's Party', will air on Instagram and TikTok this Thursday with the remaining episodes 'Date Night' and 'Meatless Mondays' as part of the three-part series running through April.
Sunkist is also collaborating with retailers to generate in-store excitement for National Sunkist Citrus Day. It's inviting retailers to participate in a multi-variety display contest to pique consumer interest and help drive sales.
"According to Circana, season-to-date citrus is trending ahead of last year, outpacing total produce and total fruit," adds Howard. "We want to build on that momentum, working with our retail partners to put together relevant bag programs and strategic bulk displays to continue growing the category this season."
Sunkist in-season citrus offerings during the winter months extend to both conventional and organic Navels, Caras, Bloods, lemons, tangelos, California mandarins and grapefruit. Displays can more than double sales and new grove bin wraps and classic blue quarter bins are available for large bulk fruit offerings this season.
"Shoppers say the most useful information in stores is knowing where citrus is grown and packed," adds Howard. "We also have new grower bin headers that allow shoppers to meet the people behind the hard work that goes into growing the citrus they see in stores."
For more information:
Garrett Stolz
Sunkist Growers
Tel (+1) 661.290.8772
[email protected]
www.sunkistgrowers.com